Dear Matt: I feel like I've hit a wall using LinkedIn and my other social networks to find a job. What can I do when this method no longer seems to work?
Matt says: My first reaction is this: Are you sure you have really used LinkedIn and your professional and personal network to its fullest potential?
"Finding a job is still a full-time job, even with social networks," says Twin Cities recruiter Jena Brown (talent-junky.com). "Lately, I'm finding job seekers becoming more and more frustrated when their social networks don't work for them. They post something about looking for their next opportunity and expect their network to get to work on it. That's not how it works."
Don't worry — a few tweaks can make all the difference.
First, your LinkedIn profile has to have an interesting and accurate summary, "something people can grab on to and really understand where you've been and where you want to be," says Brown.
Next, your title needs to let your network know you're available and looking for a new job (without sounding desperate).
Then you must get active. By contributing to professional boards, networks and groups you are giving your potential employer, or referrer, more information on you, placing yourself as an active contributor, thought leader in your industry, or subject matter expert, says Brown. Social networks like LinkedIn used to be fun — connecting people to help other people — but now they are both necessary and often overwhelming. "It can be exhausting," agrees Brown, "but it's the way to maximize exposure to your network."
Don't blame your lack of finding work on your network, says Brown. She often gets spam e-mails from job seekers that read something like this: "Hi Jena, I'm no longer at XYZ company and am looking for another opportunity. Please keep me in mind."
Now what? What is Brown supposed to do with that?
"Now you've just placed the burden on me, the one you want to help you, to remember who you are, the one you want to navigate to your profile and read through long and boring, or too sparse and ambiguous details about what you do for a living," says Brown. "While I usually give everyone who sends those messages to me a look, if their summary and a quick scan of their past don't tell me what I need to know to tap into my network for them and ask my network to take action for them, things won't go any further."
In the end, make sure you are optimizing your profile and personal networking strategy. Make your messaging clear, action items actionable and easy for those you're asking for help — and always engage and contribute to get more exposure.
Contact Matt at jobslink@startribune.com.
