Why you need to network on LinkedIn
Karen Tisdell
● LinkedIn Profile Writer ● Independent LinkedIn Trainer ● LinkedIn Profile Workshops ● 170 recommendations ?? Australia based and don't work or connect globally as family complains my voice travels through walls ??
It may sound strange, but the best time to look for a job isn’t when you need one – it’s when you’re already in one. Here I take a look at why that is, and share some common mistakes that might be preventing you from landing the position you want...
The Science of Social Proof
You might have heard about “social proof”... It’s that psychological phenomenon where something is attractive if a lot of people like or want it. Ie. we are much more likely to start liking or wanting something - regardless of how much or little information we have about it - if we can see that many others like or want it, we can then tell ourselves we are making a safe or sensible choice. [Although actually sensible doesn't come into, it can be as sensible as jumping off a cliff because others are doing it...]
Social proof applies to a lot of things, not least your job search. If you’re already in a job, you will be more attractive to potential employers. Everybody wants to employ someone who everybody wants to employ!
You’ll Network Better When You’re Employed
When you’re already in a job, you automatically feel more relaxed when you’re talking to people who could offer you a step up the career ladder. You’ve got nothing to prove, as you already have a job, so you have something to offer them. You won’t come across as desperate, which puts you at an instant advantage – no employer will like the idea of someone who’s going to put pressure on them! Everybody is already feeling pressured enough, right?!
When you already have a job, you can network on your own terms – negotiate with what you have to give, rather than what you want to take.
Being employed is also the perfect time to get your resume in order. You have the security of time on your side, so you can get your resume looking as professional and presentable as possible, to make you more attractive to potential employers. If you leave your resume until you are badly in need of a job, you’re likely to rush it, which can lead to you making mistakes and likely leaving out valuable pieces of information that could have landed you the job of your dreams!
The best resumes take time, and have been very carefully crafted.
[Check out my blog 'Credibility and Keywords - how to capture both in your resume' and The Perfect Resume a Step-by-Step Guide for tips and a framework for how to write a winning resume.]
Make Sure the Opportunity is Worth the Cost
Applying for jobs when you are already employed means that you also have the time to weigh up the odds – are the jobs you’re applying for REALLY better than the one you’re in?
Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to make excuses to take time off to attend interviews. If it’s obvious you’re looking for a new job, or if you are just not as committed as you used to be, you might not last long in your current job. So weigh your decisions carefully and calmly... And note that it is easier to be calm while you are employed!
If you are unemployed you may be making a fear-based decision on how and where you will spend the next five years because you may be freaking out about how you'll make that next mortgage payment...
While you are employed you can assess with a level head and heart if a new job is a true opportunity – it has to be more fulfilling than the one you’re in and ideally pay more. Otherwise it may not be worth taking the time/risk with the job you already have.
If You are Not Employed - Don't Panic!
If you’re not currently working, you shouldn’t be focusing on landing one particular job. Instead, I strongly urge you to be looking to secure a few different job offers.
Not a specific JOB in a certain company. A few DIFFERENT JOB OFFERS.
Hear the difference? Offers are without obligation, without pressure or desperation.
Don’t put the cart before the horse by getting attached to an outcome that hasn’t happened yet. If you focus on one specific job, you’ll come across as desperate, and if you reject opportunities before you have learned more about those opportunities, you may be narrowing your scope too much.
I would strongly urge you to apply for lots of different jobs at various companies – you’ll get great interview practice, and you may realise that a job you’d previously dismissed is actually perfect for you. You can learn a lot about yourself during the process of job applications too - it can be a great time for personal growth, and refining the direction you are wanting to head towards.
Stay Positive
The main thing to remember when you’re looking for a job is to view every interview that comes along as an opportunity. Be positive about it – if you are not enthusiastic, it will show in your attitude at interview and it would be a shame to lose a job offer because of a small misgiving.
When I was a recruiter, I once coached someone who was going to an interview for a job he thought was too far from his home. He thought the commute would be too hard. This nagging doubt showed on his face at the interview, and was misinterpreted as haughty disinterest. He didn’t get the job.
By the time I gave him this feedback, he had discovered there was a direct bus that would have got him there much quicker than the train he thought he’d have to take.
It is vital to have a positive attitude!
You never know what opportunities something can bring...
The most important thing you can do when you’re looking for a job offer is to keep applying. Don’t limit your options. Avoid overthinking and don’t waste your energy trying to decide if you really want the job before you have even applied - that way you’ll have everything to give to each opportunity that comes along.
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Thanks for reading! If you found this article useful, I'd appreciate a ‘like’ or comment or ‘Follow me' as I share weekly career tips that will show up in your personal feed. Keen to read the blogs I've published so far? Click on my page here, or on the links below...
Interested in a resume review or expert guidance on using LinkedIn so that you can be found fast? Contact me... Karen Tisdell ? Professional Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writer ? 0404 083 678 ? [email protected]
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Salesforce Lead | 3x Salesforce Certified | Salesforce User Group Leader |?? Star Ranger | Converting IT English into Human English
7 年Great information and advice in this article as usual Karen. However my experience 12 months ago, (the last time I was job hunting while employed), I found the majority of jobs required an immediate start - when I explained that I only required a 2 week notice period it made no difference. Not sure if this is becoming widespread, or perhaps I was only looking at contract roles but it meant I couldn't in good conscience apply for the roles.
Director - Business Development
7 年Since the IT industries are going down and lays-offs are every where, Its a big challenge to get a job for a experienced personnel's- even if you have sound profile in Linkedin.
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7 年Karen Tisdell ? Résumé Writer thank you for your informative article (as usual). I'm not sure what is going on in the recruitment world at the moment, however I have anecdotal evidence that very experienced professionals are finding it difficult to get to the job offer stage (managers of all levels, experienced sales executives, experienced finance professionals). They are contacted by recruiters after expressing interest in a role (roles that are a 90-100% fit) and they're told the employer wants to make a decision within a week. The applicant attends the first interview with the recruiter, another interview (or two) with the employer, then doesn't hear from anyone for a couple of weeks. Alternatively, they are rushed into an interview with the recruiter and not contacted again! When they do follow up, they're notified that the employer is re-designing the role / restructuring the organisation, or words to that effect. Is there any further advice you would offer to applicants who are already "applying for lots of different jobs at various companies", successfully getting interviews, then encountering a halt in the process? Is there a reluctance to employ older/more experienced applicants in this job market?