LinkedIn is a social networking website for professionals looking to make new connections that could lead to new job opportunities. "Head hunters" or executive recruiters search member profiles for candidates who might fit their client's needs. Even if you aren't looking for a job - it is a good idea to have a profile on LinkedIn to connect with your own personal network of friends. Starting your profile now can help you find your next job more quickly - should you suddenly become unemployed. Studies have shown that networking with friends is far more effective in finding a new job than using newspaper want ads or job search web sites. To really get a sense of the power of LinkedIn - use the search tool found towards the top of your LinkedIn profile page (see below). Type in a person's name in the box to the right of "People" and click the magnifying glass to see if they have a LinkedIn profile. To go deeper in your search for potential contacts at companies, click the "Advanced" button to the right of the magnifying glass. This tool can help you find past co-workers at companies you use to work for; old high school or college classmates, friends from long ago, members of your previous church, etc. that you've lost touch with. When you find them through your LinkedIn search - you'll instantly know where they work which could lead to your next job. Click their name and invite them to connect to you.  Another benefit of LinkedIn is the ability to connect with people who share common interests with you. For example, if you're into bird watching, photography, cooking, hunting, sewing, high school and alumni groups, etc. - you will find a LinkedIn group that matches your interest. There are thousands of groups on LinkedIn that are free to join! Why join a group? Because you can post questions about anything to the group and receive plenty of answers from other members. The cost to join LinkedIn is FREE! Your only investment is the time to create your profile. You can have a basic profile posted in minutes, however, the more you put on your profile - the more effective it will be for others to find you. To see an example of how in-depth your profile can be, visit my LinkedIn profile: Mark Madere. So why not log on now and get started? And while you're at it - invite me to be your first connection! |
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