In our last Self-Marketing-themed post, we took a look at how the web has revolutionized job search and how one can optimize his or her resume through keywords and personal SEO. Today I would like to discuss the career benefits of social networking and blogging.
Linked-In and Career-Focused Social Networking
Linked-In is a career-focused social networking service that allows one to communicate, connect and reach out to colleagues, acquaintances, and old friends. On a personal level, Linked-In helps people stay in touch like never before. One might argue that Linked-In has revolutionized professional networking for both employers and prospective employees.
On a business level, Linked-In allows one to search for contacts at any company in the world. One can look for people to reach out to and connect with those who maintain similar interests. After an in-person networking event, it is also common to connect with others on Linked-In after exchanging business cards as well.
If you have an interview at a company, in many cases, you can find out crucial information on the person or company that you will be meeting with via Linked-In. For example, if you were interviewing for a job at Marketing.fm, you would be able to find out important information about Eric and myself from our profile. Perhaps we have a friend in common or at the very least, you may have a better understanding of your interviewer. Recruiters can use the service to find ideal candidates through advanced search features.
It is worth noting: while Linked-In is very much embraced by those in the interactive space, the network has spread well beyond the seemingly tech-savvy. It is has participants in all industries and professions.
If you don’t have a Linked-In profile yet, sign-up here: LinkedIn.com
View Lee Jones’s profile
Related Links:
Self-Marketing 2.0 Part 1: Job Search & Personal SEO
Self-Marketing 2.0 Part 2: Blogs
Marketing Podcast #8: Paul Forster, CEO of Indeed.com
[tags] linked-in, marketing.fm, social networking, networking, linked in, self-marketing 2.0 [/tags]
