Creative Job Search: Internet and Social Media (LinkedIn)
Short Summary:
This workshop focuses on creative job searching using the internet and social media, particularly LinkedIn. Key points include leveraging online job boards (Indeed, Dice, ZipRecruiter, Minnesota Works), the importance of networking (both traditional and social media), avoiding mass applications, and building a strong LinkedIn profile to achieve "All-Star" status. The speaker emphasizes the power of informational interviews and direct contact with hiring managers. Specific methods like tailoring resumes, verifying job legitimacy, and utilizing LinkedIn's interview prep tool are detailed. The implications are increased job search success through a more targeted and personalized approach, moving beyond passive online applications.
Detailed Summary:
The workshop begins by posing a question about how attendees found their last jobs, highlighting the shift towards online job searching and networking. The speaker then outlines the workshop's goals: exploring various job search methods, comparing job boards (especially Minnesota Works' advantages as a vetted, free state resource), emphasizing networking strategies (cold calling, elevator pitches, informational interviews), and demonstrating the enduring role of social media.
The next section focuses on effective online job searching. The speaker warns against mass applications and using AI-powered resume-sending services, advocating for direct application through company websites and prioritizing high-fit positions with tailored resumes. They stress verifying job legitimacy and contacting hiring managers directly to obtain complete job descriptions and closing dates. A useful tool for finding similar job titles is mentioned.
A significant portion is dedicated to Minnesota Works, highlighting its free access and vetted employer base, minimizing scams. The speaker demonstrates how to search for remote jobs on the platform. LinkedIn's job-seeker ratio (3:1 jobs to resumes) is presented as favorable. The speaker also discusses the platform's allowance of five separate resumes, emphasizing skill-based rather than chronological formatting (though noting limitations for company portals and interviews). A future resume-writing workshop is promoted.
The workshop then delves into networking, emphasizing the importance of personal connections ("75% of us are going to find jobs through people we know"). A poll explores the size of an average person's network, revealing the vast potential of leveraging connections. The concept of "six degrees of separation" is updated to reflect the power of social media in connecting individuals.
Informational interviews are explained as a crucial strategy. A step-by-step process is outlined: organizing questions, practicing, choosing a quiet environment, dressing appropriately, and smiling during the call. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a light-hearted conversation focused on learning about the company, rather than immediately asking about job openings or salary. Following up with a thank-you note is also recommended.
The role of social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, X) is discussed. The speaker cautions against inappropriate posts on Facebook and X, recommending a Google search of oneself to check online presence. LinkedIn is presented as a professional networking platform, and achieving "All-Star" status is strongly encouraged. The speaker details the steps to achieve this status, including adding a professional profile picture, crafting a compelling headline and summary, listing skills and experience, and building connections. The use of AI tools for content creation is discussed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's own voice.
The final section focuses on strategies for LinkedIn, including starting fresh with a new account if necessary, engaging with connections, following companies, sharing articles and commenting on posts, and utilizing LinkedIn's video features and hashtags, including the "open to work" banner. The session concludes with a Q&A addressing questions about LinkedIn's paid features, the impact of pregnancy announcements on job searches, and seeking assistance with LinkedIn profile creation. The speaker also mentions LinkedIn's interview prep tool.