linked in 101 using social networking as part of your job search

Linked In 101

Using Social Networking as Part of Your Job Search

Networking: A Definition

"Networking is simply the cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take,

win-win relationships. It works best, however, when emphasizing the 'give'

part.” - Bob Burg

You’ve Actually Been Networking for a Long Time!

• Every time you’ve asked someone about a movie, or where was a good place to eat, you’ve been networking.

• Assumed in your request for help was a willingness to share such information yourself.

• You may well have used social networking to make such requests, but more often you’ve done so face-to-face.

So What is Linked In Anyway?

• A professional social networking site used to connect with other professionals to share ideas, solicit feedback/advice, discover “best practices”, and learn about “what’s going on” in their chosen field.

• The focus is professional, NOT personal.

Use Linked In to Manage Your On-line Presence

• Remove or close access to your Facebook, Twitter or other social media accounts, employers may look at these.

• Google yourself – what will prospective employers see?

• Consider “optimizing” more common names (BrandYourself.com)

How Do You Get Started With Linked In?

• First write a good resume• But your Linked In profile is more than

just your on-line resume• Keep in mind these 5 Golden Rules for

developing a strong profile

5 Golden Rules for Linked In Profiles

Rule 1 - Create a customized headline for yourself that will help prospective contacts know who you are(Default is most recent job title)1) Example: NY State Certified Elementary/Middle

School Teacher2) Example: Nazareth College Accounting Major

Seeking an Internship in Public Accounting3) Example: Human Resources Professional4) Genius Administrator, Social Media Strategist,

Chief Global Learning Evangelist


Rule 2 - Provide a keyword rich summary of what you have done and what you can do

1. If you don’t know what the important keywords are for your field, use your network to find out!

2. You can do more than summarize, you can share what you’re working on, and what your goals are.


1) Indicate any special skill sets you have: Foreign language skills, computer skills, research skills, laboratory skills, writing skills, creative skills, leadership skills, etc.

2) Add any additional sections you might need such as Certifications, Honors/Awards, Projects, Publications, Organizations

3) You can even suggest new sections to Linked In if you need them.


Rule 3 – Consider adding a professionally appropriate photo of yourself• Single headshot – no group photo• Professionally dressed and well groomed• Consider the backdrop, not too “busy”• You can limit access to your photo• Pluses and minuses of including photos


Rule 4 – Request contacts to write recommendations for you on Linked In.• Needs to be a person with a Linked In account• Focus on people who know the quality of your

work from direct observation or experience• Don’t need a ton of these, think quality not

quantity.• This is not a substitute for your credential file but

can add to your on-line credibility


Rule 5 – Connect Linked In to your other job search efforts.

• Add a link to your profile in your e-mail signature (customize it first)

• Add a link to your profile on your resume• Add a link to your on-line portfolio

(if you have one)

How to Start Building Your Network of Contacts

• Import your e-mail address book• Importing these contacts doesn’t

connect you• It will reveal who among them has a

Linked In account so you can request to connect


• Next consider connecting with contacts with whom you went to school using the “Add Connections” feature

• Linked In will suggest all the schools that you listed in your profile


• Connect with colleagues where you have worked using the “Add Connections” feature


• Join Discussion/Affinity Groups!• Nazareth College Alumni Association• Naz Educators• Other groups associated with your profession:

Society for Human Resource Management, Elementary School Teachers of America, National Association of Social Workers, etc.

• Be active in their discussions, get noticed

Etiquette for Connect Requests

• Send more than the standard request to connect• Help prospective contacts know how

you know them.• Let them know you are seeking

information and advice, not necessarily direct links to jobs


• Only send connect requests to people that you know or to whom you’ve been introduced.• You can request introductions

through your current contacts

Etiquette for Connect Requests• Do a search for people connected to

organizations you’ve targeted or who hold a job or work in the industry you’ve targeted

• Look at their profile. Linked In lists those people most closely related to you first

• See what connections you have in common and ask your connections to introduce you.

Etiquette for Introduction Requests

• Start with your reason for the request• Make clear you won’t ask for a job, but

are seeking information, advice and possibly referrals.

• Give your 1st level contact an out.


• You might also ask to connect with people who are part of the same affinity group

• Indicate in your message that you are part of the same group

• Explain your purpose and then ask if they would be willing to connect.

How to Use Your Contacts to Network Effectively

• First remember what networking is, a reciprocal sharing of information

• You are seeking information, advice, and perhaps referral to other people

• You must be willing to share the same with others for this to work

What Is the Information You Need to Know?

• Where are open jobs posted? Websites, publications, non-standard places?

• What are the organizations you are targeting looking for? What kinds of skills, experiences, education/training, knowledge matter to them? Keywords and phrases for this organization?

• What is the culture of this organization really like? Beyond the mission statement!

What Other Information Do You Need to Know?

• What is the language of this particular industry or organization? What are the buzzwords? Terminology? Relevant acronyms and what do they mean? Are there terms or concepts to avoid?

• How is this organization similar to and different from other such organizations?

Ask for Advice

• Ask what advice/suggestions your contact has to help you with your search• You don’t have to take this advice

but you should ask for it.

Ask for Referrals

• This is a chance to expand your network, ask:“Who do you know who might have a different

perspective on what we’ve discussed?”“Can you think of anyone else who might have some

thoughts or ideas for me?”“Do you know of anyone who works at or has

worked at ….”“Do you know of anyone who has ever worked as a

…..”

Never Stop Building Your Network

• Networking doesn’t stop when you’ve found your job, it is a tool for you to do your job better!

• You can never know enough people!• You always will have new things to learn.• You also have a responsibility to give

back to those who have helped you.

Questions?

• Please share your feedback with us.• Thank you.

linked in 101 using social networking as part of your job search

Documents

photos slide

golden rules

job search slide

strong profile slide

bob burg slide

profiles rule

computer skills

research skills