Strategy 1 – Thinking Ahead to Get Ahead
With this strategy, I am focussing on those who have a job and who are always looking to advance, or those who have a job but want to keep options open.
In this approach I will suggest that you recall some of the methods I taught you in previous chapters. I won’t go over them again on this page, so please go back to reference anything you need claification on.
It is always better to be proactive than reactive. Most people wait until they desperately need a new job, or are in danger of losing their current one. In this approach we are taking the bull by the horns and making connections with those who can potentially help us in the future.
Here are some ways to think ahead and make valuable connections using LinkedIn.
1. Research companies who you would one day like to work for.
2. Search for their company on LinkedIn using the Company
Search feature
3. If you find the company you can see the employees that are already LinkedIn
4. Attempt to connect with them or send them an InMail to make an introduction.
5. If the company search fails, go to their website and look through an employee directory and proceed to use the standard search using the information discovered: http://www.linkedin.com/search
Making connections at these companies now can lead to valuable opportunities in the future. It might only take a message to them in the future to gain
To further elaborate on the points made above, it is very important to keep in mind the following key points:
1. Perform your research as if you were performing a real job search. Find companies who are hiring, research the company and make connections with companies with promise (in your mind)
2. When you introduce yourself to an employee of the company, its likely you dont yet know them. When you send the connection request, make sure you be honest. Tell them you would love to get to know a little about this company and that you are considering applying. Also mention you would appreciate it if they could accept the connection.
3. Try this approach for multiple potential companies.
The point to take out of all the material you just read is this. Be proactive, take the bull by the horns and make connections now when you really DONT need them desperately.
These connections can prove to be useful in more ways than one. You might get the inside track on interviews.
When its time for the interview with the company you became connected with BEFORE you needed to, you can ask the contact for some inside tips, or to put in a good word for you.
Either way, take the time to make the connections now, not later.
Strategy 2 – Broadcast Your Job Search
So it’s time for your job search. You recently got laid off, fired, you quite, or you are just taking a break. Whatever the case may be, this strategy might be for you!
So if you have followed all of the instructions in the LinkedIn series, you likely have a good deal of connections now, and its time to leverage them.
It’s time to use the incredibly powerful LinkedIn mailing feature to mail your connections to let them know you are in the hunt.
Mention in the message that you are interested in finding work in your industry of choice and in the geographic region of choice.
Make sure to mention that you would truly appreciate if they could offer any introductions or provide insight in any way to help you out.
Include any other information you feel is relavant as well, just make it a nice mix of personal and professional and you may very well get the response you desire.
Strategy 3 – Ask A Question About Being Hired
This is a short strategy, but its also quite valuable.
Remember how we discussed the process of asking questions? Well you can post a question using the “Ask A Question” form and mention you are looking for wok in the industry and in the geographic location of your choosing.
“Is Anybody Looking For A Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in The New York Area? “
Make sure you check the “Is a job request questions” checkbox on the bottom of the form.
You never know what answers you might find!
Strategy 4 – Leverage The Power Of LinkedIn Groups
If all else fails, make sure to use the LinkedIn groups available to you.
We spoke about this earlier in the book and it can be used for this purpose as well.
When you are in the hunt, be sure to start a discussion in the group of your choice. Let your group members know that you are looking for work and the area of the world you are looking for work in.
Check back on the discussion often for any responses or potential leads.
This is he last post for LinkedIn Series! As you saw in all linkedIn posts, the power of LinkedIn is incredible.
There are literally thousands of uses for it and it is getting more powerful every day.
LinkedIn is a true professional networking tool, and the best part is it’s 100% free to use. There is no better time than now to get started on LinkedIn.
Start making connections today, and you will see the results as you go forward.
Get Connected With Me! (Jeff Gross)
http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/jeffreykgross
RELATED ARTICLES
Part 1: LinkedIn: Introduction
Part 2: LinkedIn: Creating Your Account
Part 3: LinkedIn: Connect With Contacts and Invite Friends
Part 4: LinkedIn: Building Your Profile
Part 5: LinkedIn: Add Your Resume Elements
Part 6: LinkedIn: Adding Connections
Part 7: LinkedIn: Adding Connections – Other Methods
Part 8: LinkedIn: Adding Connections – LinkedIn Groups
Part 9: LinkedIn: Adding Connections – LinkedIn Answers
Part 10: LinkedIn: For Job Hunting
Part 11: LinkedIn: For Job Hunting – Strategies
