Author Archives: MaryAnn

In Part I (http://www.mamrecruiting.com/getting-a-job-using-linkedin-part-i-2) we discussed How to set up your profile on Linkedin for the best results. In Part II we take the discussion further by discussing networking, making connections and setting up your links and expert status.

MAKING YOUR LINKS

Linkedin has features that allow you to post links to your page or to other websites. If you have a website, blog or other relevant site, you can add it to your profile page for further exposure outside of Linkedin. To make the links you can use the function that Linkedin provides or one of the Linkedin apps. In addition to Linkedin apps there are other apps that you can find by doing an online search for “Linkedin Apps”. Do not employ an app for its own sake but only if it will enhance your status on Linkedin.

MAKING YOUR CONNECTIONS

There are several websites and groups within Linkedin that offer “open networking”. Open networking status indicates that a person will allow you to connect even though they are not acquainted with you. This method will gain many connections for your profile but in the instance of a job search it is not advisable. The most focused and targeted method requires you to use the search function provided on Linkedin to find the best leads for a connection or to groups to join.

When you join groups you have an opportunity to participate and pose or answer questions and become part of the discussion. Many times job offers are posted directly to group pages by recruiters. Make sure to offer something of value in return as you use the group for its resources. Also avail yourself of the “Linkedin Answers” forum to gain and give your knowledge and expertise as well as gain respect and confidence from your peers. One last thought on groups: Find groups that echo the goals you’ve set when creating your profile. When you make a connection, do not send out the generic “join my network” message but customize your message and offer some type of value or help to your connections.

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At some point in our lives, we have all attempted to juggle our work obligations with those of our life outside of work. It can be a daunting task with seemingly no end in sight. In our hectic day to day lives we can lose sight of the need for balance and become overly stressed showing all the tell-tale signs of burn out. “I am young and I can handle this” or “It’s only for a few years” are ideas that can lead you down the path of losing control and enormous suffering in all areas of your life. How can we maintain balance in our lives when we are burdened with endless tasks daily?

First you must you must prioritize your main concerns. At work you must deal with the most important tasks first and not be afraid to delegate the rest to a competent co-worker or underling. You must know that there is not one employee that is of such importance to the company that they cannot be replaced if necessary. Trying to make yourself indispensable to the company is a strategy that will backfire and cause you untold stress on the job and at home. Delegate or get help….learn it and live it.

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You have put in the time and worked hard to graduate. Your dream is to have a productive career with upward mobility and be financially stable. The following are tips to help you manage your career as you graduate and enter the job market.

The most important aspect of managing your career is to make a study of those in the position you hope to attain. Finding a mentor or role model is extremely helpful as you may examine their work ethic, abilities and ways of thinking. What are their habits and personal goals? Be certain to study your competition as well.
Cop an attitude! When you have made the “short list” for a position it is a given that you are qualified for the job. What can make or break your efforts is your attitude. Are you a team player? How do you handle stress and office relations? Are you not only willing but eager to learn new things? Are you constantly striving to improve your skill set? Your attitude shows so keep it positive. Make sure that when you are answering interview questions that you are totally comfortable and truthful with all the information on your application or CV. If you feel anxious or edgy, practice your response or don’t risk it.

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In this two part series, we will discuss methods for obtaining employment using Linkedin. Job searching using Linkedin can make your efforts more efficient and give you an edge through networking. The first step is to build a stellar profile as your profile not only reveals who you are but also demonstrates that you have references from colleagues and past employers. In setting up your profile you must take your time. It is not a process that you can or should sprint through. It requires a lot of thought and set up properly can transform your page into a page of distinction. Your profile will be the foundation and strength to you Linkedin presence online and be placed prominently in the Google rankings should someone run a Google search on your name.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PROFILE

Before you can set up even the most basic profile, you need to determine your target contacts and your overall goal in searching for employment. According to your niche decide what your profile persona will reflect. Make sure your headline and all the information on the profile reflect the image you are trying to project. Keep it friendly but remember that your prospective employer does not need or want to hear about how you think “the Dallas Cowboys rock”. http://www.mamrecruiting.com/how-using-social-media-can-cost-you-a-job

The next concern in building a stellar profile is to gain connections that help you to build on your own reputation and elevate your online status or value. In part II we will discuss how Linkedin has unique features that allow you to obtain “expert status” that can be authenticated by peers in your niche.

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The following information is a guideline of standard corporate policy on employee use of social media while searching for employment and after being hired. Although social media has tremendous benefits for the user, there are issues and dangers to be aware of to avoid losing your job. Not only do they apply to employees and potential employees but to contractors as well. Companies want their employees to understand that they have strict rules governing your use of social media whether it is Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or a blog. They know you will participate in social media but expect you to be mindful of their wishes as they pertain to the company.

As an employee one of the most important policies is that you must never represent yourself or the company in a less than honest way. You must always use you real identity and acknowledge that you work for the company. Companies want you to keep all things above board and offer full disclosure. If you choose to write about the competition you must state only facts that you can substantiate. You must make your presentation in a polite and professional manner and answer all feedback or rebuttal the same way.

Another extremely important demand is that you never under any circumstances discuss any legal affairs or ongoing litigation or court cases that involve the company. This includes any other parties involved in the process. It is well known that even anonymous comments can be traced back to the original poster so use caution. In all matters legal or otherwise, protect the company’s privacy and confidential information.

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