8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your LinkedIn Network

8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your LinkedIn Network8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your LinkedIn NetworkHave you ever wondered how to get the most out of your LinkedIn network?With millions of users using the site to enhance their careers it can be a little tough grabbing the spotlight. Still, your professional network plays a vital role in taking your career to the next level.Not quite sure where to start when it comes to enhancing your network?Give these 8 strategies a try to make sure youre getting the most out of your LinkedIn network.1. The headlineAside from a great photo, your headline will be the first thing that potential connections and hiring managers will see in their search. Try to be specific and if youre an expert at something, own it by adding it to your headline. Put yourself in the best position to be seen with a catchy title or phrase.2. Sell with your summaryThe summary section of your profile is where you can really stand out. Take the time here to sell yourself. No need to be rigid, its okay to get a little personal. Share some of your interests and give some history on your achievements throughout your career. Give others the opportunity to get to know you a little bit.3. Showoff your skillsKeeping your skills up to date is crucial in displaying your industry knowledge and expertise. In your skills section showcase just what you can do to share your value with your connections. Spend some time endorsing the skills of your connections which may lead to them doing the same for you.4. Make the connectionA lasting connection starts with an invite. In order to build your network step outside of your comfort zone when sending a connection request. A generic message to a potential connection wont go a long way. Take a look at the profile before sending a request to learn a little more and make it easier to personalize your message.5. Ask for recommendationsA great way to boost your industry credibility on your profile is to ask for rec ommendations. Feel free to reach out to peers, supervisors or even former clients who can attest to your abilities.One quick suggestion Dont just ask for recommendations. Be a good sport and provide a few recommendations of your own to people you may have worked with.6. Get activeLinkedIn, like Twitter and Facebook is a social networking site. While your goal may not be to become the next big influencer, the benefits of actually engaging with your connections are endless. Write posts of your own and like/comment on others to get your personenname and profile to show up in multiple feeds.7. Join a groupIt is important to connect with other industry professionals and those who share common interests through groups. Continue to build relationships that will have an impact on your personal development. Offer your own advice by giving feedback, tips, and sharing posts that will increase your engagement and drive connections. What you have to say may be just what someone is looking to hea r.8. Share your profileBe willing to take your LinkedIn profile offline or to other social media platforms that you use on a regular basis. Increase your number of connections by steering those you meet through in-person networking efforts to your social profiles. Dont be afraid to ask those you respect if they would be open to connecting with you through LinkedIn.There is enough room on LinkedIn for everyone to be able to grow professionally and enhance their network. While creating a strong profile and engaging with potential connections may seem a little overwhelming at first, the returns can be great.

Writing a Cover Letter That Works for You

Writing a Cover Letter That Works for You Writing a Cover Letter That Works for You A titelseite letter, if its strong enough, may land you an interview on its own merit. Agreat cover letter can even make up for any flaws your resume may have.Why Is a Customized Cover Letter So Important?Anyone can write a general cover letter of introduction. Your cover letter needs to be specific thats what will make you stand out and shine.It is important to note that, similarly to when youre writing your resume, it is essential for your cover letter to be reader-friendly. One of the most common and easily fixable mistakes I see in cover letters is that they are typically long, dense, and hard to read. If hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of six seconds looking at a resume, what makes you think theyll spend even longer looking at your cover letter?How to Format a Cover LetterMy general rule of thumb is to start with a paragraph or two that explainwhy youll be great for the job and why you want it. Then, add a few bullet points thathighlight your achievements or qualifications. Finally, finish with a concluding paragraph.This format makes the cover letter easier to read and evengives the recruiterthe opportunity to skim it. Furthermore, whenyou have bulleted out your achievements or qualifications, the readers eye will automatically be drawn to those bullets. If the reader only notices one section, those bullets will be it and thats a very good thing.Being Specific What to Include in Your Cover Letter- Clearly state your name and the name of the punkt you are applying for within the first two sentences.- Make sure that youanswer the following questionsWhydo you want this particular job?Why will you do well at this job?What can you bring to this role/company?Why do you want to work for this company?- Break up the format a little bit. Give the reader a rest from the long paragraphs I tend to write a paragraph or two, then highlight some qualifications or achie vements in bullet form, and then finish with a closing paragraph. This breaks up the document, makes it more reader-friendly, and draws the eye to your qualifications/achievements.- Finish off by thanking the reader for their time and explaining that you would love to discuss your application further at their convenience.Making Your Cover Letter and Resume FlowUse the same header on your resume andyour cover letter. This is an easy way to make both documents look professional and cohesive, and it will ensure that the documents wont get split up or lost in translation.-A great cover letter comes with a personal touch and shows the reader why you would benefit the company by working there. Make sure you paint a picture for the reader so they can see how badly you want the job and how great youll be if they hire you. If you can capture all of this in your cover letter, you are almost sure to get an in-person interviewMaster the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recru iter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career. Like this article? We also offer tons of free eBooks on career and recruiting topics - check out Get a Better Job the Right Way and Why It Matters Who Does Your Recruiting. document.write(Read more ) in Cover Letter

Tips for Interviewing in a Public Place

Tips for Interviewing in a Public PlaceTips for Interviewing in a Public PlaceEmployers sometimes schedule job interviews in a public place such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or outdoor arcade. It could be because they are hiring for a field position, they dont have a local office, or out of conveniencebecause they are en routesomewhere. It might also be the most practical option if they dont want their current employees to know that theyre hiring a new staff member. How to Prepare Confirm the exact location, including the cross streets or corner. Theres a Starbucks on nearly every street in New York City, and the same holds true for many other national and international chains.For example, confirm that youre meeting at the XYZ diner onthe South Eastcorner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. Make sure you get the interviewers cell phone number so you can call or text them in case youre delayed. Alsobe sure to ask how you will recognize the person youre meeting with and let them know what you look like, or what youll be wearing. Dress professionally, even if you are meeting at a fast food restaurant. You might feel out of place in a suit and tie or dress and heels but you should always err on the side of being too dressed up as opposed to looking like youre going to the movies or your local gym. Prepare just as you would for an office interview. Research the company, have responses ready for typical interview questions,and have a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Bring a portfolio and pad and pen so you can take notes. Or, if youre more comfortable using a mobile device, bring your laptop. Also, bring a few copies of your resume and references, if you have them. Focus on the Interview and Interviewer It may be noisy in a public place due to distractions such as noisy customers, piped in music, and waitstaff coming and going. Try to focus on the interviewer as best you can. Keep the interview focused, as well, by staying on topic. Even if you reservie rung alight snack to go with your coffee or tea, dont think about the food, think about what you need to say to make a good impression. Another common distraction is one that you might bring upon yourself, your cell phone. A ringing cell phone or pinging text message will distract you as well as the interviewer. Be sure to put your phone on mute before you sit down to the interview Watch Your Manners Be careful what you order from the menu. If youre having a meal choose something simple and easy to eat, and never order the most expensive item on the menu. Avoid messy food like spaghetti or hard-to-eat food like a hot panini made with crusty bread. Dont order anything to go (even a cup of coffee) and put it on the interviewers tab, even if the interviewer orders something togo.Dont tend to your hygiene at the table. Excuse yourself and retire to the mensroom or ladies room to pick your teeth, brush your hair, or freshen your makeup. Following Up Make sure you follow-up with a thank you note(just like you would have if you interviewed for the position in a corporate office), and check on the status of your candidacy by phone or email.