Job cuts are here and they will probably be here for some time longer. 2009 will be a strange year for many people but there is hope out there. There are still many tools out there to become visible in front of employers it just requires some creativity. There are not too many people out there anymore that are not bouncing around on Facebook, Myspace or even Linkedin. If you have recently lost your job or feel like you might now is the time to take advantage of these free social networking sites. Linkedin could be a lifesaver. Linkedin allows you to update your resume and network with other like minded professionals right from the comfort of your home. often times recruiters target websites like Linkedin to find new recruits. By making connections and engaging in conversations online you can quickly make yourself visible. Linkedin provides a platform where you can showcase your strengths for everyone to see, even potential employers. Linkedin allows you to join groups and even visit offline get togethers such as networking events and happy hours where others can get to know each other. I’m not saying Linkedin is the end all be all but this tool can provide a valuable stepping stone to get in front of the right decision makers become visible. Linkedin has a variety of options for you to customize your profile. You even have the option to pay a monthly fee for additional exposure through the network. Linkedin in is not a confusing website by any means. If you have internet experience setting up a profile should be a breeze.
LinkedIn may be great for some people, but if you don’t know how to use it what good is it? I have a profile on LinkedIn, but I know very little about how LinkedIn works and how to use it for networking. So until I can get some mentoring or instructions about it it remains pretty useless to me as far as job searching goes. Anyone else having similar difficulties?
Bill
Bill, I am glad I came across your message! I just started my new blog where I actually talk about social media and especially LinkedIn as a carer tool:-)
I tend to publish three articles a week and one of them is dedicated to social media for carer purposes.
It’s good to know there is some audience there interested in what I am writing about:-)
I have my LinkedIn profile for probably now 5 years and I find it quite useful actually… LinkedIn has th emost senior business network that I am connected to than any other social network site and headhunters are quite good there as well…