Free eBook- Using the Social Web to Find Work

“Using the Social Web to Find Word” finally found its way to me. Thank you for writing it.

I agree with and will use much of what you say. However you comment that you “have a problem with the notion of traditional networking, in the social sense. [You] perceive networking to mean those cocktail gatherings where you stand around and ask each other what you can do for each other.” I've found “traditional networking” to be much more valuable and powerful than that. I'll invite a colleague out for coffee and brainstorming over a new challenge. Or I'll sit down with someone who has a job in an industry I want to approach. A few sincere questions to get them started, and the conversation is running. We both learn something before the time is up.

Oh, and it works with folks you met at those cocktail parties or Chamber events. Follow up that initial meeting with a request for a 30-minute conversation. Then close that session with another question: “Who else do you suggest I talk to about this?” Time very well spent.

You the man brogan, you the man!

Chris,

I just finished reviewing your book. And I made sure all links came back to this original post: http://twurl.nl/1m3zuh

Your LinkedIn advice was spot on, but I had some reservations about the Twitter advice.

How would job seekers “collaborate” when what they really want is a chance to speak with a hiring manager. You mention sharing the database. But I had a hard time making the connection for Job Seekers. How would that work, exactly?

Did you know that an applicant has about 36 minutes to submit their application in Craigslist, from the time it was posted? Probably the most intelligent use of Craigslist is to use it to find companies in your area that are hiring. After that, it makes better sense to leverage LinkedIn or Twitter for networking, then to apply.

You mention having a photo on our blogs or LinkedIn profiles. I actually think this is a VERY important point you make. To emphasize it, here is a story:

A recruiter friend had a client with a perfect resume. His LinkedIn profile was in tip-top shape so he was baffled why he wasn't getting call backs.

The recruiter came in to help and took one look at his profile photo. He looked liked an Axe Murderer. I kid you not.

So she had him change his photo to something more dynamic.

Literally, in 7 days he had 3 job offers. Not just call backs or interview. But Offers!

This fact scares a lot of HR folks because of the social implications. But the fact remains that people make emotional decisions about people, just like how we shop for breakfast cereal. We might not know how it tastes, but we like the packaging and buy it.

I offer these 3 tips for making a compelling LinkedIn profile photo:

1- avoid facing the camera strait on. Instead, stand to the side and rotate your head to face the camera. Then tilt. This makes for a more dynamic negative space around our head.

2- Try smiling!

3- There isn't a lot of space to capture background images, but you can still get patterns and color. Choose a background that is suitable to your brand:

Orange: Determination, Vitality
Green: Fresh, natural, Green industries
Red: Power, risk, aggressive
Yellow: Bright, visionary
Purple: Mystery, wealth, spiritual
Blue: Credibility, trust and loyalty

My full review is here: http://twurl.nl/1m3zuh

That’s something,That's what I was thinking.Brilliant idea.

Thanks, Chris. I'm sharing your helpful e-book with people through my work at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services in Cincinnati.

Thanks Chris! Some great info that I can research for my presentation on using social media to help find jobs for TechConnect Ohio. I’ll add this link and of course give you credit. {hugs}

Social sites are extremely effective if you are able to sell yourself and not afraid to call strangers. Utilise everything possible to find your ideal job. I connect to various people each day on LinkedIn and they are able to view our latest jobs (or my latest chatter) instantly. It’s a no brainer!

Thanks for your generosity Chris. Looks really useful.