effective job search using online tools
TRANSCRIPT
Effective Job Search Using Online Tools
March 13, 2012
Presented by: Victoria Montgomery, Drake Global Tech
Agenda
• Your online job search – LinkedIn
• Other online tools for finding a job
• Tips for applying online
• Social networking for your career
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Social Career Networking - LinkedIn
“Reverse” headhunt: find the hiring manager on LinkedIn and connect directly
• If a job is posted, you can often see who’s posted it and contact them directly, even if it’s just to introduce yourself
Warning: Do not annoy the poster! Just introduce yourself and make them aware you exist
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Social Career Networking - LinkedIn
Company Pages:
Internal postings may appear on company websites before they appear on job boards
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Social Career Networking - LinkedIn
LinkedIn GroupsJob opportunities are frequently posted on group message boards:
• Share articles, opinions and receive feedback from the community
• Build your network with decision-makers / influencers
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Online Job Boards
There are several job boards that are updated daily and are free to use if looking for work:
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Company Career Pages
Internal postings may appear on company websites before they appear on job boards:
• These are updated frequently, depending on the size of the company
• When applying to larger companies, use relevant keywords on your resume
• You can also try contacting the HR department to learn more about the position (Only if it says on the posting that you may contact the company)
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Creating Your Online Profile
The Importance of a Complete Profile:
• If you’re using LinkedIn to try and find a job, you want to have a solid online presence
• Avoid an incomplete profile by following LinkedIn’s guidance to complete your page
• Be creative!! Grab attention. Make it memorable.
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Creating Your Online Profile
Play around with your professional headline, if you’re looking for work, there are dozens of creative ways to phrase it:
• “Exploring new opportunities”
• “Seeking a change”
• “Not working”
• “Creative Professional looking for new opportunities”
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Creating Your Online Profile
Have a GOOD picture:
Remember: This isn’t Facebook, or Lavalife! Be professional.
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BAD BAD GOOD
Inviting Someone to Connect Online
• Always, always, always, write a personal message
• Be genuine:
– people are more inclined to talk you if they sense you aren’t using them
• Try to schedule an “Information Call”:
– Goal: to learn more about the industry and what a career is like in industry X
– Once you have the call, try to schedule a coffee meeting
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Tips for Applying
1. Have a Plan
– Don’t go into your search blind
– Narrow down what you REALLY want to do and who you REALLY can see a career with
– Get a list of 10-20 companies and start hunting
2. Connect on LinkedIn with people in the company who can help you with your search:
– Remember to have a complete profile
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Tips for Applying
3. Tailor your resume to the job description if there is one available
– Your job at Burger King in 2001 may not be relevant
4. Hit them with the “Highlights”
– Having a cover letter isn’t always necessary
– If you have a professional summary at the beginning of your resume, it can be just as effective if you tailor it to the job you’re seeking
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Tips for Applying
5. Follow Up
– Don’t annoy the person you’ve made contact with, but do let them know you appreciate them taking the time they spent talking to you
– Short & Sweet thank you email does the trick
– Check in every 1-2 weeks, ask them how they are – if you talked about anything personal (pets etc.) ask how they are
– Remember to be genuine
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Tips for Applying
6. WIIFM
– What’s In It For Me?
– Why should the person you’re talking to hire you?
– What makes you better than the 10 people beside you doing the same job?
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Other LinkedIn Tips for Applying
• Follow Companies
• Join Groups
• InMails
• Profile Badge
• Premium Account
• Introductions
• OpenLink
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THANK YOU For Questions Please Contact Victoria Montgomery
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Contact Victoria:
Email: [email protected]: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vnmontgomery
For Current Job Openings:
Visit: http://www.drakeintl.com/Click the “Jobs” Tab on the homepage
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