Using LinkedIn While Job SearchingFor many job seekers, LinkedIn is a key component of finding a new job. Sharing content on LinkedIn is a great way to engage with your connections, add value to your existing professional relationships, and promote who you are and what you know. However, currently only about 1% of LinkedIn Users ever post anything at all.  What Gets In The Way?When I've asked people what is stopping them from posting on LinkedIn, the overwhelming answer is "I don't know what to post." Like with most everything in life, it comes down to your overall goals for using LinkedIn. For job seekers, the overarching goal is to find a new professional position. There are many ways that LinkedIn can help with that. In general, I suggest using LinkedIn to promote who you are as a person, and as a professional, and demonstrate the value that you bring you’re your industry and individuals with who you connect. Types of PostsYou don't have to write a long, original manifesto to post on LinkedIn and make an impact. Here are examples of what you can post on LinkedIn that will help you in your job search efforts:
Let's look at some examples that I have posted on LinkedIn. Showcasing Your ExpertiseWho are you professionally? What are your skills? What do you bring to the table as a possible employee of a given company? For me, my skills include training leadership, instructional design, project management, technical writing, facilitating classes, and more.  You as a PersonWho are you? What is it like to work with you? What are your interests? What do you care about? For me, I love helping people to succeed. I love removing obstacles so people can be successful. I enjoy board games, inline skating, my cats, my family, and a good cup of coffee. I am also kind of a nerd.  Inspirational ContentWhat picks you up when you are down? What insights struck you? What motivates you? For me, I love quotes about the value of lifelong learning, self care, and shifting your mindset.  Promoting OthersWho inspires you? Who do you learn from? Who shared an awesome resource that benefitted you? For me, I enjoy finding awesome people to learn from and sharing useful articles with others who might also find them helpful.  You Doing ThingsWhat do you do? What did you write? How do you volunteer? For me, I lead classes, go to professional development meetings, deliver webinars, inline skate, and hike.  Your Work SamplesWhat projects do you work on? What do you write? What content to you create? What experiences have you learned from? For me, I teach custom webinars, write blog articles, assist other instructors, and design learning.  Sharing InsightsWhat have you learned about your chosen profession? What's a tip you like to share? What's your go-to strategy for solving a problem? What's something unique you have noticed? For me, I make observations, see unique solutions to common problems, or see how training and learning are out there in the world.  Sharing Opportunities and ResourcesWhat problems can you help people solve? Who do you know who is a go to person for a given topic? What is a solution you learned about from a common problem? For me, I share information for people who want to get into corporate training, share job search resources, point people towards people who share topic-specific content.  What Do You Think?What do you post on LinkedIn? What content do you like seeing on LinkedIn? Share your thoughts in the comments. Learn More
0 Comments
Network Building in the BeforetimesPre-pandemic, "networking" typically meant attending in-person events, shaking a few hands, and having a somewhat meaningful conversation with another human. While some of those in-person opportunities are intermittently available, large group events are more the exception than the norm. As with other lessons learned on adapting to remote work, the way we build our professional networks also has to adapt.  Enter the WebinarLike many people, I have attended (and delivered) approximately a bijillion online meetings, trainings, and interactive instructor-led sessions over the last little bit. I've been approaching these sessions with a mind towards not just attending, but also making new connections. The process is different, but I realized that I've actually managed to connect with more people (and often form more meaningful connections), that I sometimes do working a room. As someone who runs introverted and communicates effectively in writing, this was an opportunity to turn webinars into a bonus network building exercise. Finding Possible ConnectionsWhen attending a webinar where interaction was promoted, I made sure to participate. I also noted other attendees (sometimes taking screen shots of the participant pane) and what contributions each person made. After the session, I would use those details to follow up on those fledgling connections on LinkedIn. Researching Potential ConnectionsAfter attending a webinar, here is my process for adding new LinkedIn connections:
 Key Components of a Connection RequestPersonalizing connection requests is a great way to start building a relationship with a new professional contact.
Connection Request ExamplesHere are a few examples of messages that you can use to invite people to connect. You have 300 characters total to use for personalizing connection requests. Hi, Jen. I see we both attended today’s White Box Club meeting. I’m also in transition and seeking a new role in learning and development. Let's connect! I'm also always up for a 30-minute "virtual coffee" meeting to discuss how we can help one another as we job search. --Brenda Hi, Jack. Great to interact with you a bit at this morning's Excellence Share. I love sharing ideas with fellow L&D professionals. Let's connect! --Brenda Hi, Javier. Welcome to the PACT organization! I know I personally appreciate everything I learn from this awesome group of people. Since you mentioned that you are job searching, be sure to check out The White Box Club on Meetup to help you as you find your next role. Keep in touch! --Brenda After The Initial ConnectionHow do you further nurture that relationship? Here are a few ideas.
What Do You Think?What are your strategies for building your network online. Learn More |