Job Hunting Mistakes Using LinkedIn!

Effective job hunting means using every available job search source to uncover possible jobs. Also, when a prospective employer becomes interested in you; your brand should establish you as a professional on the top of your game.

One way to help in your job search, and build out your career plan is to take advantage of the many benefits of LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn has become the largest social network of professionals. If you wish to realize LinkedIn’s potential you have to set up a profile. The networking possibilities are only restricted by your imagination.

All social networks have some unwritten rules that are important to master so you maximize the network’s many benefits. Here are some mistakes new users to LinkedIn tend to make and some suggestions on how to best avoid them.

1. You must understand the context of social networks. Your LinkedIn profile may win awards but if have an off-the-wall Facebook profile or a Twitter account full of negative comments you’ve just hurt your job hunting chances. Recruiters and hiring managers, in researching your background will look at all the social networking sites not just LinkedIn.

To resolve this possible problem; frequently Google your name. This will help you manage you whole online presence. Check and remove unflattering photos on Facebook, edit your Tweets, and remove if possible negative items you may have posted on forums or comments on blogs. If necessary, put up positive content to overcome negative things that you can’t get erased.

2. Fill out your LinkedIn profile. This means getting a good photo posted. Start writing recommendations for others that have done a good job for you. In this way you’ll get others to recommend you. All this shows up in a positive fashion on you profile.

3. Your headline is your entry page. Make it unique. To often the headline says, “sales manager,” while it should say, “I’m dedicated to increasing sales through innovative marketing.”

When a recruiter clicks on your profile which do you think will motivate them to read further? LinkedIn asks you to put in a job title in the headline box. Be creative and stand out.

4. A personal narrative is a must to get the most out of a LinkedIn profile. Stay away from the traditional resume type format as suggested by LinkedIn.

Tell your story. Get away from resume “speak.” Put some color into your professional story. Add something that isn’t in your resume. Do not just copy from your resume. What accomplishment did you do that you take great satisfaction in? Why? Now tell the story.

The reader should see your personality come through. This approach will set you apart from others, personalize your achievements and compel the recruiter to contact you.

Now you’ve added another set of advantages to your job search. Remember, with the internet, most job search strategies to be successful, require a complete positive package. Miss one area and you are out of the running for just the job you are qualified for.

About the author:

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers, job hunting strategies, resume and cover letter writing and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective job search after 50.