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

Youve Actually Been Networking for a Long Time! Every time youve asked someone about a movie, or where was a good place to eat, youve 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 youve 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 whats 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 Teacher 2)Example: Nazareth College Accounting Major Seeking an Internship in Public Accounting 3)Example: Human Resources Professional 4)Genius Administrator, Social Media Strategist, Chief Global Learning Evangelist

5 Golden Rules for Linked In Profiles Rule 2 - Provide a keyword rich summary of what you have done and what you can do 1.If you dont 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 youre working on, and what your goals are.

5 Golden Rules for Linked In Profiles 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.

5 Golden Rules for Linked In Profiles 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

5 Golden Rules for Linked In Profiles 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 Dont 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

5 Golden Rules for Linked In Profiles Rule 5 – Connect Linked In to your other job search efforts. Add a link to your profile in your 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 address book Importing these contacts doesnt connect you It will reveal who among them has a Linked In account so you can request to connect

How to Start Building Your Network of Contacts 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

How to Start Building Your Network of Contacts Connect with colleagues where you have worked using the Add Connections feature

How to Start Building Your Network of Contacts 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

Etiquette for Connect Requests Only send connect requests to people that you know or to whom youve been introduced. You can request introductions through your current contacts

Etiquette for Connect Requests Do a search for people connected to organizations youve targeted or who hold a job or work in the industry youve 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 wont ask for a job, but are seeking information, advice and possibly referrals. Give your 1 st level contact an out.

Etiquette for Connect Requests 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 dont 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 weve 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 doesnt stop when youve 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.