The talent market in many parts of the world continues to be a pretty flat line. Opportunities are not created, as investment in new business is low and existing businesses are looking to do more for less. Everybody is holding on to their seat, as economic circumstances don’t allow you to make a career mistake: ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’.
A couple of months ago I shared with you a number of tips on how to move your career forward whilst there is no career opportunity on the horizon (Find Me a Job Now!). Using your network is the most direct route to your next job. And, although nothing beats networking in person, we are now connected virtually through Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and hundreds of other social media networking sites
I don’t use Facebook for personal networking. No, Facebook is just not my thing. What I do use a lot is Linkedin. It has not only transformed into the #1 professional networking site, but also as a great source of knowledge on ‘life in the corporate world’. I have a considerable network on LinkedIn and am using it extensively to find people, re-connect with colleagues and brand myself as an HR leader. There are already more than enough articles written on how you can use LinkedIn to find your next job (a Google search on the topic resulted in 234 million hits!) and I would suggest that you go through a number of them to get a bunch of different ideas.
For individuals using LinkedIn as a main source in identifying people and also being a significant target for job seekers, these are my tips on how you can improve the way you use LinkedIn to network:
PROFILE: Make sure your profile is up to date and captures who you are and what you have done. Be realistic and don’t make it picture perfect, trust me… with only 2 years of experience you haven’t changed the world (yet!). Think through what your ‘Unique Selling Proposition’ is and make sure you bring this out in a convincing manner. Companies or individuals are always looking for specific knowledge, skills or talent. They scan profiles trying to find what they are looking for.
CONNECT: Connect with people that you know, don’t invite people you don’t know and don’t turn down invites from other people. When people have accepted your invite, thank them and let them know what you can do for them. The number of emails I get after a person has connected with me, asking to help them find them a job, is astounding. Ask yourself why should I do this? They don’t know me, nor do they know what I am good at, why should they stop what they are doing to help me find a job?
GIVE BACK: I have noticed that the number of times I do respond are linked to emails and request of (1) people that I have a long-standing relationship with, (2) people that respond to a particular piece I have written or (3) people that share or give without asking for favors. So instead of asking, start giving and you will see that the relationship you have with specific individuals changes dramatically.
STAY IN TOUCH: LinkedIn now has an awesome feature in which you can see how long it has been since you have been in touch with any of your contacts. Use that to stay in touch with people you have not seen, spoken, or interacted with for some time and whom you know are valuable for future support or references. No, don’t just send an email saying ‘Hi it’s been a long time hope u are well, by the way, can you give me a job”. Instead, write a note in which you share a fond memory. Thank the person for something you have learned from them or simply recall an awesome thing you did together. Personalize your message and make the other person feel special. Only after you have brought the relationship back to where it was a number of years ago can you start thinking of asking for any help or guidance.
It’s a tough talent market out there, with lots of people looking for work and not as many opportunities. Remember to do two things if you want to succeed in this market; keep finding opportunities to learn and always network! Good luck.
– Paul Keijzer
You may also like:
Find Me A Job Now!
The Interview IQ: Great Questions For Candidates To Ask
wow, thats great atleast i have learnt a new trick today. Thank you so much.
Your welcome. Keep on learning! Daniel
Another great article specially for difficult market conditions. Thanks for sharing your views Paul.
Thanks for being a fan Danish, appreciate it
This is just what i’ve been telling people who aren’t on LinkedIn. A great write, Mr. Keijzer!
Thanks Shahzaib
I agree Paul, however, my experience is that it is still not a common medium in Pakistan for job postings. My last three month experience of job opportunities is 75% through head hunter and 25% through networking.
Thanks for sharing your experience Amir. From your perspective do you think the talent market is improving. Or is it more that your specific skills and experience are sought after?
It is, however, % of specific skills and experience jobs are still high. I think due to non-affordability of head hunter or LinkedIn fee by mid and small size businesses, most of the hirings are compromised on whatever is available or referred.
By Amir A. Hamid
Usefull no doubt:)
Excellent Article! especially this line “trust me… with only 2 years of experience you haven’t changed the world (yet!)” :)…
I also have experienced the same either people at junior positions had already worked at strategic level or people who have not joined organization 1 year before and have turned around the whole scenario…
Dear Paul,
I am convinced with what is written in the article. One thing I would like to add is that all professionals looking for opportunities must be focused and always look for jobs which are most relevant to their profiles.