I actually know people who are much younger that seem to have this issue so I guess I shouldn’t just pick on us “people of a certain age.” Yet, there are those out there who seem to be “lost in the past” when it comes to job search. Although job boards have replaced classified ads for locating jobs to apply for, too many people are simply not moving out of that older mode for their job search. It’s time to find someone to kick you in the backside and scream to you that you HAVE to use LinkedIn to get a job.
Let me put it to you this way: If you’re looking for a job and not using LinkedIn, you really aren’t looking for a job. You need to make a choice – you’re either not serious about finding a job or if you are, then you need get on LinkedIn. Now I know by this point, you probably have seen this message in one place or another and you are now officially over saturated hearing about this so let me break it down for you to the basic elements.
Basic Element #1: Try to imagine a recruiter or hiring manager looking for someone like you and sending you an e-mail because they know all about you and want you? How luxurious would that be? Sounds dreamy but it’s happening every day making it a dream come true. Apparently 80% of all recruiters in a recent survey said they always use LinkedIn to find qualified candidate. If you set up your profile and make it rich in the type of information that will sell your brand – you will get found. Good bye classified ads – this is simple.
Basic Element #2: Guess where the recruiters and hiring manager hang out? You guessed it: LinkedIn. You don’t have to wait to be invited into the halls of the Fortune 500 to interact with the hiring mangers. You can find them – tons of them – all over LinkedIn. This is like one big network event and it’s yours to simply take advantage of. Figure out your target companies, grab your keyboard and start searching. You can find them, link with them, have discussions with them, share great resources with them and turn them into your new BFF. People hire people they know, like and trust. That can be you.
Need to know more? We’ll break it down for you in a FREE Teleseminar called, "Find Your Job Using LinkedIn."
Register Here »Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, founder of New Chapter New Life, is a life and career coach, speaker and author. She is well known for her unique insights and deep knowledge about people and careers. Please visit her website and download her FREE e-workbook called, “Should I Stay or Should I Go: Get the Most out of Your Job in a Tough Economy!”Read more » articles by this approved career expert | Click here » if you’re a career expertImage from holbox/Shutterstock
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Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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