Your Professional Image

Finding a job is HARD! There are so many different ways to search for one besides the classified ads in the newspaper. In fact, newspapers are quickly becoming the last place that most job seekers search. If you aren't using the Internet and networking with family, friends and former coworkers – your odds of finding a job are greatly diminished.

So how can you effectively combine networking and the Internet to land your next job? By having a complete, free business profile on LinkedIn.

Executives from all 2012 Fortune 500 companies have LinkedIn accounts and 50% of Fortune 100 companies hire through LinkedIn.

A personal, LinkedIn profile gives users an online, up-to-the-minute “living resume” – available online 24-7 to recruiters, hiring managers or prospective clients who may wish to do business with or hire you.

Not sure how to set-up a LinkedIn profile? On Monday, December 9th, from 1:30 – 3:30, I will be presenting a free workshop, LinkedIn UNLOCKED – The MISSING links revealed to help grow your business or land your next job. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to optimize your profile to rise to the top of recruiters’ searches for someone with your skills and discover numerous strategies to uncover individuals who could open the door to your next job. Here's a short preview of some of the info that I'll cover: http://youtu.be/3CiNR-r60m8

One critical mistake that many job seekers make is not having a professionally created portrait on their LinkedIn profile. A professional portrait is key for a great first impression and strong credibility. Self-portraits with a cell phone do not look professional – which gives a bad impression of you.

Recruiters want to see what a potential candidate looks like. LinkedIn profiles with pictures are reviewed more than those without. A study by TheLadders online job search service discovered recruiters spend more time examining a LinkedIn user's portrait than reviewing their qualifications.