Career Success Partners

18 Proven Ways to Help Recruiters Find You on LinkedIn

By now, most people know that LinkedIn is an excellent resource for improving a job search by allowing job hunters to make new contacts with recruiters and companies that might not have found them otherwise. But there are varying degrees of success among those on LinkedIn, and the simple fact is that some job seekers are doing a much better job than others when it comes to getting exposure on the site. They're not engaging in complicated schemes, just plain proven ways to become more prominent.

The following are simple ideas that you can put to work in order to get your profile in front of more recruiters who can make a difference for you. From better keyword placement to strategic recommendations, these are all great ways to help recruiters locate you on LinkedIn.

Read about these 18 tactics and strategies here .... "18 Proven Ways to Help Recruiters Find You on LinkedIn."

 

Photo Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

My #1 App Recommendation, By Far Is ....

Fact: I'm a long-time early adoptor and seeker of the latest and greatest -- gadgets, software tools, social media tools and iPhone/iPad apps, etc.  I've literally tried HUNDREDS of technology tools, gadgets and apps.  Some "stick" and (many) others get dropped or set aside for better solutions or "the newest thing."

One in particular, however, HAS stuck, and it's become one of my all time favorites -- maybe even THE all time favorite.  I've become a raving fan .... I'm telling everyone about it these days -- clients, colleagues, friends, vendors, even strangers.

Why do I like it?

• It's a time-saver
• It's ubiquitous (it's everywhere and anywhere I am, at all times)
• It's easy to use
• It's well-supported and well-funded
• It has a huge and rapidly-growing following
• It's allowed me to become completely paperless
• It allows me to capture ideas, thoughts, information, web articles, pictures, audio snippets, video recordings, YouTube videos, lists of every shape and size -- on the go where ever I am, at all times -- all in ONE PLACE
• It's simply ... amazing ... I find new uses for it constantly

What Is It?  You've probably already guessed, given the benefits listed above.

It's ... Evernote.  

In my next article, I'll talk specifically about how I use it, what I do with it, and why I find it so invaluable.

In the meantime .... check it out for yourself.  

Find out more about it HERE.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

48 Essential LinkedIn Tips

LinkedIn continues to accelarate in its popularity as THE online networking and social media application for business and professional use.  I recently came across an EXCELLENT article -- targeting college students -- that equally applies to ALL USERS of LinkedIn -- Me too!  You too!

The articles offers 48 essential LinkedIn tips -- including some you probably haven't considered before.  Check them out by clicking the link below, and special thanks to Jasmine Hall at "Online Colleges.net" for providing this list.

48 Essential LinkedIn Tips

 

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Andy Robinson, Executive Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected]

www.CareerSuccessCommunity.com - The Premier Interactive Career Development Community

Handwritten Notes - Personal Branding "Magic" - An Excellent Habit

The Power of Handwritten Notes and Cards

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We've all heard this IDEA before, but read on about
how to make this a HABIT that will transform
your Personal Brand in a lasting manner.

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Very few people in business ever send hand-written notes and even fewer (and far between) do it on a regular basis.  Yes, we do order boxes of those pre-printed "Thank You" notes, but then we file them away in our desk drawers and our supply closets -- out of sight and out of mind. 

The "Wow" Factor. We're constantly looking for extraordinary ways to WOW! the people around us -- to get their attention and appreciation -- at the same time discounting the most obvious and most effective tools.A personal hand-written note is such a tool. 

An Emotional Expression. Isn't it nice when someone sends you a short note thanking you for your help on a project or for the wonderful dinner you shared? Isn't it uplifting to receive a handwritten note from someone in your network recognizing one of your recent accomplishments?  Doesn't it make you feel good - even great? Sure it does.  Aren't you more likely to remember that nice salesperson who dropped you a note? More likely to call him or her again?  And....Doesn't it feel good when YOU write a note and send it to someone? No doubt.

A Powerful Personal Success Weapon.  It literally takes only about three to five minutes to write a note, fold it, stick it in an envelope and mail it, but the power of it is awesome.  It is one of the ultimate success weapons.  People who send hand-written notes are thought of as gracious, well mannered -- and since so few people do it -- also a clear cut above the rest.

A Memorable Personal Branding Element. You see, personal notes build relationships, the most important element in any business.  They demonstrate your commitment to your employees and your business contacts and to the service you provide.  Hand-written notes can be a memorable personal branding element.  Personal notes can be used to:

1. Show appreciation to someone who did something nice for you
2. Let someone know that you appreciate the special-effort service they gave to you
3. Recognize a great job on a work project or important task
4. Let someone know you observed them doing something nice for someone else
5. Recognize achievement -- personal achievement, the achievements of someone's children, etc.
6. Recognize a job promotion or a new job
7. Welcome someone new to the team
8. Share kind words during a time of family or personal illness or hardship

The power of personal notes is unquestionable.

The Transformational KEY - Establishing and Maintaining the Habit:

The KEY to making handwritten notes a PERSONAL HABIT is to deploy a system or process that MAKES IT EASY and CONVENIENT for you to write "custom" notes and cards that you send to your contact network.

A Couple of Ideas to Systematize the Note-Writing Process:

1. GREAT IDEA: Keep a stack of "Generic" Thank You Note Cards on your desk, ready and available when you need them.  A great idea, but only works if you're physically at your office.  Also doesn't provide the variety of types of cards that you could send -- designed for specific situations, e.g., "Congratulations", "Great Job", "Thank You for the Referral", etc. 
2. BEST IDEA: Deploy an Online System.  I recently began using "SendOutCards" -- an online platform that lets you send cards by mail, written in your handwriting, stamped and mailed by a third-party, and sent either immediately (3 day delivery) or on a scheduled date.  It's a simple, very cost effective alternative to "card shop" cards.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

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The "Four C's" for Tapping the Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn Works if You "Work It"

I've written a number of blog articles on how to effectively "work" LinkedIn for networking, business development and career management purposes.  Some of the more popular LinkedIn article topics include the following:

• Reorder the Sections on Your LinkedIn Profile

• How to Embed Video in Your LinkedIn Profile

• 10 Tips for Effectively Using Your LinkedIn "Status Update"

• The LinkedIn Daily Workplan

• Effectively Using LinkedIn's Group Feature

All of the above articles offer excellent tips for making LinkedIn "work" for you.  I've also identified "The Four C's" for really tapping the power of LinkedIn, all of which are summarized below.

The Four C's for Tapping the Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn WILL work for you, but you've absolutely GOT to be active and consistent.  Remember the following "5 C's of Tapping the Power of LinkedIn":

• Compelling Profile - Ensure your profile is 100% complete and presents a compelling presentation "to the world."  Your Summary section should clearly communicate your key areas of specialty and HOW you add value.  Other elements that make a profile compelling: A clear byline/tagline under your name that identifies what you do (NOT where you do it), Recommendations (target at least 10), Slideshare presentations consistent with your brand, Groups consistent with your brand, etc.

• Connections - The more the better - At some point you finally reach a critical mass where things start to "happen" for you (assuming you're following all four of the C's).  For some people that's 200, for others its 300 or more.  My personal LinkedIn philosophy is to accept any "open" invitation.  The larger my network, the more people I can directly communicate with.  Use whatever strategy that works for you in terms of your network size, but continue building your network on an ongoing basis.  Invite in every person you meet or talk to.

• Communication - Communicate, communicate, communicate.  GIVE first.  Share great content, news and articles consistent with your brand.  Participate in discussions. Ask questions, answer questions.  Use the "Network Status Update" feature often as a tool for sharing information.  The size of your network is valuable ONLY IF you're communicating with that network on an ongoing basis.

• Consistency - Stay active on an ongoing basis.  Do a little something every day -- 10 or 15 minutes, or at least several times a week.  Consistent, frequent communication and activity keeps you "on the radar" screen of your network contacts.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

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Deploying "Out of the Box Tactics" in Your Job Search Campaign

It’s Definitely Not “Business as Usual” in the Current Job Search Market.  Today’s employment and job search market can easily strike fear in the heart of anyone who’s recently lost their job.  Finding a job in this market IS a challenge …. No question.  This is the toughest and most competitive job market that most of us in the career and employment profession have ever seen.  Jobs, however, ARE out there, firms and companies ARE hiring, key positions DO need to be filled …. The challenge is FINDING those jobs and SELLING YOURSELF – surfacing those “hidden” opportunities and presenting a clear and compelling case for why YOU are the best person for the opportunity that appeals most to you.  FINDING A POSITION and SELLING YOURSELF requires a new approach in this market….

“Out-of-the-Box” Tactics Are Key.  The process deployed by most job seekers for FINDING jobs and SELLING themselves simply does NOT work effectively in the current job market.  The “tried and true” processes of the past, even those of the very recent past, must be dropped in favor of some truly innovative, aggressive and “out of the box” job search tactics and strategies.   This article discusses a number of those tactics and strategies, but first …. be aware that ….

Common Mistakes Abound.  So what are the things that most job seekers are doing that simply don’t work in this market?  – i.e., what are the common mistakes that most job seekers are making that are getting in their way and producing little or no results?  Consider these very common mistakes:

• Failing to work within the framework of a structured and organized job search plan

• Lack of clarity in definition of the position being sought – unable to clearly articulate to others exactly what you’re looking for.  This is a HUGE mistake that many job seekers make

• A poorly written resume that does not emphasize RESULTS and value you’ve added in previous positions

• Failure to devote sufficient time to the job search process

• Too shy about soliciting “help” from ALL of your friends, family, neighbors and contacts

• Over-reliance on the on-line job boards – heavy dependence upon “post and pray” tactics

• Ineffective and nominal use of personal and business contacts

• Failure to differentiate yourself in the marketplace in EVERY STEP you take in the job search process

• Failure to effectively communicate your value in ALL of your correspondence, communications and conversations

• Poor preparation in advance of interviews

• Ineffective interviewing and “closing” skills

Time to get OUT of the "Same old, same old" BOX 

and try something DIFFERENT!

 Some Out-of-the-Box Tactics That Work:

The effectiveness of your job search and the results you achieve will correlate directly with how well you deploy tactics and strategies that nobody else is doing (or most are not doing).  Consider the following  tactics to super-charge your job search:

• Aggressively Utilize Social Media Applications – Immerse yourself in becoming fluent in using social media applications in your job search: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.   Recent stats from Nielsen Online show that by the end of 2008, social networking had overtaken email in terms of worldwide reach.
  

• Make Yourself Very Easy to be Found –  Employers and recruiters are using a variety of online tools to seek out and find potential employees.  Ensure your resume and information is available online by posting your resume to major job boards and relevant niche job boards.  Use services like VisualCV.com to give you web presence and searchability through Google.  Keep your LinkedIn profile current and compelling (your LinkedIn profile will also give you a very high Google search ranking).  Make it as easy as possible for others to FIND YOU.

• Aggressively Target a List of Companies and Employers –  Once you’re crystal clear on your job and career interests, conduct thorough and comprehensive research to identify a list of the top twenty companies you want to target -- this is your job "Shopping List."  This gives you DIRECTION and FOCUS -- critical components of your job search.  Seek out contacts at those companies through your network or make contact directly. Clearly communicate your value proposition.  Consider offering a “temp-to-perm” alternative to give the employer a “trial period.”  Be aggressive with follow up and follow-through; don’t leave any stone unturned.

• Clearly Communicate your Intentions and Interests -- Have a VERY Clear Picture of What You Want To Do Next -- It is absolutely essential that you have a very clear understanding of what you want and intend to do next, how your background and experience aligns with and supports those intentions, to whom and where you can target your intentions, and when you want to be "in the seat" in a new position.  Clarity of intention and interest provides direction for your job search and enables you to effectively communicate your interests to others -- providing them with the information THEY NEED to help you.  Your contacts CAN and WILL help you if you "make it easy" for them by clearly painting the picture of your intentions.

• Utilize a Job Search Planning and Management Tool –An effective job search requires a PLAN and a structured course of action.  A properly conducted job search also requires accumulation and organization of information, tracking of activities, scheduling of important events, and timely follow up.  Organization is KEY -- you've got to stay on top of every detail throughout the process.  You're setting yourself up for failure and disappointment if you do not adequately organize the process with a SYSTEM that you trust.  Two web-based applications that I highly recommend for this purpose are: JibberJobber.com and VirtualJobCoach.com.

• Devote a Minimum of 30-40 Hours Per Week – OK....take a deep breath....Your job search IS YOUR JOB....period.  If you're unemployed or are about to be very soon, you've got to devote 40+ hours a week to your job search.  Set up a home office area where you can be organized and productive.  Establish rhythm and routine to your daily and weekly schedule.  Immerse yourself in the job search process.  40 hours includes the time you spend in your office and the time you spend outside of your office.  Getting "outside" and meeting people is ultimately how you need to be spending the majority of your time.  Human contact and interaction are essential and must be ongoing.

• Create a Compelling Resume that “Wow’s” the Reader –I have an upcoming blog article dedicated to this very topic.  The average resume reader spends less than 30 seconds (initially) reviewing your resume.  Your value therefore has to leap out at the reader.  Focus on measurable results that you achieved, highlight spectacular accomplishments, and ensure you frame your presentation from the standpoint of perceived value to the READER. 

• Enlist the Support of Everyone You Know –This is not the time to sequester yourself away from friends, family and the general public.  Enlist the support of everyone you know.  If you've done an excellent job of nurturing your network in the past, your supporters will line up to help you.  Tell everyone your intentions and interests.  Share your resume with everyone.  Attend as many networking functions as you can.  Aggressively look for opportunities to get "out there" and ask for help in your job search.  Even the waitress at your favorite restaurant could know someone at one of your target companies.  Think transparency -- share your story. 

• Prepare and Practice for Each and Every Interview – Practice, practice, practice.  It's impossible to over-prepare for an interview or important meeting.  Research your prospect ahead of time.  Role-play with your spouse, a friend or a coach.  Always be prepared to answer the "softball" questions -- "So, tell me about yourself."  "Why are you interested in our company?" "What exactly are you looking to do next?" "Why are you a great fit for this opportunity?"  Plenty of books and resources are available -- at the library, at the bookstore and online.  DIG IN and be fully prepared .... there's no excuse for blowing an interview due to lack of preparation.

Remember: Be memorable, be professional, show enthusiasm, communicate your value and deploy innovative techniques, including those noted above.  Plan .... and focus on the important things.  Visualize yourself in your new position and create the activities to make it happen.

A few final words.....KNOWING this stuff is one thing.  Actually DOING IT and EXECUTING on these tactics and strategies is another thing.  BE A DOER .... Become part of that 5% out there that is going "above and beyond" the norm.  It's ultimately up to you.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

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Reorder the Sections on Your LinkedIn Profile: Now You’re in Control

Source: Aaron Bronzan at the LinkedIn Blog - Original Article HERE.

Aaron Bronzan from the LinkedIn Blog offers the following exciting news:

Starting today, we bring you the ability to reorder the sections on your LinkedIn profile via drag-and-drop. This enhancement, one of the more highly-requested features from our users, gives you the ability to highlight the skills, expertise, and/or experiences that make you stand out.

Your profile is an important part of your online professional identity. At LinkedIn we’d like to provide you with all the tools you need to build and maintain a profile that can showcase your unique professional value. Now you’re in complete control over your professional brand. Given below is a quick demo of how it works:

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Want to showcase your work experience or education above everything else? Do you want testimonials from your references to be the first thing people see when they find your profile? Have you synced your WordPress blog with your profile or built a great presentation with SlideShare that you want to feature? Now your LinkedIn profile offers the flexibility you need to put your best foot forward.

Customizing your profile’s section ordering is quick and easy. You will notice that the headers of each of the sections on your “Edit Profile” page now have handles that can be dragged. To reorder a section, all you need to do is click and drag one of these section headers up or down the body of your profile. When you release the mouse, the section will drop into place where you dragged it, and your adjustment will take effect immediately.

The ability to reorder the sections on your profile is just the first of a huge number of enhancements that are coming to your LinkedIn profile in the upcoming months. And, as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions about how LinkedIn can help you to represent, manage, and share your professional identity.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

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How to Embed a VIDEO Into Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn has without question become the de facto online media application for business networking.  Whether you're looking to develop business, expand your business network, seek a new job or build relationships with experts with whom you can collaborate, LinkedIn should definitely be a component of your strategy and action plan.

A Compelling LinkedIn Profile is Absolutely Essential

Regardless of your objectives in using LinkedIn, your LinkedIn Profile is the YOU that all others SEE on LinkedIn.  A compelling and memorable profile is therefore key to setting you apart and clearly communicating your personal brand and your key value proposition.

I've been asked by many of my coaching clients if it is possible to embed a VIDEO in your LinkedIn profile -- a video of yourself, a video that shares interesting content or an interesting message, or any other video that complements your personal brand.

Add a Video to Your LinkedIn Profile

The accompanying video does an excellent job of showing you, step by step, how to embed a video into your LinkedIn profile.

How can YOU use Video Media to enhance your profile
and enhance your branding message on LinkedIn?

Attribution and special thanks to Jonathan Cover for this tutorial.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

	Receive Our FREE Weekly eZine!

For Email Marketing you can trust

Great Tips for Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn

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NO QUESTION .... LinkedIn has definitely become THE de facto online networking tool for business professionals.  As of this writing, LinkedIn has over 55 million users in 200 countries representing ALL of the Fortune 500.

Your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets; I've discussed this point in a number of previous blog and eZine articles. 

LinkedIn exists to help YOU make better use of your professional network and help the people you trust in return.  Ongoing communication with your network -- sharing, giving and contributing, will pay huge dividends for you in the future.

Today's blog posting offers an overview and links to several excellent articles, all recently published, that will help enrich your experience with and usage of LinkedIn.

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13 LinkedIn Action Steps

People love lists.  So here we go with a great list showing 13 action steps you can take on LinkedIn to really get ramped up as an active and effective user.


5 LinkedIn Tricks You May Not Know

Another great list.  Most people are familiar with the basic features of LinkedIn such as connecting, groups, answers, applications, etc. There are some cool features that often get missed by the average user.  Here we look at five under-utilized tricks you may not be familiar with.


Advanced Techniques for Using LinkedIn to Change Careers

We all know that a tough economy means you have to set yourself apart from other candidates, especially if you are changing industries or functions. Here are a few tips for using LinkedIn to conduct research and establish contacts within the new industry you are targeting.


Top 20 LinkedIn Groups That All Entrepreneurs Must Join

Many people say that they consider LinkedIn to be only a career search tool; however, LinkedIn is so much more than that. It is actually a fantastic service and resource for entrepreneurs to use in the development, launch and success of their ventures.

One feature you entrepreneurs may not know about or have fully explored is LinkedIn Groups. LinkedIn Groups are free to join, and you can choose to join up to 50 groups from a list of thousands of user-created groups for literally just about anything. Not only do these groups provide you access to connect with and contact fellow group members who could become future partners, employees, investors, customers etc. of your startup, but the groups' discussion board and news sections can provide more networking opportunities, answers to your questions and insightful advice, tips and support.

The Top 5 Mistakes in Using LinkedIn

There are a number of LinkedIn mistakes that could be mentioned including avoiding typos, having multiple accounts, etc.  These 5 though are fundamental mistakes that will impact your ability to "monetize" LinkedIn.

The true value in LinkedIn is as a vehicle to add to your bottom line.You may have joined to network, to find a job, or to advance your career.  All are great reasons, and all that at the end of the day are about monetization.

It's OK to be on LinkedIn to make more money.It's what will keep you coming back and participating, which in the end helps every other person on LinkedIn.

Are YOU an effective and ACTIVE user of LinkedIn?

If not.....What are you waiting for?

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

The Art and Beauty of a Wonderfully-Crafted Elevator Speech - Is Yours Memorable?

We've all heard the term "Elevator Speech," and how important it is to formulate a compelling message to others in less than a minute.

Whether you're looking for a new job, trying to develop new business, promoting your company, or simply promoting yourself, it is absolutely essential to have an elevator pitch.  With diminished attention span of others and the fast-paced environment that we live and work it, you need to communicate your message quickly, clearly and distinctly to someone who doesn't even know you.  A great pitch or elevator speech takes planning and practice to deliver it quickly, on the spot and under pressure.

I have a WONDERFUL tool that I recommend to my coaching clients to help them in the formulation of a compelling elevator pitch.  The tools helps give structure to the thought process of developing a clear and memorable elevator speech.

The tool is offered from free by the Harvard Business School Alumni Career Services organization and is available TO ALL OF US for use.

Check out this COOL TOOL here: HBS-Elevator-Pitch-Tool. 

Posted via email from Andy Robinson's Career Success! Career Tip of the Day