![\"a](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/center-professional-education\/files\/2020\/07\/a-man-holding-a-silhoutted-tablet-with-a-mixed-media-social-networking-concept-design-on-it.jpg\")
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You take your professional development course, excel in your externship, ace your certification exam, and then\u2026<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to tackle the job hunt.<\/p>\n
When I googled the words \u201cjob hunting is\u2026\u201d I found results like “hard. Stressful. Humiliating. Exhausting.\u201d Needless to say, job hunting can be intimidating, but there are many tools available to make the job search process easier. One of my favorite tools is the online networking platform LinkedIn, and I will share a few tips to make your networking experience more successful.<\/p>\n
In the most basic of terms, LinkedIn<\/a> is a social network for professionals. You build \u201cconnections\u201d (similar to the concept of friends on Facebook) that you can interact with by messaging or commenting on one another’s posts. Your profile is essentially a resume where you can list your work experience, education, and accomplishments. Other LinkedIn users have the ability to endorse your skills and write recommendations for you.<\/p>\n Many LinkedIn users join groups where they can network with other users in their industry, or they use LinkedIn Learning<\/a> to master relevant skills. One of the most popular ways to use LinkedIn is to talk to recruiters and search for jobs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n To search for jobs in a specific industry and location:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Building connections on LinkedIn is important. It shows potential employers that you are credible, and by doing so, you are more visible to potential employers. There are many specific ways to build connections\u2014through alumni, LinkedIn groups, and advanced search. This article is hitting the basics, though, and the most basic way to build connections is to connect with those already in your social circle. These users can be family, friends, and coworkers (past and present), but also acquaintances or those you have connected with on other social media channels. Send personalized notes to those you are messaging, especially those you haven\u2019t spoken to in a while. You can always say, “Hi, Lydia! It’s been a while, and I hope you are doing well. I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and learn about your professional endeavors. Have a wonderful day!”<\/p>\n There are two basic ways to quickly and effectively build connections with those already in your network:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n First, you may be wondering, \u201cWhat even is a recruiter?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n The Business Directory<\/a> definition says a recruiter is “an individual who works to fill job openings in businesses or organizations. Recruiters will work from resumes or by actively soliciting individuals qualified for positions.”<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn, use the top left-hand search bar and begin looking for recruiters in your industry. (For example, when I typed in \u201chealthcare recruiter,\u201d the screenshot at the end of this section popped up on my screen).<\/p>\n You can also filter recruiters by location or company at the top of the screen.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re ready to reach out to a recruiter, click on their profile and hit the \u201cConnect\u201d button. I strongly suggest adding a personalized message with your request that includes your name and why you are connecting with them. Look for ways to establish common ground (for example, you attended the same university), and use those commonalities to add a more personal touch. For example, let\u2019s say I am messaging a healthcare recruiter named Derek Smith. I can send a message like:<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Derek. I noticed you attended Lee University. I am part of the Class of 2019 and would love to connect with other alumni! I am actually looking for a new opportunity as a medical auditor in the Chattanooga area. I would appreciate any words of advice or guidance you might possibly have. Would you be interested in connecting and having a conversation?\u201d<\/p>\n Later, you\u2019ll want to send a follow-up message to connections that accept your request to further establish your relationship. When talking to recruiters, it\u2019s important to be genuine, listen intently to what they have to say, and ask great questions. Check out more in-depth advice<\/a> on how to speak to recruiters who have accepted your invitation to connect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another piece of networking advice that I find valuable is a quote by Heminia Ibarra, FBA, who is an organizational behavior professor at London Business School. She pinned the quote, \u201cNetworking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority.\u201d This reminds me that I can\u2019t network for two hours during one day and expect results. Networking requires dedication, time, and effort. However, the results that come from networking, like a potential job opportunity or a new relationship, make the hard work worthwhile.<\/p>\n You now know what to do, so go after that job you want and use your LinkedIn skills to do so. Happy networking!<\/p>\n Connect with m<\/span>e<\/span>\u00a0on\u00a0<\/span>LinkedIn.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You take your professional development course, excel in your externship, ace your certification exam, and then\u2026 It\u2019s time to tackle the job hunt. When I googled the words \u201cjob hunting is\u2026\u201d I found results like “hard. Stressful. Humiliating. Exhausting.\u201d Needless to say, job hunting can be intimidating, but there are many tools available to make… <\/p>\n![\"LinkedIn](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/center-professional-education\/files\/2020\/07\/LinkedIn-Profile.png\")
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HOW DO I USE LINKEDIN TO SEARCH FOR JOBS?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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![\"LinkedIn](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/center-professional-education\/files\/2020\/07\/LinkedIn-Job-Search.png\")
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HOW DO I BUILD CONNECTIONS?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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![\"LinkedIn](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/center-professional-education\/files\/2020\/07\/LinkedIn-My-Network.png\")
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HOW DO I TALK TO RECRUITERS? <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"LinkedIn](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/center-professional-education\/files\/2020\/07\/LinkedIn-Recruitment.png\")
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\nABOUT THE AUTHOR:<\/h4>\n
![\"Marah](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/center-professional-education\/files\/2020\/06\/bio.png\")
Hi! My name is Marah Whitaker (think Laura with an M). I am the Marketing Assistant for UTC Center for Professional Education. During the workday, I spend time writing blog posts, creating content for social media, <\/span>developing<\/span>\u00a0email campaigns, and building relationships with our customer base.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>During my free time, you can find me getting lost in a good book, having spontaneous dance parties, playing piano, and going to Buffalo Wild Wings on Wing Night.<\/span>\u00a0Professionally and personally, I\u00a0<\/span>aspire<\/span>\u00a0to live by the Mr.\u00a0<\/span>Feeny<\/span>\u00a0quote, \u201cDream. Believe. Try. Do Good.\u201d I strive to use my passions to\u00a0<\/span>serve<\/span>\u00a0others and contribute positively to the world around me.<\/span><\/p>\n