LinkedIn has become a popular social site for those looking to connect with others in a more business-related way. It is a networking site that allows users to create profiles that display their professional accomplishments, endeavors, and career goals. Resumes and cover letters can also be included. Individuals can connect with coworkers and bosses and grow their social networking web as they encounter other professionals in life. Companies can actually use LinkedIn as a way to reach out for suggestions when hiring for positions and leads to consumers.
Utilizing this site can help foster greater achievements, but with all social networking platforms, the way one interacts is important. If you have personally met someone in an organization--or for students, possible recruiting events--finding and adding them on LinkedIn is fine. Hearing about an individual that works for a company you are interested in, then finding and adding them, is relatable to Facebook stalking! If you have not been able to meet someone face-to-face but would like to foster a business relationship, try messaging them about a certain event you attended where they spoke or were also in attendance and mention how you wished you had a chance to talk in person. This is a better way to try to establish connection than a straight-forward but completely random addition to LinkedIn.
Businesses that want to leverage this site for potential candidates should start by having a network savvy human resources department. These individuals can connect with other businesses and individuals without being considered creepy or stalker-ish because they work in HR and that is one aspect of their job, be well connected--you never know when you will be in the market for a new job. When interning with HR this past summer, I had the pleasure of reaching out to a few contacts at graphic design studios to see if anyone that was free-lance would like to take on full time position with the company I was interning with. The messages I sent were warm and professional and the responses led me to several viable candidates within about a week.
For those who have yet to make a profile, stop what you are doing, and get to it! In this digital and social media age, being present on this site can help land you a job when you need it because you are networking and relevant to employers. Profiles can only help you to succeed, so what are you waiting for?
No comments:
Post a Comment