Being Laid-off feels like....

I have been writing about how to bolster your job search, how to use social media to build your personal brand, how to go to job fairs to look for a new job, and just about everything else related to job search.

Now I want to talk about how it feels on the other side of the coin - when you get laid-off.

Due to a $1.1million budget cut and the elimination of ARRA stimulus monies, our agency KCDEE just released 5 employees and will be experiencing a reorganization to do more with less.  I happen to be one of those who will be leaving on July 29, 2011.

I want to spend a paragraph about the feelings, then I want to share some profile information with you.

The first feeling I felt was disbelief.  I couldn't quite hear what was being said to me.  I felt tears welling up in my eyes and the thought that went through my brain was how am I going to pay my bills.  Right after that I decided that my faith would take me through this and that with any door that closes, another one opens.  I heard my supervisor say to me that she would support me with a recommendation and we brainstormed about people to contact.  Not until today did I realize some of the grief of losing my job - the people that I work with everyday, the camaraderie that you feel when you are in a cubefarm.  I sort of skipped that step of the process of loss until now.  I didn't every really get angry, what good would it do anyway. I sort of settled into the acceptance relatively rapidly and decided I needed to take action to find myself the next "open door".

So, following are the profiles and connections to the talented people who have been released in the lay-off:

Dee Reinhardt - Marketing and Social Media Specialist - find me at www.linkedin.com/in/deereinhardt
Key talents include: marketing, social media, community relations, photography, graphic design, web design, public speaking, event planning, teaching, writing and project management.

Lillie Glover - Executive Assistant - find her at www.linkedin.com/in/lillieglover
Key talents include: administrative support, organization, editing, planning, coordinating, Microsoft Office 2007, customer service, customer relations, schedule management and more

Maria Galvan - Program Assistant - find her at www.linkedin.com/in/mariagalvan
Key talents include: administrative support, graphic design, Microsoft Office 2007, bilingual Spanish

Arlene Hibbard - Program Assistant - find her at www.linkedin.com/in/arlenehibbard
Key talents include: administrative support, Microsoft Office 2007, typing, organization

Lugenia Thomas - EEO/Human Resources - find her at www.linkedin.com/in/lugeniathomas
Key talents included: customer service, human resources, Equal Opportunity compliance, customer relations, adminstrative support

If you know of any positions for any of these fine people, contact them through their LinkedIn profiles.

What sort of feelings have you experienced with a lay-off?

Professional Social Media Networking

Are you using LinkedIn?  There are over 100million users currently using this professional social network.  It is a well established resource for networking, finding out information and staying connected.  You control all of the aspects of your profile, you see who you have invited, and once you know your way around, LinkedIn is an incredibly valuable tool to build your personal and business brand. LinkedIn recently went public on the stock exchange and wowed the world with its initial IPO offerings of $82 a share. Currently trading around $76.

Within the past year, BranchOut became more popular as a job search network application on Facebook.  I set up a profile.  As it is trying to be like LinkedIn, you have the ability to import items from your LinkedIn profile.  It has a game type feel to me, you have badges that you "earn" with more connections or honor badges you can give to your contacts.  I haven't experienced the same value from BranchOut that I have from LinkedIn.  The one recent benefit to BranchOut is the ability to post a job for free to a jobs tab in BranchOut on your Facebook Fan Page.  If you have a person handling your web/social media development, that isn't so useful, but if you are a small company without that type of staff, it is a good feature. Mashable's take on Branchout

On June 26, 2001, a new application from Monster.com showed up on the Facebook scene. BeKnown is the latest (and late in the game) social media for professionals to appear. To test it out, I set up a profile.  You have the option of uploading your Monster profile, if you have one, or your LinkedIn profile.  I tried to upload the LinkedIn profile and either my computer didn't like it or the widgit isn't functioning properly.  BeKnown promised to let you connect with people to whom you are not connected on Facebook, but when I tried to find one such person, I was unable to do so.  Someone had sent me an invitation to connect on BeKnown and I couldn't see where to "accept" it. Mashable's take on BeKnown

I think I will concentrate my efforts on LinkedIn until I see more substance from either of these other products.

What have you tried?

Social Media and the job search

Are you using social media in your job search? If not, why not?

Over 100 million users are on LinkedIn, 700 million users are on Facebook and 175 million users on Twitter. Now assuming that each of those networks only has 80% of those users who are active, that is still a BIG number. Of people using social networking sites, the use breaks down this way: 92% use Facebook, 18% use LinkedIn, 13% use Twitter. [Source: Pew Internet and American Life Project, Social networking sites and our lives, June 16, 2011]

LinkedIn is the biggest source of professional networking. You can follow companies, find jobs, and build your level of expertise. Facebook now has an answer to LinkedIn called Branchout. You can ask your Facebook friends to join you in your professional network and receive recommendations. Twitter has post after post of jobs that you can find even if you don't tweet yourself. Just go to search.twitter.com.

LinkedIn has a search component that will show you who is posting about a particular term like "hiring" that you can drill down and get to your local area. Did you know that more men 63% vs. 37% women use LinkedIn.[Source: Pew Internet and American Life Project, Social networking sites and our lives, June 16, 2011] Women tend to be bigger users of the other social networks.

Remember, you can't just create a profile and let it hang there on the web, you must work at it, as you must with any job search process.  If you need to learn more about using social media, you can visit our website. OR you can sign up for one of our hands-on LinkedIn workshops - check our calendar for the next session.

What are you doing with social media and your job search?

Resume Tools

I read a blog article about 10 things that you can do with LinkedIn of which you may not have been aware. One of them included the resume tool. I went in and set up my resume. It took about 20 seconds. Unfortunately, I would be better served by a combination resume and the tool only allows a chronological resume.

The LinkedIn tool is perfect as long as your profile is 100% complete, your profile reads the same way you would like your resume to read, and a chronological format is the approach you would like to use.

Another tool that we recommend can be found on www.illinoisworknet.com in the Individuals pathway "Prepare" section. The tool within Illinois workNet will create and save up to 20 resumes for you.  You can pick from several templates including both functional and chronological.  There isn't a combination option posted, but you can always copy and paste from the workNet tool into a Word document.


A free tool that is available in the Career Resource Centers at an Illinois workNet Center is Winway resume creator.  This computer program allows you to select which of the three formats you would like to use and offers suggestions for tasks you may have completed based upon the job title that you enter.  Once you have all of your information entered, you may then go in and edit the description and tweak the resume to make it completely personalized to your experience.


Last but not least, the Illinois workNet Career Resource Centers offer free professional review assistance for your resume from our Career Resource Professionals, as well as workshops to help you with your resume and interviewing along with many other resources. 


What is the best resume tool you have found?

Career Goals 2011

What are your career goals for 2011?

Are you in the job search mode?

• What new tools are you planning on using or learning to help in your job search? 
• Do you already have a LinkedIn account? 
• Are you going to check to see if it is being the most effective it can be for you?
• Do you use Twitter to look for jobs?
• Have you investigated the job search component of Facebook?
• Are you networking?
• Have you joined any new industry related associations?
• Are you participating in informational interviews?
• Have you decided to volunteer to keep your skills up to date?
• Are you planning on changing careers?
• Does that career change include learning new skills?

Are you working? What are your plans to enhance your current career?

• Are you taking a class or learning something to keep your skills current?
• Do you need to address a character flaw that is keeping you from a promotion?
• What one thing can YOU change that would make your job easier?
• What one thing can you address with your supervisor that would make your job easier?
• Is this job a career or do you need to check into another path?

Are you going to school?

• Will you be finishing your training this year and looking for a new job?
• What are you doing now to network or prepare in advance for that job search? Check out the items above.

Do you have some personal goals that will make your life easier or improve your self-esteem level to give you a better outlook on life?

• Do you need to be more fit or drop a few pounds?
• Do you need to de-clutter?
• Do you need to stop smoking?

Whatever or whereever you are in your life, you cannot reach a goal if you do not have one.  Set a goal, make a plan, and start working toward your goal.  If a long range goal is too scary, set several interim goals and reward yourself along the way. If you need to loose weight and your ultimate goal is 25 pounds, set those in 5 pound increments.  If you need a new job and make a plan that might include researching two new companies and what jobs they have to offer each week.  Add a new task as you go.

What other suggestions do you have?  What are your goals?

Pay it Forward

Do you remember the movie "Pay it Forward" with Haley Joe Osment?  It was all about doing something nice for someone else.  Paying it forward can apply to every aspect of your life including your job search or your business growth.

When you are out networking you should adopt this very philosophy. By offering to help someone you meet with a recommendation or a referral you are paying it forward.  That person that you helped will remember what you did for them and will in turn work to repay your kindness.

I worked retail many years ago.  I knew my mall very well.  I managed a store that had a large variety of items so that when someone came in looking for an item, if I didn't have that particular item, I could tell the shopper exactly where they could find the item they were seeking.  When that shopper needed something that I did sell, they came back to shop in my store over and over.

Use your network to see how you can assist others in your network.  If you are using LinkedIn use the tools within the social media network to "Pay it Forward" by forwarding profiles to others who may be interested, answer questions asked in the "ASK" section, thoughtfully answering questions asked within groups, and sharing articles or information in your status updates. 

You never know where it might lead!

Networking for Introverts

This is the discussion from the today's tweetchat about Networking for Introverts.  The answers are copied from the twitter feed.  In some cases they are in twitter shorthand.

Q1: Whats the most difficult thing about networking?

• For me it was always how to break into a group already chatting.
• Finding relevant contacts. Even though every contact can have a silver lining.
• when at a networking event joining in a convo. I sometimes feel like I am butting in
• I would say just gaining enough confidence to actually start. It can be sort of intimidating at times.
• Finding a group that seems open and inviting, not closed is the key.
• Starting a conversation with a total stranger.
• The most difficult thing in regards to networking is having to step outside of your comfort zone. You'll be glad you did.
• Making new contacts without going to mix and mingle events.
• The initial starting of the conversation is the toughest for me
• Telling your elevator speech over and over again
• identifying the quality, decision making contacts or those who can connect you with them
• Getting in and getting out are the hardest part.
• walking up to the first person. After that the ice is broken. I look for someone standing off by themself.
• Networking is more about how you can help them vs. how they can help YOU. Provide value first, then ask for help.
• The dreaded elevator pitch. Saying who you are & what you do clearly and concisely.
• When you do find a contact, it's hard to bridge the gap between personal and professional conversation
• Identifying a networking group that can maximize your chances of securing a job.
• Just jumping in and getting started with a conversation can be one of the hardest for me
• getting your message across in an effective but non obtrusive way
• Fearing rejection and feeling like you're bothering people are two big networking worries
• Here's an article that might help you with networking: 11 Rules for Networking http://wp.me/pObyU-A 
• Discipline to keep networking. It's easy to get to a 'comfortable place' and think you're done.
• Being nervous and talking too fast!
• Your industry knowledge is key. At a networking event, you need to have something to offer others!

Q2: What are some ice-breakers that have worked for you?

• Icebreaker? Ask them to tell you about themselves. People love to talk. You listen & learn, then add to the conversation.
• Good to have some ice breakers already prepared. My favorite: Is this your first time here? If not what makes you keep coming bk
• I stand by the food table so I can always eat if they r mean:)
• The first icebreaker is your smile. - And a firm handshake!
• Ice breaker: where are you originally from? 
• Networking tip: While there's typically food there, eat before. You'll have free hands to shake & provide resumes!
• 'playing host' by making introductions or passing out name tags is a great ice-breaker. it takes pressure off. 
• ask them about their company and what they do for them
• Once you meet someone, introduce them to another and then form your own "group."
• Great ice-breaker there--talk about the food!
• Make sure to emphasize what you can do for them instead of what they can do for you. Be your own salesperson. Show your skills.
• I think a good ice-breaker is showing genuine interest in the other person's life during the conversation
• Say, "Hi," and smile. Think more about how to listen vs. what to say.
• Focus on local common ground. "Man those Seahawks were bad last weekend" or "did you hear about XZY downtown last week?"
• Icebreaker: What are you seeing as industry/profession trends right now?
• Reading their nametag and introducing yourself, easy!
• having group ambassadors like in the chambers help with introductions. After that it is up to your conversation
• a simple question like what is the last good movie you saw has always helped me
• People love to talk about themselves. Just start with a simple question.
• Listening happens in three stages- Receiving / Processing / Responding - 3 keys to good networking practice
• I always look for someone who seems to be "lost" or lonely-looking...invite them in
• sign up as a volunteer at the registration guest or a greeter at the event.
• ask what people are passionate about, not what they do
• My usual opening line: "Bride or groom?" 
• ask how they like their iphone/android/blackberry or other gadget!
• Networking is almost like that first initial date. Get to know the person you are talking to. Figure out their interests 
• Dont look distracted with whos coming in the room, remember the person in front of you!

Q2A Where do you find networking events?

• LinkedIn has an application "Networking Events" that you can use to find local meetings.
• Places to look for networking events - meetup.com/LinkedIn events & groups/local yahoogoups/Social Networking site
• check meetup.com and look for networking events, chamber mixers, organization postings in community calendars.
• Meetup.com, Yahoo Groups (professional associations), even community news sites/papers to find networking events

Q3: What are tips for smart schmoozing?

• It's nice to go with a friend, but don't just talk to people you already know all night.
• Do your research! Show excitement for previous accomplishments and seek to gain more understanding about them
• Keep your hands and mouth free to talk... hard to create a good first impression with your hands and mouth full! 
• Networking- shut your phone off unless you are waiting for a call from the president or your expecting wife
• what can you offer to do to help the person with whom you are networking.
• networking is like sales ~ 1st build relationship, then find out their needs, sell yourself as the solution
• Be natural and go with the flow. You don't want to sound fake and/or insincere.
• Smart Schmoozers respect others time - are precise, to the point and do not overdo
• Smart schmoozing has to include diligent follow up. No connection established if there is no follow through.
• If you did your homework on attendees, you know their background. State their point & casually agree with it
• Here's an article we did on smart schmoozing. http://www.bizme.biz/bizclass/smart-schmoozing-big-tips-for-small-talk/
• When in doubt, ask questions -- people like to talk about themselves!
• Make the conversation about them before you make it about you.
• Always have something to offer. Be willing to pay it forward!!! Don't be a taker!!!
• Be genuinely interested. No canned conversation. Get him/her talking about something s/he's excited about.  
• Another huge part of schmoozing is really listening to the other person. They can tell you a lot if you pay attention
• Also - in schmoozing - don't make promises you can't follow up on
• Tips for smart schmoozing: eye contact, avoid alcohol, and listen more than you talk!
• Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth, LISTEN more..talk less. Let people know you're truly interested.
• Don't lead w/ what u want, start by finding out about them~what they do~find out if your exp./background would fit their needs
• Collaborative conversation is good schmoozing - find what you both value and discuss key points/solutions.
• Challenge yourself NOT to ask someone "What do you do?" You'll stay curious longer and make a better connection.
• Be patient and be prepared to build a real relationship. Don't expect someone to offer you a job then and there.
• Have found this article to be very helpful. 10 tips for successful business networking. http://bit.ly/BFFAT
• The key to schmoozing at a networking event is to mingle. Make sure you circle the room. You may meet some really great people.
• Dont hit and run, nurture the relationship!

Q4: Just for fun--what are some networking horror stories?

• Ever been stuck talking to someone who WON'T stop even to breathe, so you can't exit the conversation? It's the worst!
• Once showed up at a networking event 45 min late, and everyone was drunk!
• not a personal one but spilling your drink or food on someone would be awful
• don't forget the breath mints!
• Be PRESENT!!! Don't be checking your BlackBerry while trying to have a convo!!!
• had a "close talker" back me up over 12 feet into a wall without realizing it!!! Pay attention to cues!
• have been to networking events that was more like a new form of match.com . Not good.
• be sure you know who your speaking w. - person call me Ken for 15 mins before I corrected
• Had a person follow me after the conversation was clearly over.

Q5: Have you or someone you know successfully networked your way to a job?

• That is how I got my current job!
• My husband got a job offer outside his field through networking.
• Client called former co-worker to do "Whassup." Colleague had just changed jobs. Client now has his job. 
• Networked through a current job to stir up offers in related fields (through vendor contacts, publishers, 3rd parties)
• Started with a cold email based on shared background. 2 months later ended up with an out of the blue job offer
• Definitly, and the common theme was that the person made an effort to keep a relationship with the other
• I have networked into a new job - several times. Key is to add value, share solutions and stay in contact appropriately! 
• I worked a job fair at my college for my last position. Spoke with Dir. Career Services, who introduced me to current co-worker.
• Soulsearched w/client, she told network what she wanted and she landed her dream job by referral
• Cultivated friendship @ weekly job seekers mtg. Then invited 2 another netwkg grp who gave me lead to my current job
• I have actually gotten many positions through my alumni listserve! (That's networking indirectly, though, no?)

 Do you have any other advice to add to the questions?

Should you use a recruiter?

I just participated in my first ever tweetchat.  It was interesting to be sure.  Even though I tweet, I got a bit confused.  All of a sudden loads of tweets would show up and it just keeps going faster and faster.  The site is http://www.tweetchat.com/. The hashtag was #careerchat.  It happens Tuesday's at 12PM Central time. I found out about this twitter phenomenon from CampustoCareer blog article http://campus-to-career.com/2010/11/02/how-to-work-with-recruiters/

The topic of the tweetchat was Working with Recruiters. I will share the highlights: (the answers are taken directly from the twitter feed and the words are in twitspeak in some cases.) If you need to learn more about using Twitter for your job search check out two of our previous blogposts Twitter and the Job Search and a short video on using twitter.

Q1: How do you feel about working with recruiters to get a job?
Answers:

• Recruiters *can* help present you in the best light possible. In your initial convo with one be sure to SELL yourself
• Definitely believe they are helpful. IT's good not to rely on them %100. Always conduct your own search as well.
• They can be a resource if you are looking for a job in a different city/state. The more people you know, the better.
• A recruiter is going to know what things the employer are looking for specifically. It's their job to get it right!
• When working with a recruiter be sure to know their niche/focus because most specialize!
• If they (a recruiter) believe in you they will fight for you
• Try to choose a recruiter who is wired into the industry/ targets you are looking for! Don't be afraid to ask!
• The recruiter is a direct pipeline to the Hiring Manager
• Recruiter is a source of information for the seeker - not just the hiring manager. Ask questions & advice of your recruiter!

Q2: Should you try to go around the recruiter and straight to the hiring manager?
Answers:

• Bridge burning!
• ethically u shouldn't especially if you got it through them. But the Q is, why are hiring managers still seeking recruiters //Good ones vet candidates, save time & $.
• clients direct candidates who approach them directly back to me.(the recruiter)
• If you can, good to have one or two contacts who know hiring mgr place recommendation calls. No more.
• If the recruiter finds a potential position for you at a company, it may be best not to undermine them
• It may backfire on you, especially if the hiring manager knows you got their info through a recruiter.
• Recruiters often specialize in a certain field. Find them on linked in and build a relationship.
• Absolutely not. Going against the recruit if that is SOP is a tale-tell sign that you can't follow instructions
• going around the recruiter is similar to going around a real estate agent after they show a house to you.

Q3: How do you answer the salary range question?
Answers:

• a) ask others in the industry b) get data on salary trends c) calculate ur worth > a career has to be a win-win situation
• I say provide a range but let them know you are willing to work with them.
• For salary range, look online for the industry standard in your field and judge from there.
• Answering the "salary expectations" question: http://j.mp/bWmOil 
• Great salary resource is glassdoor.com. Ranges for specific companies, cities, & jobs.
• Research salaries for pros in that position/industry and always give a range.
• best to let the employer give number first. But if u can't, just be honest
• Answer salary range question broadly, after doing ur homework on company/position/industry.
• give past salary history then range of acceptable $ ~ sometimes worth taking less $ if better benefits/flexibility/growth
• a few IT recruiters that it's best to be direct on this. Not giving a number to them is "non-compliance"
• Want the job? Offer not quite what you want? Negotiate a 6-mo salary review. Be sure it's in offer letter.
• Article on salary Q if interested http://bit.ly/9uFySo Also negotiating for more http://bit.ly/du2J0W
• Compute your hourly. Work weeks vary tremendously. What might sound like a pay cut could be an increase.
• we recommend doing the LMI for your area and quoting a range so the interviewer knows you have done research
• Be honest about salary range! Go too low and you'll be disappointed, go to high and you lose viable job options!
• Research! Don't neglect industry message boards, library databases & past stats from DOL 4 your position/industry.
• work out what you can afford to take and add 20% is my formula
• do your research!!! You should already know the ranges for industry, position, and experience level.
• we recommend doing the LMI for your area and quoting a range so the interviewer knows you have done research
• Help them understand your value to the organization. More "you" talk than "I" talk.
• Be mindful of when the salary question is asked. If early on, they are "weeding out" candidates. If later, they want you
• Monster.com have a very good salay and package comparator based on other jobs, title, area and experience
• The conversation should show how you will add value not what you can get from the company.
• If $ can't be worked out, ask for other perks (flex time, tuition reimbursement, travel expenses, etc.)

Q4: Are recruiters are being replaced by job boards and social networking sites?
Answers:

• recruiters are competing with direct sourcing. thats great for job seekers
• smart recruiters are using SM to their advantage and seeking out talent, but SM is a killer for the "not-so-smart" ones!
• Recruiters aren't being replaced by job boards, but are being used by some companies more strategically
• Social networking sites and job boards give us jobseekers the chance to talk directly to hiring managers.
• Probably not; people said the same thing when Monster came out. But recruiters help cos by meeting cands w/ their needs
• use every avenue. Dont close any off because you think they are dying
• no, recruiters aren't being replaced. there's a difference between sourcing candidates & closing them!
• Recruiters who can't sell themselves as an asset by effectively using SM are getting replaced
• Recruiters place the majority of job board advertising. that should tell you something
• I think social media helps people connect with recruiters more easily. But companies still value recruiting.
• Recruiter help hiring managers who do not use social networking sites (funny, some still don't) and help cut through the volume
• Not exactly. Finding candidates is different, but recruiters still vital for interfacing with employers
• definitely not ~ would say opposite. Recruiters help companies weed thru plethora of candidates 2 find quality matches
• Candidates may not see the value of a recruiter bc of job boards, etc, but they need to be seen as an additional resource.
• not totally, but many are using LI, Twitter & job boards to post that recruiters may have to recruit harder to compete.
• Don't solely rely on one source for your job search. Use them all effectively. Best to get your name out there.
• Recruiters help companies find employees who r not on networking sites or those who are who might b good fit for their co.
• Remember that SM is still "cutting edge"...and for some of us HR pros, big box sites (eg: monster) are still cutting edge!
• Interesting stats: 1M co profiles on LinkedIn, 14M on ReferenceUSA. Lots of hiring mgrs not on LI.
• Recruiting talent is more than just phone screening candidates. Recruiters won't be replaced by SM.
• View recruiters almost like a networking opportunity. They are there to learn about your interests and get you connected.
• Find target companies on RefUSA: http://j.mp/ccDho7. THEN find internal/external recruiters & hiring mgrs.
• In-house recruiters can be powerful allies. They know youll bring value to the company & want you there.
• Recruiters can be very valuable especially if u find one who will truly listen to what your passions are.
• Smart recruiters look for excellent placements that do more than fill a quota. Fantastic hire = Fantastic PR
• Need to establish expectations with your recruiter, and they need to give feedback and closure
• A recruiter in your corner can give you invaluable feedback re: how you interview, insider tips for an interview, etc.
• One of the most valuable tools you can have in your #jobhunt is a recruiter who sees your value & strives to get you hired.

Checking references - on and off line

Nowadays, the references you offer up with your resume and your previous employers are not the only place potential employers check you out.  Because the use of social media is so prevalent, it only makes sense that hiring managers and business owners will use social media as well.   What will they find out about you?

This article from 2009 is still of value to you in a job seeker position today.  http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/kit-eaton/technomix/if-youre-applying-job-censor-your-facebook-page

Here are the nuts and bolts of what kept people from being hired:

• 45% of employers check social networks before hiring
• 11 % plan to use social networking sites for screening in the near future
• 35% of companies had rejected a candidate based on information from a social-network profile
• 14% rejected a candidate for using an emoticon

Why DID companies hire people because of social media profiles:

• 50% chose a candidate because their profile communicated a “good fit” and personality
• 39% based on professional qualifications
• 39% based on the creativity of the candidate

Remember that LinkedIn recommendations are almost better than references, especially if it is from someone who offered an unsolicited recommendation.

Put your name into the search engines periodically to see if you:

1. Show up - this is all about your branding;
2. Leave a positive impression;
3. Are the only one with your name out there.  If not, be prepared to let an interviewer know that there are  other John Smith's that are not you should they check you out on-line.

What expereinces have you had with a potential employer checking you out?  Employers, what have you found?

Do you need to use Social Media to land your next job

I just read this blog post - http://blogs.bnet.com/career-advice/?p=1310 entitled "Do I need a LinkedIn Profile?" by Suzanne Lucas.

She referenced some interesting points about recommendations and your contacts. 

In short, she said, the worse the employee the shinier the profile.  Is this true??

Another point she made was that recruiters may delve into your profile, find contacts with whom you may have worked and start making contact with them to find out about your work habits and ethics.  In other words, if you are connected with co-workers that you had at a former employer, you need to know what they have to say about you as well as the people who have actually recommended you.

This is the same as knowing what a potential employer will find if they google your name.  Be aware of your personal and professional reputation.

Social Networks - How Secure are you?

You thought you had your privacy settings established. You are sure you have Facebook locked down. You are applying for jobs.  You may be getting interviews but you aren't getting any offers.  Are you sure your Facebook posts aren't your downfall?

If you have a LinkedIn profile, you know that you need to keep that professional in appearance and language.  Twitter posts are fleeting, but still can show up in a Google search.  Now what about your Facebook posts? 

When you are in the job market, you need to "clean up your act" and your posts!  I recently read about a website http://youropenbook.org/ .  This website allows anyone to search for any person or topic and not have to have a facebook account or be your friend.  If your posts are not protected properly, you may be showing off some characteristics that you may not want an employer to find out about. Check it out. Type in your name, type in a company name, type in a phrase (looking for a job) or keyword.  Look at the posts and the pictures. What did you find out?

Again, if you are in the job market, change your profile picture to something more professional, be sure that what you "share" is something you would want your grandmother to read, and protect your posts so that your private thoughts (as private as a facebook post can be) do not destroy your chances at getting a job.

LinkedIn Basics

KCDEE was asked to present some short social media basic presentations for the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Here is the one on  LinkedIn. It is geared for making the most of your profile to drum up more business.



You can view more on our webpage at: www.kcdee.org/trainingvideos.html

TGIF or is it?

Today happens to be a Friday.  For me personally, it is the end of my workweek for KCDEE. Over the weekend, I will relax a bit, do some work around the house, AND I will check in on my LinkedIn and Facebook accounts.  When I am out running errands or attending planned events, I will look to see if there is anyone with whom I can network.

I am not in the job search mode at this time, but I will continue to work on my network by trying to foster the relationships I have built.

What do you do over the weekend to either build your network or improve the connections you have made?  Do you use the time to build a plan for the coming week?  Do you look for free or low-cost community events where business owners may be promoting their services (and potentially seeking individuals to hire)?

Proper Planning

Do you have a LinkedIn account?  How many emails do you have posted to use?

You may want to have at least two listed: one for your current employer and one that is a personal email account. 

If you are in the job search mode, you should have a professional sounding email address that is your main email contact for employers to connect with you. Professional email addresses will allow a potential employer to know that they are contacting the correct person.  Using your first name and last name at gmail, yahoo or hotmail is acceptable.  Even if you are a huge fan of sports or another activity and love your email address that reflects that, you should not use that for your professional persona unless it is the name of your business.

By having two emails listed on LinkedIn you are saving yourself some time.

• Say for example that you have two interests for which you belong to completely diverse groups on LinkedIn.  You don't want to clutter up your work email inbox with personal interests so you could have those group notifications sent to your personal email.
• Additionally, should you find yourself down-sized or out-placed, you still have a current email address to which you can switch your primary email contact.  This can be done even if you forget to do it before your last day as long as you remember your email address and password. change your primary email address

If you have spent the time to make your profile reflective of you and your experiences, it would be a shame to lose all of your work because you have only one email address listed.

Are you in Kane, DeKalb or Kendall counties?  Would you be interested in a hands-on workshop to help you either set-up or improve your LinkedIn profile?  Send me an email at Dee Reinhardt