Is LinkedIn an Important Job Search Tool?
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Just when I thought most all executives knew the importance of having a LinkedIn profile during job search, I ran into Fletch Jones (not his real name). Fletch doesn’t have a LinkedIn profile, nor does he think it is important. In fact, he told me he was a very private person and stayed away from social media altogether. I asked him how that was working for him, and he said (and I quote), “No one is contacting me. I do not like to network or brag about myself so that’s why I’m calling you.”



Fletch Jones is a CFO with a global company and has been in the workforce for 20+ years, so it’s not like he is not aware of the global presence of social media. He just chooses not to participate.



Well it took some convincing to get this client to agree to test the waters and create a LinkedIn profile. We first had to create his brand to optimize his chances for success. He needed to tell the readers of his LinkedIn profile who he is, his strengths, and achievements, and what he can do for his next employer. This branding statement had to be very carefully crafted because Fletch was conducting his job search while still employed, so he wanted to stay “under the radar.”



Next, we went through the sections of LinkedIn to complete the headline, summary, experience, skills & expertise, groups, education, additional interests and honors & awards. Once that was done, he was ready to publish his profile and get started networking.



Here is what happened after he launched his profile:



First day: A recruiter contacted Fletch to make inquiries about his employment status and possible interest in a position he was trying to fill.



First week: Many friends, current and former colleagues and bosses reached out to Fletch to connect. Several people that had lost touch with him over the years wanted to reconnect. One person in particular knew of a job opportunity and was trying to find Fletch to tell him about this position.



Second week: Fletch was using LinkedIn groups and searching tools to look up and connect to companies and people he was interested in.



By the end of a month: Fletch had two interviews as a direct result of his LinkedIn profile and connections. Within 90 days he was offered a position with a former colleague’s company.



This may not be typical results, however, if you are not generating the interest of recruiters, hiring managers, and former colleagues and bosses, you may need to invest some time on your LinkedIn profile. It is the first thing your contacts check before they meet or connect with you. An incomplete or ineffective profile can be the cause of missed opportunities.