LinkedIn: More Than Just a Profile

Since its launch in 2003, LinkedIn has become a popular networking tool for job seekers and employers alike. Many people currently use LinkedIn as they would a job board, like CareerBuilder or Dice, by creating a profile highlighting their professional accomplishments. Only creating a LinkedIn profile is not enough - it requires interaction.

There are many tools job seekers can utilize within LinkedIn to increase their visibility. Joining applicable LinkedIn groups and participating in group discussions with other LinkedIn users are key ways to gain attention from potential employers. Within these groups, be sure to share information and news articles you find relevant and applicable to other professionals in your field. Also, do not hesitate to connect with other LinkedIn users based on similar interests and career backgrounds. In addition, LinkedIn compiles the “Top Influencers” for display weekly on the right side of each group’s page. By having this title for even one week, you can seriously increase your credibility and influence within the group.

Another method to increase your visibility is to connect your Twitter page and professional or personal blog to your LinkedIn account. Potential employers are extremely likely to click through them to get a better understanding of your professional interests and growth goals if these sites are connected. If you have these additional outlets, make sure to post frequent updates to show you enjoy learning and growing in your career. Also, similar to LinkedIn groups, these are great channels to share interesting articles and pertinent information with your connections.

Becoming an active member on LinkedIn is a great idea if you are serious about increasing your web presence. Do NOT neglect your profiles and groups once you start them! Treat your profile as you would your resume, with consistent updates of new skills and experience. You never know who may come across your information. By practicing these easy strategies, you may end up being presented new opportunities you never thought about!

- Thomas Ferrer
Recruiting Assistant
thomas.ferrer@synergishr.com

Filling in the Blank — Targeting the “Right” Recruiter for You

A few weeks ago I was at lunch with a friend and colleague that I had placed with a client. His phone rang four times in the hour we were together. Every call was followed by a 30 second message from a monotone recruiter about a “position in the Atlanta area.” Looking at his face and seeing his annoyance, I knew what was coming out of his mouth next—“I think that IT Recruiters
are ____.”

Unfortunately, many people would fill in the blank with some negative words (like my friend did) and rightly so. There are many instances where recruiters can be compared to the characters in the movie The Boiler Room; utilizing high pressure methods and appearing more concerned with money than with you, the candidate.

How can you benefit from a positive relationship with a recruiter and take advantage of their resources to further your career? Simple—find a good recruiter and start building a relationship. Here are a few traits of the “right” recruiter:

1. Your recruiter should be personable, should set expectations regarding feedback and interviews, and should follow-up appropriately.

2. Your recruiter should understand what you are looking for—not only where your next 6 month contract will be, but where you want to be in 3, 5, or even 10 years.

3. Your recruiter should be actively involved in the IT community and attend networking events related to your background.

4. Your recruiter should be truly knowledgeable on a functional level about what you do as well as the interworkings of the organizations your recruiter represents.

If your recruiter has these traits, then you most likely have a trusted partner. Once such relationship is established, you should maintain contact and touch base occasionally even if you’re not currently looking. Talk about your current role, what you enjoy and dislike, and then dig into what openings are on the market that might be a fit for you. It is important to know what the market is bearing to help with many aspects of your career growth. Remember, a great relationship with someone who is connected to companies in your market is a great asset. Cultivate your relationship with the “right” recruiter and reap the rewards.

- John Wagner
Technical Recruiter
john.wagner@synergishr.com

Death of the Job Board?

All good things must come to an end. Do you remember the rush of going to an arcade to play PacMan? Now, arcades have been replaced with pocket sized smartphones! If you are a Human Resource professional that remembers how the fax replaced snail mail, thus cutting time to fill ratios like a chef at a hibachi bar, raise your hand!

In the mid to late 90’s a recruiting phenomenon occurred, candidates in one easily accessible location! Just plug in few key words and PRESTO a resume that fit your needs (seemingly). The job boards quickly took off and next thing you know everyone was spending tens of thousands of dollars for one year license. The downside, we stopped interacting/socializing with candidates.

Alas, just this month a Wall Street Journal newspaper article (*newspapers are on the endangered list much like my beloved PacMan) stated “24% of companies plan to decrease their usage of 3rd party employment websites and job boards this year”. So why has this happened? The answer is simple, the evolution of social technology.

In the upcoming months look for jobs boards to socially evolve their technology and perhaps mimic the success of social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook. The term “social” is key, as recruiters and human resource professionals will be required to embrace their natural social instincts and search for candidates in old ways with newer tools!

Alex Putman
VP, Workforce Solutions
alex.putman@synergishr.com