Build Your Online Presence with LinkedIn
Be prepared today for job hunting tomorrow
You've got a great job, you're happy, making good money, you like your co-workers and if a recruiter contacts you about a job, you immediately dismiss him or her.
Bad idea. Very bad.
Why? Because there are no permanent jobs. No guarantees your company will keep you employed no matter how valuable you are to them. No guarantees that they’ll stay in business regardless of how big they are or how long they've been around.
Every employee should have learned during the last several years of economic turmoil that employment is tenuous and not to be taken for granted. You should be prepared for the worst in case you are laid off, fired or your company goes under.
With a little work now, you'll feel much less frantic if the unexpected does happen.
Create a LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn.com should be your first step in preparation. It’s the best way to “be found” by a potential employer, it’s free and easy, and having a profile here is not the same as posting your resume on Monster or CareerBuilder.
Many professional jobs are acquired through who you know—and who your acquaintances know—rather than through help wanted ads. And you know more people than you think. Think about all the co-workers, clients, vendors and others you have met over the years. Those people could be your ticket to your next job.
Embellish Your Profile
People hire people, not resumes or employment histories. Write your summary as if you were talking about yourself to a friend. Include a professional headshot. A photo that’s blurry, in which you're making a funny face or wearing a baseball cap is a no-no.
You can include a downloadable resume as part of your LinkedIn profile by using a free application from Box.net. You'll find this app within LinkedIn if you go to your main page, click on “More” and then the "Application Directory" link. Any document can be added to your LinkedIn profile, so if you've written business articles or presentations or have design or writing samples, you can include those, too.
Also, include some way for a recruiter or HR manager to get in touch with you. Many will not call you where you currently work, and most recruiters/HR managers do not have a professional subscription to LinkedIn that allows them to send you an email.
Notice where my email address is in my profile? I made it part of my Professional Headline so everyone can see it. If you want to be contacted about jobs, just add your personal email.
I don't get spam by having my email shown on LinkedIn, just an occasional email from someone that I'm not interested in connecting with--a small price to pay. Create another free personal email account from Google, and use that email for job hunting purposes; just be sure to check that email regularly!
I know of very few HR managers who will take the extra time to dig online for a way to get in touch with someone. When they are faced with a potential candidate list of over 500 people, they may just move on to the next person.
If you don't plan on visiting your LinkedIn account frequently, set your email receipt preferences so you will receive an email if someone contacts you.
Tagged as: minute mentor, LinkedIn, career advice, career change, job searching and job search
has been a leading recruiter in the Chicago metropolitan area for over 20 years. In 2009 she co-founded WunderLand, a staffing and recruiting firm that focuses on contract and full time job opportunities in Marketing, Advertising, and Digital Design & Development. Judi has spoken at numerous conferences on hiring, career trends, and the use of social media for job seekers and hiring managers alike.
