EXERCISE PROPER ONLINE NETWORKING ETIQUETTE

Many of the same guidelines for in-person networking apply to the online version, just in a different format. Keep the following tips in mind to retain good relations with your connections in LinkedIn and other cyber spaces:

Never come across as desperate or as begging for something. This is the surest way to turn others off.

Avoid shouting. The use of ALL CAPS in your message is generally interpreted as shouting and rude, not as an enhancement to emphasize certain information.

Avoid spamming. Be genuine in your interactions. Relationships flourish through using the personal touch, not as coming across like a form letter. In the age of information overload, take care in crafting your communications.

Offer advice or assistance without coming across as preachy. Give freely to others -- it will pay off later.

Avoid sounding generic. Only comment when you have something meaningful or authentic to add. Create invitation messages rather than relying on the standard template to grow new connections in LinkedIn.

Treat others' time as valuable. Avoid long messages. Get to the point quickly, concisely, and succinctly.

Stay positive. Any messages that sound like whining won't get too far.

As always, treating others with respect and courtesy is essential to nurturing our relationships.

CHECK YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE BEFORE EMPLOYERS DO

Recruiters and HR professionals now routinely conduct online investigations of candidates as part of their background checks. Do you know what they will uncover when they look into your online identity? To find out "Google" your own name to see what comes up. Be sure to include your middle initial in this test, as well as on your resume, LinkedIn Profile, and on all applications you complete. Another option is using a free background check website or app, such as www.pipl.com.

Online identity management has become more of a priority in job hunts. The good news is that you can influence what someone finds by building up content through the use of social media profiles, blogs, comments, and other tools. Brand consistency is important to keep in mind. Your resume and LinkedIn Profile may not be exactly the same, but they should be supportive of each other. Be sure that employer names, job titles, degrees, dates, statistics, etc. match.

If you don't check your online identity, there could be surprises out there easily accessed by potential employers.

POWERFUL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO ASK

People often struggle with figuring out what might be good questions to ask potential employers. It's helpful to strike a balance between insightfulness and avoidance of intrusiveness. Here are a few questions for you to consider.

WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES FOR THE PERSON HIRED INTO THIS POSITION?

This inquiry opens a new way for you to explore with the interviewer the value of your qualifications. If you are a quick thinker, you may be able to illustrate how you could effectively meet such challenges.

HOW IS PERFORMANCE IN THIS POSITION EVALUATED?

A thorough understanding of accountabilities can help you determine how good of a match you are for the job. It also provides another opportunity to leverage the strengths you have to offer. The answer to this question sometimes reveals a peak into the work culture. Is a team approach important? Are expectations clear and realistic?

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT ME TO HELP CLARIFY HOW WELL I FIT THE POSITION?

Asked near the end, this gives the interviewers an opportunity to consider your match for the position within the interview, not just afterwards. Then you have the chance to address any concerns that are brought up.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO HEAR FROM YOU AS TO THE NEXT STEP?

As a closing question, this encourages specificity in an area where interviewers can often be vague.

It is also a good idea to develop a question or two based upon your research of the company. First, it shows you care enough about the position to gather information, and secondly, the answers can give you more of an "insider view" of the move you are considering.

Strategically preparing questions to ask for interviews can expand your sense of power in this social dynamic.

ELEVATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE SO YOUR TALENTS CAN BE DISCOVERED

Having a strong profile is only the first step in actively using LinkedIn as part of a strategic job search. Take steps to make it easier for recruiters to find you. Here are some tips that will help:

Review your profile to make sure it is optimized for searches. Be sure that:

·         The headline promotes your personal brand. Use up to 120 characters (the limit) to succinctly communicate your career value; incorporate powerful keywords in both the headline and summary.

·         The skills and expertise section is full of keywords representing skills employers will be seeking. You can include up to 50; take full advantage of this. Keywords drive search results. Because LinkedIn now uses this section for endorsements, it’s likely that the power of keywords will become even stronger.

·         Your profile is as complete as possible. Recently LinkedIn inserted a sidebar graph that indicates the completeness of each profile.

Strive to acquire as many connections as possible. Few actions will help elevate your visibility in searches as securing a large number of connections. How many? That will depend upon your career field and how much you connect with people through your work. People in sales should have a very high number (500 or more). Overall, 250 is a good round number to shoot for in many cases.

Check off that you’re interested in receiving information on career opportunities. To do so, go to account settings; email preferences; types of messages you’re willing to receive. However, be cautious in doing this if your job search is confidential. Your current employer could discover you are seeking new employment.

Join groups. Not only will this help increase your searchability, but it holds potential to substantially strengthen your online network. Participate in group discussions.

Conduct job searches using the LinkedIn Jobs tab on the top menu. Advanced job searches can be filtered by keywords, job title, region, and other criteria.

Stay connected with organizations in which you are interested. Use the Company tab on the top menu to find, research, and follow businesses. Explore second and third-level connections you may have with the company.

Become comfortable with LinkedIn by using it on a regular basis. As with anything, practice builds skills.

People hire people, and one of the wonderful things about LinkedIn is the way it opens up new relationships and possibilities.