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Use LinkedIn Connections to Fine Tune Job Hunt

February 25th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in jobs | LinkedIn | News | prospecting - (0 Comments)

The “connections” feature in LinkedIn is one of the reasons the site stands apart from other social networking sites, and using it effectively will help job-seekers stand out in the sea of resumes that employers may wade through. “How to Use Linkedin Networking while applying for a Job” covers a step-by-step process in refining your resume before submitting it directly to the hiring manager. By locating an “insider” in the company with a professional connection, be it alumni status, a professional association, or even mutual friends, one can request an “informational interview” to determine 1) if the job is still available, 2) the name of the hiring manager, and 3) desirable characteristics of the potential employee. Once you know this, you can customize your resume and have the insider deliver it directly to the hiring manager. This personal touch should give you higher response rates than blindly applying for jobs.

Sam Hartman, Feb. 25, 2010

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Not All Social Networks Are Created Equal

February 19th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in Facebook | LinkedIn | News | Twitter - (0 Comments)

In “Who’s Who of Social Networks for Business,” some points are highlighted for the startup crowd wishing to capitalize on the plethora of social technology. Each site has its own protocol, so choose wisely and see what works for you. LinkedIn is the gold standard for professionals and executives, with membership at over 50 million. Network, discuss, post your resume, and search for potential employees. Facebook trumps MySpace in membership, and also in demographic: MySpace is mostly for “tweens” and lacks the social “feel” of Facebook. And who can forget Twitter? Its text-message-like layout has everything from job leads to breaking news. Whether promoting or seeking, it’s time to tweet, update, or blog your way into the social network world.

Wrap-up: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, in that order, are your best bet for getting a handle on the social media landscape.

Sam Hartman, Feb. 19, 2010

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Using LinkedIn Network Updates To Stay Visible

February 17th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in LinkedIn | News - (0 Comments)

Similar to the 140-word update on Twitter, LinkedIn has a feature called Network Updates.  SFGate’s recent article highlights this underused feature. LinkedIn is your professional social media site and the Network Update feature is considered your billboard. Advertise yourself, your work and what you have to offer. The author warns that this 140-word update should not be what you put on Twitter, it should be professional. When you update your status on LinkedIn, it makes you visible to your connections. Being invisible when you are seeking sales leads or career opportunities is not good. So after you tweet about the long line at the car wash, consider posting the latest investment opportunity on LinkedIn.

Melody K. Smith, Feb. 17, 2010

Note:   Post was not sponsored.