Marketing Me: Using Linked In For Job Search

With the economy in the hopper, more job seekers are turning the Internet for their job search.

Now some will go to Monster or Dice, fill out a form, and start submitting their pared down resume to whoever is hiring and whatever company has an opening.

Against my past advice, sometimes this may work - but it is not that effective, especially when competing against thousands of other workers.

Web 2.0 social networks are one way to expand your personal network and employment visibility. The problem is job seekers are often reaching out to others online they have no prior relationship with.

Linked In is a great resource because it has thousands of members with thousands of companies. However, too many job seekers jump on the Linked In bandwagon after they have been let go or when they are desperate to leave their current company.

By using Linked In and other social networks, job seekers won't have to do the Linked In shuffle at the last minute.

Use Linked In for your job search, but use it wisely.

Unless you have an advanced membership, it is next to impossible to join networks with persons you do not know. However, there are ways to get to know others with whom you do not have a network connection.

Use Linked In Answers - If you find a contact on Linked In who is associated with an opportunity you are interested in, follow their profile and see if they are placing any answers in Linked In Answers. Do the same and attempt to build a relationship.

Use Linked In Groups - Regardless of contacts, job seekers should always join Linked In groups which focus on their specialty or professional interests. Join groups, communicate and reach out to fellow members.

Use Profile - Your Linked In Profile has features which helps others find you. Fill out the keywords related to your job search (i.e. top wireless sales executive, successful headhunter for the Java programmer, etc.). Complete your profile with pictures and comments. Publish your web profile and bookmark it with Delicious, Stumbler, etc. Build back links to your profile so search engines and searchers can find you.

Linked In can be a great resource, but be careful not to abuse it or use Linked In incorrectly.

May your job search be successful!