leveraging linkedin
TRANSCRIPT
Why Leverage LinkedIn and Contacts?
Instead of filling your days searching for job postings and applying (which is boring and frustrating), fill your days with finding people, outreaching, corresponding, exchange information, attending meetings and events.
More effective: builds your network, knowledge in the field, contacts, discover industry events and opportunities.
How is this job searching? -> You can be qualified for a position, but who is going to advocate for you? Who are your sponsors? Who knows you?
Powerful research tool to learn about companies, people and positions
Discover ways you can help others.
Introverts? No problem! Find ways that work for you. Search “networking for introverts”. Here’s a TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts
First, have a profile you’re proud of.
Profile
Professional photo
Headline – specific to industry
Detailed profile and experience
Skills and keywords
Recommendations
Projects, professional
development, awards
Activity Follow companies and industry leaders
(research)
Connect with professionals and alumni
Take conversations offline – meet
connections for coffee, conduct
informational interviews
Join groups
Participate in conversations, #tweetups,
comment on blog posts
Post status updates – link articles
Re-engage well established connections
Job search via LinkedIn – see who in
your network is connected to the
opportunity
Find more people in your network
Use advanced people
search.
Use keywords like
“marketing” and zip code
to get started. You can also
use school like “Florida
International University
Request an intro
You can send a message
through LinkedIn, but
not everyone checks
LinkedIn every day.
Take conversations off
of LinkedIn: (call, text,
email, or chat)
Ultimately, you are requesting a meeting
with Jeremy for an informational interview.
What are the goals of an informational interview?
Meet a new contact in your industry
Gain career advice and invaluable “takeaways” – insider industry
information
Develop trust, rapport and the beginnings of a professional friendship
Discovering ways how you can assist the contact
Identifying additional contacts to outreach for informational
interviews
There are articles everywhere on info interviews. Search Google for
more!
Next: Request a meeting
1. Be specific about what you are seeking
2. Be professional
3. Be patient – you are asking for the favor/their time
4. Be considerate; do not request for an evening or Friday
afternoon time (unless specified).
5. Be creative. How can you help this contact as well?
Subject: Simone’s Referral - info interview
Hi Jeremy,
My name is Maria and I was referred to you by Simone Worsdale. I’m very interested in
digital marketing and would love the opportunity to meet with you for a 20 minute
informational interview. I am interested in learning about your current role at
Ademeus IT Group, how you got to where you are, and any advice you have for
pursuing a career in the marketing/advertising field.
I am available next Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4pm for a phone call or coffee chat.
Looking forward to connecting and thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Maria
Maria Tomaino
305-348-3334
Linkedin.com/in/mltomaino
Meet Jeremy
Schedule and meet Jeremy. Do your research on him and his
companies before your meeting. Be your own knowledge center. Use
your time wisely. Ask thoughtful, professional questions that you want
to know the answers to.
Just like a regular interview, clarify time, date, and location. Arrive
10 minutes early. Dress business professional, or “smart casual”
depending on the industry.
Always ask the contact what you can do for them. This is not a one-
way relationship. There are always ways that we can help one
another, even if the person is more experienced.
What questions to ask?
1. What’s a typical day like?
2. Why does this type of work interest you? How did you get started in the
industry?
3. What’s the best piece of advice that you received?
4. I’ve read that ___________ is a current trend/best practice in the industry.
Can you elaborate on it? How does your organization incorporate it?
5. What advice do you have for new professionals in the field?
6. ***(Google to find more informational interview questions. Create your own
and tailor them to the person you are speaking with. Ask questions that make
sense for your contact at the organization.)***
Next Steps
Send thank you email to Jeremy expressing gratitude
Add Jeremy on LinkedIn
See who Jeremy is connected with
Complete homework or follow up tasks the Jeremy recommended
Thank Simone again for the introduction, and let her know you met with
Jeremy
Outreach to contacts that he gave you to set up more informational
interviews.
You are not job searching. You are interview searching. You are finding
professionals to meet with in person.
Questions and Discussion
Thank you!
----
Maria Tomaino
Associate Director, Alumni Career Services
[email protected] |@mtomain |305-348-3334
To schedule an appointment: FIUalumni.com/career