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LinkedIn.  What the heck is that? That, my friends is how you get a job these days.  It has been reported that about 80% of major companies use LinkedIn to hire and/or research new and future employees.  Many of us signed on to LinkedIn a couple of years ago and never went back thinking, “what was the point of that”?  If you have been back recently, you will have seen a big difference.  It’s kind of like a professional Facebook, where you can post your resume, skills, specialties, a bio, and status updates.  But it’s even more than that.  You can incorporate your blog, Twitter feed, join groups, add a calendar and many other widgets.  Then there is the meat and potatoes of LinkedIn…the people.  You can of course search for your friends but more importantly, you can search for specific businesses, gatekeepers, CEO’s, VP’s, upper management, stockholders, investors, franchisees, and so on.  LinkedIn will allow for others to write and post recommendations of your work which can be very valuable. You can also see who has been looking at your profile and how many people searched for you.  And one of the best features are the job listings. Why aren’t you on LinkedIn yet?

OK, let me break it down for you.

#1 Joe Schmo needs a job in the construction industry…what should Joe do?

1) Upload his resume to LinkedIn

2) Check the job listings

3) Search for local construction companies he knows of in his area

4) Connect with  any and all employees on LinkedIn with that company

5) Send the gatekeepers (HR managers, supervisors, General Contractors, etc) your LinkedIn profile/resume

6) Get ready for employment! (Not guaranteed obviously, but I am ever optimistic

#2 John Smith owns a pest control company and is trying to break into the hospitality industry in a new city…what should John do?

1) Upload his resume to LinkedIn

2) Connect his pest control blog to his profile to show off his wealth of knowledge in

the industry.

3) Search for local hotels in the area

4) Connect with the owners, managers, HR people etc who work for this company

5) Send them a proposal/letter explaining who you are, what you can do for them, why you are different, and why they should give you a chance along with some referrals.

6) Have fun in the hospitality industry!

#3  Jane Doe is in sales, has a job, but is always looking for a better opportunity…What should Jane do?

1) Upload her resume to LinkedIn

2) Search local businesses she would like to work for and connect to every employee she can find

3) Search for others in the sales and marketing industry and connect with them

4) Search for the sales directors, sales managers, regional managers, and VP’s and connect with them.

5) Send all connections in the industry you connect with, your profile/resume

**Sales people are always needed/wanted, the turnover rate is high, and the chance to get in/recommended by someone is more likely than not if your resume is good.  This is why I recommend connecting with everyone in sales and sending out your resume to them all, because they are always looking.

By the way…LinkedIn is FREE.  Happy hunting!