6 Reasons Why LinkedIn Is So Critical In A Job Search

From Impact Hiring Solutions

A
candidate recently asked me, "How do I find a hiring manager in a large
company like Microsoft?" There are a lot of ways to do this but one of
the easiest and best is using LinkedIn. When I recommended this to the
candidate he completely agreed, however, the problem was he only had
about 60 connections. Too few to be effective.

So often I speak with candidates that just
don't understand the value of LinkedIn as a job search tool. We
constantly are sent invitations to join someone's network only to find
after months of searching they are just now starting build a LinkedIn
network. You should consider building your LinkedIn networking all the time. NOT JUST WHEN IN A JOB SEARCH.

Some benefits to a large LinkedIn database of contacts:

1. People can find you. The more people at the second and third
   degrees of separation the more times you will show up in a search. For
   example, I have around 500 contacts. However, I am linked to over 5
   million people on LinkedIn. When I search for a candidate that is a
   huge database.


2. LinkedIn will eliminate the need for resume databases on Ladders,
   Monster, Careerbuilder and other job boards. This is because it costs
   on average between 5,000 and 10,000 dollars to have access to these
   resume databases. LinkedIn is free. Why would a recruiter or any
   company pay that when we can use LinkedIn for free.


3. Resumes databases by the job boards are not pick up by Google or
   any search engine. These are the ones you want to make sure you show up
   on. LinkedIn is and you can even improve your search results for as
   little as $25 a month. (See prior blog article SEO Your Search On
   Google)


4. It helps you find the people you want an introduction to. This is
   very powerful. I have helped numerous people with introductions as a
   result of LinkedIn. On a weekly basis I receive requests indicating
   they found a person in my connections and would I make an introduction.
   I always agree.


5. Even when working this is a great tool for resources, customer
   contacts and introductions, references, service providers and even
   potential hires for you or your company.


6. On a personal basis it is a great way to stay in-touch with
   friends, colleagues, prior employees and networking contacts. When you
   update your profile they will get a notice and likewise when they
   update theirs.

Work hard at building your connections.
Make every effort to reach that magic 500+. If you use Outlook download
the LinkedIn tool bar. It makes inviting people very easy.

There are many more positives to building
your LinkedIn network than there are negatives. Many have resisted. I
believe this recession has proven to be good thing for everyone's
network.

If you have other ideas share them by adding a comment. Lets help everyone build a strong network.

A good way to start is building a network
is making sure your profile is complete. If it isn't start there and
then begin expanding your contacts. Don't miss the opportunity to get a
high ranking on Google.