The Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools available to job seekers around the globe!  It opens you to a network of professional individuals who may be seeking jobs, hiring for jobs or happy to link you to others they may know.

There are several interesting things that you can use LinkedIn to do; many of which you may not already be aware:

• Set up a search for keywords. Anytime someone joins LinkedIn within a specified radius of your zip code (or another of your choosing), LinkedIn will provide you with a list by email once per week.  If the person seems like someone with whom you’d like to network, send them a link request.  Nine times out of ten, they will accept your request.
• Join groups. Many groups will post job opportunities when they arise.  You can also contribute research and thought leadership to the groups to make yourself more prevalent.
• If you are looking for a job in another city (e.g. looking to move), set your LinkedIn profile to that city. If you have the right keywords in your LinkedIn profile, you might be surprised at the number of views and potential contacts you’ll make as they are looking for candidates just like you.

I’ve personally been contacted for three very real and very professional job opportunities based on my LinkedIn profile.  It’s a power tool, and it’s free.  If you don’t harness the power of LinkedIn, you’re missing a great opportunity to put yourself out into a powerful professional network!