There is no doubt that LinkedIn is a fantastic tool to help you in your job search. The social network was nearly built for just that purpose, to connect individuals with other professionals. The site can work very well for those who want to find a job, find a key contact at a company they wish to work with or simply to use as a job networking tool. The key here, though, is to avoid some of the most common mistakes that individuals make when searching for a job through this method. Are you making these job search mistakes on LinkedIn?
You Don't Engage
Are you simply "liking" people on the site and becoming friend with them on the site? In other words, are you talking with prospective connections? Do you engage the conversation, offer information about the industry and really get the dialogue going with those within the LinkedIn groups you've joined? You don't want to be the wallflower - the person that just lurks in the background because then, LinkedIn for job networking doesn't work. You need to engage.
Do You Give?
One of the key benefits of using social networking sites like this for job seeking or even just to talk to other professionals is that you need to give people something rather than just expect something. In other words, are you offering great articles for others to read? Are you asking questions or are you also providing feedback to others? To become someone people want to follow on social networking sites like this, you have to give more than you get.
You Just Network When You Have a Need
Let's say that things are going just fine at your current position. You are spending no time finding connections on sites like this. You may be putting off finding that career position. You know the job you have right now is good enough. Don't fall for this mistake. You don't want to only used LinkedIn for job searching when you have no job or think you are going to be fired. Rather, use the site ongoing to ensure you are building your network. That way, when you need to find a job, you already have a huge network from which to work.
LinkedIn is a powerful job search tool, if you use it right. If you do not invest enough time into this social networking tool to help you to find your career position or even just to find a job, you will not benefit from it at all.
Todd Bavol is the President and CEO of Integrity Staffing Solutions. Integrity Staffing Solutions is a national staffing firm assisting individuals and corporations in making the right employment fit. To view job openings in Warehouse, Professional and Administrative positions, visit the Integrity Staffing Solutions web site at http://www.integritystaffing.com/.
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