When you change positions – whether it’s to move on to a new opportunity or to go sit at home while trolling the job search sites – you have a million and one things to remember.
I covered a few of them here, but now that I’m just a few steps away from the door it’s time for me to update my LinkedIn profile.
Many people only think about their LinkedIn profile when they get those pesky emails reminding them that people are trying to connect with them. However, there are so many more uses for LinkedIn that can be beneficial to you and your business.*
When you change jobs, your LinkedIn profile can be an easy way to let people know that you’ve moved on. You can link to your new job’s website, add in your new position description, and even connect with new industry groups that might now interest you. If someone in your business world is trying to track you down, this gives them an easy way to find you.
If you’re looking for a new position, your profile serves as a great platform to let your network know. By posting status updates on your job search, you’re reminding people that you’re out there looking. Also, by updating your “Summary” and “Experience” areas, you’re making sure that everyone has the most current information on the skills that you offer a potential employer.
Every contact you have – from clients, vendors, colleges, former coworkers, friends, and current & prior employers – can have the potential to help you find a new job. Also, many recruiters search LinkedIn for people with relevant skill sets and experience pertaining to specific positions available.
Quick tips for using LinkedIn to Find a Job:
- Create a profile if you don’t already have one. Be sure to fill out all the sections (or at least as many as you can). It also helps to include a photo so that your contacts can easily recognize you.
- When completing your Experience section, be sure to use keywords and skills that are relevant to your job and industry.
- Grow your network by connecting with other members. Search for connections from all areas of your life; your alumni network from college, previous coworkers, vendors, etc. The more connections you have, the better chance that someone will know of an opportunity.
- Ask for recommendations. Yes, I know I need to work on this one myself!
- Post status updates about your job search.
- Use LinkedIn’s job search page. It’s a bit clunky to use, but it shows if you have any connections in common with the company who posted the position. Speaking of connections, when you find any job take a minute to check LinkedIn to determine if you have any connections there.
So, on that note I just updated my own LinkedIn page to reflect my new job situation: click here to see my updated LinkedIn page.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know. Also, if you’ve worked with me at one of my previous positions I’d love it if you’d write me a recommendation!
*I smell a new blog post coming…