Day: 12/04/2012

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KEEP LinkedIN ‘On Your Plate’ For The Rest Of Your Career, BUT…

Keep your LinkedIn Account ‘on your plate’ for the rest of your career, but never let this, or any other technology, replace your more inter-active (face2face and toe2toe) relationship-building role!  This week’s DFWCAREERPILOT Workshop, Thursday, Dec 6th explores developing your network on LinkedIn… your LinkedIn Task #2.

Your LinkedIn Account is a marvelous TOOL… and like any good tool, you must commit to maintaining it so it serves you well for years to come.  In this context, your LinkedIn Task #1 is to properly maintain your PROFILE:

  1. Keep your Profile optimized to 100%… During active job search you want to be found!  Make sure your Profile is always in synch with your ever changing resume template.  In fact, while your headline may ‘brand’ you, it is your EXPERIENCE that sells you and helps to optimize your page ranking in order to be found.
  2. Extend your ‘reach’ by regular networking activity… During active job search, pay attention to your chosen groups’ DISCUSSION Boards and participate often… utilize the varied functions/applications in your Account in order to “ALWAYS HAVE A NEXT CONTACT TO INITIATE… for the rest of your career.
  3. WHEN EMPLOYED… pay particular attention to your current job and projects.  Be LESS available while always being open to ‘next steps’ and other opportunity within your career.

Pay constant attention to the development of your network, your LinkedIn Task #2… utilize the varied functions/applications in your Account in order to “ALWAYS HAVE A NEXT CONTACT TO INITIATE… for the rest of your career:

  1. Pay particular attention to your ‘first line connections’ …because you want them to be a reliable source of information and referral activity.  Accept invitations from people you know and regularly reach out to connect with people you meet…
  2. Utilize your ‘shared connections’ to key people in your second line …Your LinkedIn network can be your ‘roadmap’ to identify and secure key contacts out there in the ‘sea of unwashed faces.’
  3. WHEN EMPLOYED … be mindful of active search activity.  Protect your privacy and confidentiality.