If you are out looking for a new position, you are lucky. There is a wealth of advice, tips and pointers that can help you get started and figure out where to go. Here on the Brand-Yourself Blog, there are already 112 posts about the job search topic and, well, this makes number 113.
This is always an interesting discussion because so many different conversations arise as to what to do and how to go about a job search. Job searches are fairly standard practices, however, they are always evolving. Networking, in any form, is always one of the best ways to go about a search. Connect with someone you know and who knows you. This always carries weight with recruiters, HR pros and managers.
Some people, me included, have mentioned that in a job search you should target specific companies to drive your search. Specifically, focus on what these companies do and how you will be able to better help them. In a different view, Susan Ireland posted a video describing what she explains to job seekers regarding targeting a company.
Her style is a bit different. Susan advises targeting managers, and not companies. Interesting approach, and I like it! This does raise a concern, though: how do you know a manager’s style and if you would enjoy working for them?
You may know managers within companies, but you may not know about their style. Your contacts may help you get in the door, but you can’t truly understand what lies on the other side of the curtain.
(Now comes the social media push!)
This is where LinkedIn is so powerful. Now you are able to look up your managers and contacts… all of whom you should be connected to already by the way. When you view their profile, on the right hand column it also tells you what connections you have in common. This is fantastic. Not only can you connect with a manager but you may connect with others to learn more about their style.
This makes Susan’s idea truly powerful and helpful. OK, targeting a company may work. But targeting managers may be better. Using LinkedIn to do both really opens doors and allows job seekers to take the next step.
This is also the reason to have updated profiles and allow your networks to view you and your expertise. Don’t waste your network, leverage your network and make these contacts and relationships work for you.
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Photo credit to Business Spotlight
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Keith McIlvaine manages the recruiting social media strategy for a Fortune 500 company and is an avid networker. He is a corporate recruiter, social media advisor, coach, speaker, blogger and an all around fanatic. Connect with Keith on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or on his blog at the HR farmer. (The statements posted on this site are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer)
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