Are you a good LinkedIn Citizen?

I was recently looking for a new role for the first time in many years.

The avenues to finding that new job remain fundamentally the same, however, the rules are changing:

-         Respond to an Ad in the paper or on a jobsite – if you don’t understand ATS you are quite possibly wasting your time.

-         Link up with an agency.

-         Utilise your network – LinkedIn is becoming increasingly important. You will need a “5 Star Profile” to ensure you reach your extended network.

There is a lot of advice out there for those looking for work and I’m not going to go over this ground.

This post is aimed at those of us that get approached by one of those jobseekers who is trying to utilise their network to get a new role.

LinkedIn is an amazing site and we all love to collect connections but having hooked up with our colleagues past and present how do we react when one of our associates messages us asking if we know of any opportunities?

Approaching somebody and asking them for support in finding a new job takes a lot of courage. Personally, I wrote notes to over 200 contacts. Some didn’t respond but thankfully many did.

Getting to the point, I wanted to put down a few thoughts that may get you in better shape if someone reaches out to you.

We are all working hard and this may not seem like a priority to you but rest assured it is to the person who’s asking for help.

More importantly, something you do or say may be the thing that gets them that new job!

These points may seem simple and obvious but believe me they really make a difference.

·        Ensure your LinkedIn account has an email address that points to one you are still using and check your LinkedIn messages from time to time.

·        If you are sent a CV, make the effort to pass on a copy to people in your business who may be interested.

·        Have the details of your employers’ jobs website available to pass on.

·        Recruiters are a great resource in finding a new role - if you’ve had good experiences pass on their name / company.

·        Have the details of your friend / contact available to pass to any recruiters / colleagues who approach you asking if you know anyone who is good fit for a role.

·        Job seeker websites are another important tool. If you have a favourite pass on the website details.

·        If you come across a role, you think may be interesting (it may be a LinkedIn recommendation you’ve received) send them a link.

·        Endorse your connection for a skill or write a recommendation on LinkedIn.

·        Perhaps share the details of the person with your LinkedIn network.

·        If you can’t do any of the above, at least wish them good luck.

And finally, a big-big thank you to those of you in my network who took the time to help me.