The Linked In Experiment: Part One

Ever since Thad Greer, Owner of South Florida Management Search held his first seminar with Kaplan University last year called "How To Blog Your Way To A Job" I've become interested in the potential of blogs and social networking sites (Twitter, LinkedIn, and FaceBook). I STRONGLY feel that they can transform a job seekers job search and improve their chances for promotion by expanding their network.

Why is this important? Because statistically, 80% of available jobs are hidden. That's right - 80%! So, what about the jobs you see on sites like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com? Or your local newspaper? Well, they are the 20% of advertised jobs. Don't take my word for it. There are countless articles on this factoid. One Google search of the term ""Hidden Job Market" and "80 percent"" yields over 800 websites attesting to this fact in Google's search results.

So, I've decided to "put my money where my mouth is" so to speak and start building an online profile. Not for me - but for you! As I discover opportunities, I'm going to post how I found them on this blog once per week. This way, you can follow in my footsteps and start building an online presence, start networking, and start finding hidden opportunities - for yourself!

My first stop - LinkedIn.

I'll post the first of my findings next week. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts. Have you used LinkedIn before? Would you like to know more about it? Do you know of any other sites I should try? Feel free to comment.

How to Make Your Profile Stand Out on Social Networking Sites

This isn't the same job search you conduced years ago. This isn't the same job search that you conducted a few months ago, a few days ago, or a few hours ago. Today is a new day in how to create an effective job search and if you don't know how to harness these new tools in the "new day" job search, you will be frustrated - VERY frustrated.

-Kirsten Grant

Most job seekers know about how important their resume is, but I will say it again. Customize your resume to EVERY job description. Make sure it contains key words that are used in the actual job description along with accomplishments - only relevant information counts.



Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk social networking sites. Social networking sites include sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. Although most people think of these sites as a great place to post pictures from personal pursuits, there is a whole sub-culture of serious job seekers that use these sites to find jobs and expand their professional network. Today's article helps you become one of those people:

Make Your On-Line Profile Stand Out With These 3 Tips:

Number One: Remember, It's NOT Personal

Your online profile should only contain professional information about yourself. Things you would want an employer to know that could help "sell" yourself and your experience, background, and potential. Remove information such as age, number of children, religious views, and family pictures.



Number Two: Pictures Are OK

On a resume, a picture is a no-no. On an online profile, it adds a dimension of personalizing your page. If you decide to upload a picture to your profile, make sure the picture is a professional one.



Number Three: Pick a "Niche" to Become an "Expert" In And Always Stay On Topic

Content is king! One of the keys to creating a professional online presence is to make sure that what you write about showcases your knowledge and/or passion on a specific topic. For example, if you wanted to become known as an expert in the legal field, then you wouldn't offer content on cake baking recipes.



So there you go, a great bit of information to help you make a great start. Have additional questions? Feel free to comment.

Another Great Job Board - GetaFreelancer.com

Recently, I had the pleasure of co-presenting a virtual career seminar with Kaplan University's Vice President of Operations (GREAT person to work with by the way) that addressed marketing yourself globally and how to find a job if you are interested in working overseas. My research turned up many international job boards and companies, but one more "landed in my lap" called www.GetaFreelancer.com.

What I like about the site is that not only does it offer legal jobs/legal opportunities, it has a wide range of industries covered. From information technology/tech jobs, training, and translation it appears this site offers a wide variety of jobs and ways to gain international experience.

Another feature is the "average bids" feature. This is a great way to get an idea of what a project pays.

Overall, I recommend job seekers utilize this site (especially if you are looking to get more experience under your belt or earn extra cash). Plus, it's one more innovative way to find employment opportunities - what could be better!

Legal Assistant/Paralegal Job I Came Across Today

Hi there,

Periodically, the Internet throws me a "virtual bone" by dropping a job in my inbox. So if you are a paralegal/legal assistant that resides in the Seattle area, CLICK HERE to see the full listing. The description begins with this opening: Small, fast-paced family law, personal injury and civil litigation firm seeks full time legal assistant or paralegal.

Here's another one, still based in Seattle area, this one is a part-time opening. A good opportunity for someone trying to "get their foot in the door" - CLICK HERE to see the full listing. Here's the description begins with this opening: Downtown law office seeks a part time receptionist and office assistant 4-5 afternoons per week.

Hope this helps anyone that's looking! Let me know!

Grow Your Blog Faster and Establish Yourself As An Industry Professional

Ever wonder if you are going about this "blogging" thing the right way? Ever wanted to write a blog, but felt that you didn't have enough time? Well, Leo Babauta has written an article that "hits the nail on the head" titled, "The Essential Guide to Growing Your Blog on Minimal Time"

Essentially, here are the main points:

• Set Time Limits On How Long You Will Blog
• Essentials: Content, Social Media, and Guest Posts
• Non-Essentials: Blog Design, and Blog Stats
• Focus, Focus, and Focus

By taking his recommended approach, you can begin to establish yourself as a blogging professional in significantly less time than "going at it alone" and learning via trial and error. And remember, as your blog grows, your recognition grows and employers that come across your blog will see you for the committed industry professional that you are.

4 Reasons Why You Won't Get A "Gig" in 2009

It's 2009 - YAY!!!

But you need a job - BOO!!!

So what's a person to do? You have a new year, a fresh start, and time. Well, not exactly. Time is your worst enemy. The clock is ticking and the stakes are higher than ever before. With over 10 million Americans out of work, unemployment numbers are high, and climbing higher it seems. What does this mean for you? Well, spending time conducting your job search the wrong way by doing the following will ensure that time works against you and you won't get the "Gig" you looking for in 2009. So, let's explore what NOT to do in 2009.

You're Quiet About Your Job Search

The fastest way to kill any chances of finding a job in 2009 is to let feelings of shame, depression, or guilt creep in. Feelings of inadequacy abound because sometimes job seekers feel that they are to blame for the state of unemployment that they are in. So, they are quiet about their search because of the shame. Stop it. Right now. Instead, start talking to people. Kids in school? Talk to other parents while waiting to pick little Johnnie/Joanne up. Talk to the person waiting with you on the bus, talk to the person you normally see while grocery shopping. You never know who knows someone that wants to know you.

You're Very Specific About What You Want

Although it's good to know what you want in a job search, being inflexible is not going to help you land a job. Want to work as a paralegal in a law firm? That's great, but have you considered applying to something else besides a law firm? What about a company's legal department? Maybe the job title doesn't say "paralegal" but instead, it says "legal analyst" - with some of the same duties as a paralegal. Don't overlook opportunities like these. Accepting an offer for a position that meets 80% of what you want to do is better than holding out for the "perfect job" and receiving no job offers at all.

You're Beginning To Believe "They" Just Don't Want To Hire You

Many job seekers come to me and tell me that "they" just don't want to hire someone like them. If you've ever had this thought - "Hiring managers don't want to hire a girl/guy that's _____ (fill in the blank)". STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!! Remember these words as you move forward with your job search - "It's NOT personal". Every hiring manager isn't out to "get" you. Although there's always one "bad apple" in the bunch, all hiring managers are not bad people. They are simply looking for the person with the best qualifications that match what the company is looking for. If they didn't see it in you and you feel that you are a strong fit for the position, take a second look at your resume and your interviewing skills.

You Think Social Networking Sites Like "Twitter" and "Facebook" Are For Losers

This is a new day! More people are using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In to connect. Connect with people though these sites by adding well thought out conversations and posts. Don't just "jump into" these discussions by posting - "Does anyone have a job?" This approach is too brash. It's the equivalent of you conducting a dinner party with family and friends and someone walking into your home, planting themselves in the center of the room and standing on top of the dinner table and shouting "Does anyone have a job?" How would receptive would you and your guests be to this person? Instead, join these sites and work towards building relationships.

Do these tips help? Let me know. Or share some additional tips if you have them. Feel free to comment!