6 Reasons Why LinkedIn Is So Critical In a Job Search

A Job Search Buddy of mine recently asked me, “How do I find a hiring manager in a large company like Qwest?” There are a lot of ways to do this but one of the easiest and best is using LinkedIn. When I recommended this to the friend he completely agreed, however, the problem was he only had about 60 connections. Too few to be effective.

So often I speak with friends that just don’t understand the value of LinkedIn as a job search tool. We constantly are sent invitations to join someone’s network only to find after months of searching they are just now starting to build a LinkedIn network. You should consider building your LinkedIn networking all the time. NOT JUST WHEN IN A JOB SEARCH.

Some benefits to a large LinkedIn database of contacts:

1. People can find you. The more people at the second and third degrees of separation the more times you will show up in a search. For example, I have around 10,000 contacts. However, I am linked to over 16 million people on LinkedIn. When I search for a candidate that is a huge database.
2. LinkedIn will eliminate the need for resume databases on Ladders, Monster, Careerbuilder and other job boards. This is because it costs on average between 5,000 and 10,000 dollars to have access to these resume databases. LinkedIn is free. Why would a recruiter or any company pay that when we can use LinkedIn for free.
3. Your LinkedIn Public Profile can be picked up by Google or any search engine. Resumes databases by the job boards are not picked up by Google or any search engines. You want to make sure you show up on the search engines. LinkedIn can improve your search results.
4. It helps you find the people you want an introduction to. This is very powerful. I have helped numerous people with introductions as a result of LinkedIn. On a weekly basis I receive requests indicating they found a person in my connections and would I make an introduction. I always agree. Heck, I might even say something nice about you too.
5. Even when working this is a great tool for resources, customer contacts and introductions, references, service providers and even potential hires for you or your company.
6. On a personal basis it is a great way to stay in-touch with friends, colleagues, prior employees and networking contacts. When you update your profile they will get a notice and likewise when they update theirs.

Work hard at building your connections. Make every effort to reach that magic 500+. LinkedIn really does become fun around 100 to 150 connections. If you use Outlook download the LinkedIn tool bar. It makes inviting people very easy.

There are many more positives to building your LinkedIn network than there are negatives. Many have resisted. I believe this recession has proven to be good thing for everyone’s network.
If you have other ideas share them by adding a comment. Lets help everyone build a strong network.

A good way to start is building a network is making sure your profile is complete. If it isn’t start there and then begin expanding your contacts. Don’t miss the opportunity to get a high ranking on Google.

12 Ways LinkedIn Can Help You When You’re Looking For A New Job

12 Ways LinkedIn Can Help You When You’re Looking For A New Job

By Alan Case

If you are looking for a job or you want to change jobs; here are some ways you can use LinkedIn.

1. Identifying the right people at a potential employer (finding their profile) to talk to or to network with.

2. Receiving introductions or referrals to potential employers (via the introductions tool or outside of LinkedIn).

3. Discovering the relationships between potential employers and your own network (see the connections in their profiles).

4. Discovering information about recruiters or other people at the organization you would like to work for. This makes the conversations online and offline easier (reading their profile).

5. Maintaining relationship with recruiters or other people at the organization you would like to work for (Personal contacts, Discussions in Groups and answering questions in Answers).

6. Visibility and Personal Branding (your profile not only on LinkedIn, but also in the Search Engines like Google, contributions in Answers and in Discussions).

7. Make yourself be perceived as an expert (contributions in Answers and in Discussions and Expert points).

8. Word of mouth publicity (receiving recommendations and people telling about you in Discussions, mention you as the expert in Answers or talking about you outside of LinkedIn).

9. Getting recommendations which are visible to potential employers (recommendations written by other people which can’t be modified by you which makes them stronger).

10. Finding the right groups and organizations to be member of, both online and offline (via the profiles of people from your network).

11. Picking up trends in the marketplace (Discussions in the groups of your potential employers and in the groups of your peers).

12. Getting notifications when someone changes jobs, this is a trigger to contact them to see if you can work for them in the new organization and to get introduced to the one who will replace them in their current function (network updates).

Can you think of more? Please comment and let me know how you use LinkedIn in your job search. I know I have some more ways to use LinkedIn so stay tuned for more fun ways to use LinkedIn to find and land your next great job.

Happy Hunting to You!

Alan Case
LinkedIn Trainer

Best-Case Solutions
AlanDCase@gmail.com - 303-768-9335 (O) - 303-349-0999

Alan Case’s Tips to Use LinkedIn to get your Next Job!

LinkedIn is where companies want to be when they are hiring. Hundreds of companies are using LinkedIn's Corporate Solutions and many more hiring managers and recruiters are using LinkedIn to post jobs and source candidates for employment. That's good news for Job Hunters, because you can use your LinkedIn connections to find your next job!

How can you ensure that you're using the full power of LinkedIn to assist with your search for a new job? Well, fist of all, stick to the basics - Build Your Profile, Build your Connections and Search Your Network!

It's important to take the time to build your LinkedIn Profile, to add to your connections, and to effectively use your connections to help with your job search. It's also important to help your connections, too, when you can - pay it forward - as it works both ways.

Here are some tips to Use LinkedIn to discover and get your next job.


1. Complete and update Your LinkedIn Profile
The more complete your LinkedIn Profile, the more chances you will have to be found and to be contacted. Use your LinkedIn profile like a resume and provide employers with detailed information on your skills and experience. Heck, I even suggest adding your email address and phone number multiple times in your profile to make it as easy as possible for the recruiter to pick you out and contact you.

2. Get and Use Connections
The more connections you have, the better your chances of having a connection who can help with your job search. When you're applying for jobs, be sure to use the connections you have. Someone who is employed by the company or has connections there will be able to help you apply and get through the company's hiring process. On the other hand, be willing to help your connections when they need your advice and referrals. Connect with a number of "open networkers" with large networks to expand your reach quicker.

3. Use the LinkedIn "JobsInsider" Tool.
JobsInsider is a tool you can download that will inform you how you are connected at jobs listed on Monster, CareerBuilder, Jobing, HotJobs, Craigslist, SimplyHired, Dice and Vault. You can see who you are connected with at the company and request an introduction to the hiring manager. Find the tool under the Jobs tab on the main page.

4. Types of Jobs on LinkedIn
There are jobs posted directly on LinkedIn by employers that are only available to people on LinkedIn. There is a complete process that let's you provide the employer with your resume, link to your LinkedIn profile, recommendations, and much more. There are other jobs from the web provide by SimplyHired. Search on line and discover an entire new world of jobs available through LinkedIn.

5. Job Search Options
You can search for jobs on LinkedIn by keyword, country, and postal code. Use the Advanced Search Option to refine your search and to search by location, miles from a location, experience level, company, job title, job function, industry, and date posted.

6. Use Recommendations and Referrals
If the job is listed directly on LinkedIn, you'll see how you're connected to the hiring manager and you can apply online and/or request a referral from a contact. If you request a referral, LinkedIn will provide you with a template you can use for your message. You can edit the message so it's personalized.

Some employers prefer candidates have LinkedIn recommendations (LinkedIn will display the number of recommendations you have below the requirements). Employers may also prefer referrals through the LinkedIn network. Follow the instructions in the job posting to optimize your chances of securing an interview.

7. LinkedIn Company Profiles
LinkedIn company profiles are a good way to find, at a glance, more information on a company you're interested in. You'll be able to see your connections at the company, new hires, promotions, jobs posted, related companies, and company statistics.

8. Search on the people you are connected to at the companies.
Find out which LinkedIn groups they belong to and find out as much about the companies that you can uncover. Put on your detective's hat and start connecting the dots.


That's all my tips for now. I'll have more soon. Stay tuned and I will share some more Job Hunting tips using LinkedIn. I'm discovering some great ways to utilize LinkedIn to quicken my approach and shorten my length of time job searching. Happy Hunting!

Remember what I like to say, "Keep Working LinkedIn, and LinkedIn will Work for You!"


Alan Case

AlanDCase@gmail.com

Ten To-Do's Immediately after a networking event

10 to-do’s immediately after a networking event

The true color of networking is often revealed after the event itself. The emails that get traded, the connections we make, and the relationships that continue to grow. Here are 10 things to do immediately after attending a networking function (conferences, seminars, and business clubs).

1) Send email. Don’t wait for the next day or the next week. Chances are you won’t get around to it-and even if you do-they may not recall. Send an email to everyone you took a card from. Even if you don’t see an immediate connection, just say thanks.

2) Connect on FaceBook. My favorite strategy. I look the people up on FaceBook using their business cards and add them to my network. Now, I know their birthdays, their occupation, and their day to day status (literally!). Best Rolodex in the world.

3) Put one thing into action. Too many people walk away from networking events feeling good, but doing nothing. Take one decisive action from what you learned.

4) Introduce two people to each other. I am a master at being a connection maker. I find one person at each event and introduce them to someone else I think they should know. Now, where those two people take the relationship is up to them, but I am always remembered as the guy who made the introduction! Give it a try!

5) Contact one PRP (Potential Referral Partner). One of the best ways to grow a business is through collaboration with others. Joint ventures can be amazingly powerful. Whenever I network, I try to seek out one referral partner. This can be someone that I can send business to or someone whose clients we can help. The best PRPs are those who can figure out a win-win situation. Example: A web designer sends a printer work, while a printer recommends the designer to their clients.

6) If you took pictures, put them up on FaceBook. Tag them whenever possible. Pictures are best posted when the memory of the event is still fresh. If you follow #2, then you can also tag people you have added as friends. Pictures are a great way to attract people to your profile as well.

7) Blog or write about your experience. Whenever I come back from events, my mind is spinning with new ideas. If I don’t get them down, they are lost. Bullet point ideas or write them across your white board. Just get them down!

Make sure your website is working well. If you met a lot of people, the chances are that they will check out your website. Make sure that it is up to date and a good representation of who you are.

9) Scan in your business cards gathered. Write a note on the back of the business cards where you met them, when, and something special about them. Then Scan the card in using a scanner like the CardScan which I do. It's great and I have a quick and easy way to find and connect with them again later.

10) Check networking supplies. Yes, check your stock of, pens, and stickers and business cards after your event - and before the next one. I can tell you it’s no fun trying to order business cards and have them overnighted. Check your stock after each event, and you will thank yourself later!

TEN REASONS TO NETWORK ONLINE

Ten Reasons to Network Online (Other than for Job Hunting and Client Development)

10. To create a web of contacts across industries, functions and geographies.

9. To get advice from seasoned professionals on business issues you're facing.

8. To find collaborators for writing, speaking, consulting, or other projects.

7. To learn more about an industry, program, region or function.

6. To conduct research for a study, a book, a television program, a film, etc.

5. To create a higher profile than one could achieve offline – online networking is a tremendous way to accomplish this.

4. To cultivate a brain trust of close contacts who can support one another over time.

3. To expand business opportunities to new markets.

2. To improve networking skills (technical and social) in a new medium.

1. To help and advise other people, as a way of giving back and for the sake of the overall global, interconnected business community.

Organizing Your Business Cards

How to Organize all those Business Cards you collect at networking events for Effective Contact Management

by Alan Case

Now that you've had colorful new business cards printed, and have been distributing them diligently, what do you do with the cards you collect from other people? If you're like most people, you have a stack of rubber-banded cards floating around your desk. Or you have been using them as bookmarks, toothpicks, and used gum wrappers and they are all over your office, car, wallet and purse & but that doesn't help you build your business or help you find a job does it?

Without a good filing system, the information on those cards is useless. So clean out your desk and develop a system for prioritizing, organizing, and following up with those contacts. High-tech or old-school?

There are two choices for organizing business cards:
* The traditional way of keeping them in a card file
* The contemporary method of keeping contact info on a computer file

When you return from a networking meeting or trade show, before you do anything else, update your contact information. Rank the cards you've collected in order of importance before you put them away. Separate warm leads who are likely to bring you business--people with whom you definitely want to follow up and whose information you want at your fingertips. This can include prospects, people you will refer to others, or who will send referrals to you.

Personally, I try to write something on the back of all the cards to remind me. Definitely put the date, then where I met them, then something important about them, and then what follow up I need to do with them. For instance, if I said I’d email them an article or get the name of someone for them; make a note of it.

Know your ABZ's...

How you alphabetize and file your cards is up to you. Decide how you remember information best, whether it's by company names, people's names, or by category. Perhaps you are better able to find information if it is organized by region or department. Then, alphabetize them appropriately.

You might also file by date or by the event where you met the person. Just choose one way and stick to it. For instance, don't file some by last name and others by business name, or you'll never find what you're looking for in a pinch.

Electronic = Portable and Duplicable

Storing contact information on the computer keeps your office neater and is one more step toward the paperless office; for most people, searching on the computer is more efficient than rummaging through paper cards. In seconds, you can run a sort and locate contacts by company, name, dog's name, date you met, etc. If you bring work home with you, it's easy to duplicate your contact list, rather than hauling your entire Rolodex with you.

Storing info electronically is also effective for building mailing lists and printing labels. But remember, backup, backup, backup. Have back up copies in case your hard drive crashes and then you’re ready with a backup of your computer database.

I suggest a business card scanner like the CardScan that I use. I come home scan all of the cards into the scanner. The CardScan program reads all of the information on the card and puts it into the appropriate boxes like name, phone number, address, etc. Yes, you still have to go through all of the cards and verify the information. Trust me; it’s a lot easier and more accurate then typing all of the information in. Then you’re ready to transfer the information to a contact management program like Outlook or my favorite, ACT! The CardScan program will also upload the contact information and send out emails periodically to make sure the information is updated. This is so cool.

For a low-tech backup you can use a plastic card file box with alphabetical dividers, filing cards by last name. Or you can also use sheet protectors that are designed to hold business cards in 3-ring binders. Remember, any system will work, as long as you stay consistent.

Finally, remember to follow up with your contacts! Keep a schedule and goals for making contact by phone calls, emails, or snail mail. Periodically go through your filing system and update old information. The reason you store this information is to keep in touch with people. Use your new organizing system to stay efficient and your business will thrive!

Recruiters Use LinkedIn for Recruiting Employees

Nine Ways Employers are Using LinkedIn for Recruiting Employees

By Alan Case – Best-Case Consulting

LinkedIn and other social networking sites are advantageous for employers who use them for both networking and recruiting. I am receiving more emails from my LinkedIn contacts asking me to refer potential employees or help them make a contact for hard-to-fill positions.

The potential for LinkedIn and other social networking sites to play a major role in your employee recruiting strategy increases as millions of potential employees profile themselves on these sites each year.

It's not enough anymore to post a job vacancy on Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, Craigslist.com. Employers are swamped with hundreds of resumes from unqualified applicants when they post on big boards. (You can still find great candidates through these job boards, so continue to utilize them as a part of your recruiting mix.)

But, the world of recruiting is changing. More and more the online focus rests on social networking sites and smaller, specialized job boards. Here's how employers are using LinkedIn, for recruiting. LinkedIn users:

1. Develop and expand a personal network of professionals to whom the employer or recruiter can send a request for a referral of a recommended candidate for a particular job opening.

Scott Allen, author of “The Virtual Handshake” says that in addition to building a referral chain, you need to build relationships: "by building authentic relationships, virtually as well as face-to-face, people will actually make referrals — taking the time to think of possible candidates/prospects in response to your query, or even proactively referring people to you when they hear of a need. But they only do that if they have a strong enough relationship with you. Otherwise you’re undifferentiated from the dozens or hundreds of other recruiters they’re connected to. Strong relationships, not large contact databases, build this kind of business."

2. Stay in touch with former, valued, trusted colleagues for potential future employment relationships. You don't want to lose touch with people who have worked successfully for you or with you in the past.

3. Actively search for candidates among the members by searching on keywords for people with the required qualifications listed in their LinkedIn profile. (This is why keyword rich, well-developed profiles are recommended for professionals on LinkedIn.) Share your contact information so others can easily contact you whether you are actively or passively job searching.

4. Search for potential employees by past or current employer who may have employed people with the needed skills and experience.

5. Search for employees based on references from recommenders, the process used on LinkedIn in which members of your network can write notes of recommendation for you.

6. Can ask your employees to activate their networks to reach out to potential passive candidates for jobs. Employee referrals are valued (Not everyone is looking, but most people are open to the right opportunity.)

7. Can use Inmail, your internal inbox at LinkedIn, to request assistance from your network or selected professionals to find a qualified candidate.

8. Respond to questions in the "Answers" section of LinkedIn. That's how I researched this article and responding can raise your profile in the LinkedIn community.

9. For a fee, you can post jobs on LinkedIn and recruit and hire candidates. According to LinkedIn, "LinkedIn combines job listings, candidate search, trusted referrals and the power of networks to give you results."