Not Widely Known But Incredibly Helpful LinkedIn Feature

I usually steer away from writing about LinkedIn because the user interface changes on what seems to be a daily basis (slight exaggeration but not by much). I have found though that a significant number of people are not aware of a feature that has been in LinkedIn for a while that is very helpful. It allows you to track how you met a contact, record additional contact information for and notes about that person, organize and lookup your contacts into groupings (tags) – groups that you define, and to set periodic reminders to reach out to your contact.

Here is my disclaimer. LinkedIn may (probably will) change the user interface at any time. This article was based on the interface as of this writing (Dec 2014). Also since LinkedIn changes frequently, I suggest backing up or recording the information in another place as well.

 Where to find these features

These features work for your first level connections only. Go into a first level contact’s profile and under their picture, you will see two tabs: Relationship preceded by a star and Contact Info preceded by an icon of a rolodex file tab.

It is important to know that only you can see the information you are entering into these fields.

Relationship

There are multiple features under the Relationship tab.

Note

The field under this option allows you to document information you would like to retain about this person either about them or about conversations you had with them.  

Job Seeker Tip: A person with strong interpersonal skills remembers things about the other person to show that they care. Since memory does not get better with age, this is a place you can store that information in order to personalize your conversations with them.   

Reminder

The option allows you to set a periodic reminder (day, week, month or recurring) and a field to record a note about what it is you want to remember to do.

Job Seeker Tip: Job security does not come from a job title, company, or industry. Instead job security today comes from keeping your skills up, your experience current, and your network active. To keep your network active you need to stay in touch. It is not the number of people you meet but the depth of the contact. Set a reminder so you stay in touch with each of your contacts on a regular basis; your closer contacts you will want to stay in touch with on a more regular basis but you should reach out to everyone at least once a year.  This feature can help with that.

How You Met

At the bottom of the Relationship window is the date you connected with this person on LinkedIn. If however, you have a number of contacts or like me have a less than strong memory, it is good to remember how you know each other. There is a large note field as well as a separate field to enter the name of the person who introduced you. As you enter the name this field is automatically propagated (autotype) using the names of your LinkedIn contacts that match.

Job Seeker Tip: When you are out networking and receive a business / network card from someone, in addition to what it is you want to get back to them about, note on the back of the card where and when you met them. Once you connect on LinkedIn, you can enter that information into LinkedIn using this feature.

Tag  

At the top of the Relationship and Contact Info window are the tags (groupings) associated with this contact. Hovering over the tag there is a message displaying “See contacts tagged ” indicating that you can look up others with this same tag in your contact list.

This lookup feature did not return a list for me. It is either because most of my connections are all of the same type and I didn’t wait long enough or this feature is not working at this moment.

When you click Tag on the Relationship window, a list of options with checkboxes will display. The option that was used when you initially connected on LinkedIn (the answer to How do You Know…) will be checked. You can check more than one tag for this person which puts them into other searchable groupings for you.  To remove a tag from a person, just unclick that box.

Also under this option you can add a new tag and manage tags.

Add New Tag

Once you click Add New Tag, a single field will display where you enter in the name of the new tag you are adding and then click Save. This tag will now display in your available tag list.  

Manage Tags

Under the Manage Tag option, you can rename (edit) tags or delete tags to remove them from your available tags list.

 

Contact Info

The Contact Info tab has specific information fields for your contact that are propagated from the person’s LinkedIn profile or you can enter them including e-mail, Birthday, IM address, Phone, Address, and websites.

Job Seekers Tip: You may have the e-mail addresses or phone numbers of people you didn’t even know you had.

More?

If you have any additional tips regarding these options I encourage you to go to the original article on my blog (RightChangesJobSearchCoach.blogspot.com) and comment on this article. Be sure to test them before submitting them.

Being Laid Off - Know Your Rights

There is a good web site recommended by the best consumer advocate Clark Howard for finding out about your rights when your employment is being terminated.


Go to www.nolo.com.


Of course the law in every state is different but there are some very good guidelines to use when determining your rights. Check these BEFORE signing anything.  


More:
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Now is the time to be prepared for the interview before you get the call. As Coach Wooden says "When opportunity knocks, it is too late to prepare. "

Holiday Special: Go to our online store at www.mkt.com before Christmas eve (12/24/14) and purchase the Customized Film Mock Interview for only $175 and save $50 off the normal price of $225 which is valued at over $300. The package can be used in 2015. This is a limited time offer.  

So What Will You Do Differently in Your Search TODAY?

You are looking for a job. It is hard; finding a job is hard. The job market is tough. You have worked hard at it. You have applied to what seems like thousands of jobs and not landed one yet. If you are a Boomer, you wonder if it is your age. If you are a recent graduate, you wonder if it is your lack of experience – but then how do you get experience without a job? You start to doubt yourself and wonder if it is you.


It is hard! But think about what Einstein said “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”


Now that you agree that what you have been doing isn’t working, what will you do differently TODAY? 


Many job seekers don’t even know where to start to get objective and professional feedback on their marketing materials, their job search approach, or their interpersonal skills (which makes up 50% of what companies are looking for).

 

 

Here are some questions to ask and articles that will help you but only if you implement the changes NOW:

 

1. If you have “references available upon request” on your resume, if you start out with an objective statement that says what YOU want, or if you updated your resume without looking at what companies are looking for, and if your bullets are job description then you need help.

Help

Business Cards: http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2011/08/job-seekers-do-you-have-all-of-right.html

Resume: http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2014_02_01_archive.html

Cover Letter:

http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2014_08_01_archive.html

Networking Guide: http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

Accomplishments

http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html

 

 

1. If your primary job search strategy has been to apply on-line and network with unemployed people, then you need help.

 

Help

Target Company List: http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2014/11/why-and-how-to-work-target-company-list.html

 

Job Search Checklist:

http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2014_04_01_archive.html

 

The 5 Deadly Sins of the Job Search (videos)

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+5+deadly+sins+of+the+job+search

 

 

1. If you haven’t taken training in the past month, you are letting your skills atrophy and you need help.

Help

 

Free Training: http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2012/08/keep-your-skills-up-or-learn-new-ones.html

 

1. If you could play the character of Eeyore in the story Pooh, then you need help.

 

Help

 

http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html

 

http://www.rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2011/03/4-killer-job-search-mistakes-part-1.html

 

It only costs $25 to get an initial hour with a professional job search coach who can review your marketing materials and assess your job search approach to date, share a lot of information that can get you moving forward with more success. Go to our web site and complete the Contact Us Form. Is that insane? No – staying stuck is.  

 

Judi Adams

www.RightChanges.biz

Why and How to Work a Target Company List

If you are searching for a new job, either because you are without one or because you are one of the 73+% of people who are disengaged in their current jobs, then you need to have a list of five to ten target companies you strongly want to work for.

 

Many job seekers have been told they need target companies but may not have been told what to do with them. This very comprehensive article will explain the purpose of a target company list as well as how to use it.

Why Target Specific Companies

 

Let us dispel a common misconception up front. By having a target company list does not mean you would not take a job with another company. If the job comes along, of course consider it.

 

There are two statistics that too many job seekers do not know about that impact their chances of success. First, job seekers have a 50 times great chance of landing a job with an employee connection. Second, the majority of jobs (up to 85%) are NOT posted on-line; this is referred to as the “hidden job market”. Therefore, job seekers need to get out and seek opportunities. If you have to work to get a job, it might as well be for the 5-10 companies that are your “oh my gosh, I’d love to work for…” companies or as one client calls them “OMG’s”.  Once you see below what it takes to “work” these companies, you will understand why there should not be more than ten companies on your list.

 

How to Identify Your Target Companies

 

Each job seeker looks for different things in the companies they want to work for. Some people want a reasonable commute. Some people favor a company with a great reputation. Other people choose small companies, while others prefer large companies.

 

Larger metropolitan areas have a business paper that publishes an annual Book of Lists. (You can conduct an internet search to see if your area has one). It is a great resource for getting lists of fabulous companies in your region you may not even know about.  

 

Another great, free tool for identifying companies is on online database available at www.data.com. [See http://rightchangesjobsearchcoach.blogspot.com/2014/04/free-tool-to-locate-companies-get.html for how to use data.com].

How to Work Your Target Company List

 

One way you will use your target company list is to see who you know, or who you know who knows, someone that works there. You will also use the list to see what groups and associations that people who work in your target companies belong to and attend. The goal is to come alongside and meet employees of your target companies so they get to know, like, then trust you and help you get into the company.

 

Finding People

 

Using LinkedIn, search people who work for that company. In the drop box to the left of the Search field at the top of the LinkedIn screen, select the People option and then click the Advanced option on the right of the Search box without entering anything into the field.

 

In the subsequent search criteria fields, enter the company name in the Company field and select the Current option under the Company field.

 

In the Postal Code field, enter your local postal code (also known as zip code), in the Within box select a distance that will include your target area, then click the Search button.

 

The resulting list are people you (1^st level connections) or someone you know knows (2^nd level connections) or people in groups you belong to.

 

 For second level connections, click the name of the contact and on the right side of their profile you will see in the section titled How You're Connected the person in your network who is the connection to that person. If you know the intermediate contact well, you can request an introduction to the person in your target company whether using the LinkedIn Get Introduction option or via e-mail.

Finding Groups

 

Whether you know the person or not, and whether or not you get an introduction, you can use LinkedIn to find a way to “come alongside of them” in person at association meetings (this is the best method) or in LinkedIn groups.

 

For the 1^st and 2^nd level people who work at your target companies and are in your field or one related to it, look at the Groups section in their individual profiles.  Make note of the Groups they belong to.

 

A rule of thumb for knowing if a LinkedIn group is just a LinkedIn group or if it has “in person” meetings as well is the group’s name. If there is a city or state mentioned in the group’s name then the group may have an “in person” component as well. Let me give an example. Say you are in the field of Human Resources. If someone belongs to SHRM-Atlanta (Society for Human Resource Management) , then it is very likely there are local meetings in Atlanta where you can meet people from your target companies.

 

Once you find groups that your target company contacts belong to, join and participate in both the LinkedIn and in-person groups.

 

Participating in Groups – LinkedIn

 

There are multiple purposes for participating in LinkedIn groups. Participating in LinkedIn groups can grow your knowledge of your industry, increase your visibility, and expand your network, all which increase your chances of landing a job you want.

 

Many people prefer to ease into participating in LinkedIn groups. The first step is to read the articles and discussions being posted by others in these groups and if you enjoy the information, “Like” the discussion. By liking the discussion, the person who posted the discussion will receive an e-mail with your name saying you liked their discussion.

 

The next step is to comment on a discussion. Understand that these comments should be well written; what you write reflects on you. Again an e-mail will be sent to the person who posted the discussion, as well as those who commented on the discussion before you, with your name along with your comments.

 

The ultimate step is to post your own discussion. You do not have to write your own original content; you can post a link to an article relevant to the group that someone else wrote (always give credit to the source) and invite comments. This can establish you as a subject matter expert.

 

Being active on LinkedIn will increase interest in you which you will see in the increased number of those who have viewed your profile.

Participating in Groups – In Person

 

Remember that people have a 50 times greater chance of landing a job with an employee connection. But most people will only help the job seeker if they know them. One of the best ways to get to know people is networking in person. The most productive networking is targeted networking which is going to the industry networking groups that people in your target companies frequent.

 

It is not considered networking if you just attend events; you must participate at these events. It is also not networking if it is only about you.

 

There are some good books that teach how to network and a “must read” in conjunction with any other resource is about Netweaving (Bob Littel). The point of Netweaving is to put others needs before your own, to help others before they help you, and to not take from others more than you give. Do not go to networking meeting just to see who can help you – that is not networking.

What Else to do With Target Companies

 

There are other ways a job seeker can use the list of 5 -10 companies they would really like to work for.

 

1. Follow your target companies on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Companies are posting important news and information (even jobs) on social media. You want to know that information in a timely fashion.

 

1. Your network of family, friends, and others want to help you in your job search. You may have told them what you want – the truth is that memory does not get better with age. Instead of asking them to remember what you are looking for, give them a Marketing Plan or what coach Judi Adams renamed the Networking Guide because it more clearly communicates the purpose for it – it is a guide for your network. For more information on the Networking Guide go to RightChangesJobSearchCoach.blogspot.com.
    

 

1. Set Google Alerts on your target companies. Companies usually only publish information that creates a positive spin on what they are doing. Google can find much more on the internet about your target companies than what the company wants you to find. You could repeatedly Google the companies but it makes more sense to put Google to work.  Set a Google Alert for each of your target companies so you can see what Google find when it finds it. To set a Google Alert, Google the term “Google Alert” and follow the prompts. Google will send you an e-mail with the subject line of “Google Alert” and the criteria you set. Then read the e-mails so you are on top of breaking information.

 

 

If you are searching for a job, leverage the power of a target company list to increase your chances of success.

 

 

Checklist: Job Search Success

If you are just embarking on a job search OR if you are struggling to find a job, you probably want to know what successful job seekers do to land the job they want.

I believe in the program developed by Crossroads Career Services for finding a job. I was a logic major in college and these steps are logical. There is an overarching strategy and 6-7 tactical steps.

Not many coaches give away the steps to their program for free. My passion is to help job seekers succeed and my goal is to help as many people as I can. So below I listed the tactical steps that my clients used to find their jobs. Go through the checklist and see which steps you completed and which ones you missed. I am confident that if you perform each step (without shortcutting or skipping any) you too will be successful.  In the instances where I previously published an article detailing a particular step, I included the link to that article.

Is it work? Yes. Anything worth pursuing takes work. Knowing what you need to do though will help you navigate this new and challenging job market so you too can land a job you WANT.  Leaving a step out or taking breaks from the job search may elongate your job search.

 

If you are missing steps, want or need help, secure the services of a successful and reputable job search coach. I am Judi Adams and my company RightChanges, the Affordable and Successful Job Search coach welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in your search.  The first hour is only $25. To reach us go to: http://www.rightchanges.biz/contact_us.

 

P.S.

If you would like to know the overall strategy, e-mail me at Judi@RightChanges.biz with the subject line “What is the strategy?”  I will e-mail it to you. 

 

P.P.S.

If you want to begin a Career Ministry or to find out more about Crossroads programs in your area go to www.crossroadscareer.org.

 

Job Search Success Checklist

 

Attitude
1	I understand and demonstrate by my actions my acceptance that the job market has changed
2	I have chosen a positive attitude and rarely speak negatively and then only to close friends and family http://bit.ly/1lddIdM
3	I do things  to keep my attitude positive
4	I read the book "Who Moved My Cheese" and decided I want to be more like Sniff and Scurry in my job search
5	I learned and use strong interpersonal skills such as active listening and how to read body language http://bit.ly/1hy3Q8O
Aptitude
1	I know my actual strengths (Strengths Finder 2.0)
2	I have documented over 50 of my accomplishments which I have used on my resume and to answer interview questions http://bit.ly/1pzKni0
3	I have taken training and grown my skills each month http://bit.ly/1tLLgUl
Altitude	http://bit.ly/1ilwhNd
1	I can clearly and concisely articulate what I am looking for, the value the company will realize by hiring me, and how I am unique http://bit.ly/1kdDcXc
2	I know the specific job title I am pursuing
3	I have identified 5-10 target companies although I'm open to other companies http://bit.ly/1fbTuRC
4	I leverage informational interviews to gain information. I do not ask for a job nor ask if they are hiring
5	I am pursuing a level of job that is appropriate to my skills. I am not shooting too low where I am overqualified and I'm not settling for a job not in my desired industry.
6	I know the career I am pursuing is a fit for me and I look forward to doing that work
7	(Pursuing a new role or industry): I am aggressively learning about the new role / industry because it is unique; I need to know as much as possible and can't just rely on my transferable skills or that they will train me.
Marketing Materials
1	I have a phone number with a local area code
2	I have a professional e-mail address and it is not an AOL or Hotmail address
3	I have created, updated, and use all of the following required marketing materials
	a) Elevator Pitch
	b) business cards http://bit.ly/1fB9N5e
	c) LinkedIn profile
	d) Networking Guide http://bit.ly/1iWyVb5
	e) T cover Letter http://bit.ly/1vIKneu
	f) Resume http://bit.ly/1pzK5Yz
4	I created my resume using the combination format and by identifying and highlighting keywords, skills, and experience based upon 5 job descriptions for that type of job.
5	My LinkedIn profile is complete including a professional headshot, greater than 100 contacts and growing, skills, groups, and I have broadcast turned on.
6	My elevator pitch takes less than 30 seconds to share, does not get historic (i.e. does not use the phrase "I used to"), clearly says what I am looking for, and ends with a questions in the form of a questions about them to engage the other person in a conversation.
7	I always have an ample supply of business cards with me whenever I leave the house
8	I shared my networking guide with family, friends, and anyone else who asks how they can help me with my job search
9	I ALWAYS customize the T cover letter and send it with my resume with EVERY job I apply to
10	Baby Boomers: I made sure to de-age my marketing materials, my self, and that I have updated my skills
11	I double check to be sure there are no spelling, grammar, or formatting errors in all correspondences & marketing materials (names are spelled correctly and I did not leave in references to other companies). I know this is business communications (not texting) so I use proper English.
12	I had a trained person review my marketing materials and confirm the materials clearly communicate my value and the specific job I am pursuing
13	I have identified and contacted people to serve as my 3 business and 3 personal references and have confirmed with them their contact information.
14	I always customize LinkedIn requests to include how we know each other. http://bit.ly/1rufGbz
15	I have at least 3 LinkedIn recommendations (different than endorsements)
Search	http://bit.ly/QMtbGn http://bit.ly/1rufY21
1	I do not rely solely on applying online to find a job since the majority of jobs are in the hidden job market  and not posted
2	I use industry specific job boards
3	I repost my resume on job boards every 3 weeks
4	I network into the company after I apply on-line
5	I have a list of industry specific recruiters and I stay in touch with them periodically (ex every three weeks or so) to keep my name on the top of their minds
6	I am active on LinkedIn. I follow my target companies and read what is posted. I am active in my LinkedIn groups by "Like"ing discussions, commenting on other discussions, and even starting discussions. Under Courses on my profile I add industry related courses I have taken.
7	I stay up on business news in my town and on industry news. Ex in Atlanta I read the Atlanta Business Chronicle every week. I'm in technology and watch TechEdge Atlanta.
8	I have researched my target companies
9	I looked in LinkedIn to see who I know or who I know who knows people at my target companies and am networking to get an introduction.
10	I have identified and participate at local industry groups, meet a minimum of 5 new people at each meeting, and stay in touch with those contacts with an emphasis on trying to help them before they help me
11	I maintain a calendar and have job search activities on every weekday and accomplish the tasks listed
12	I get up, showered, and dressed the same time each day and spend at LEAST 5 hours every day on the job search with no more than 2 hours on-line
13	I follow directions ex. If the posting says no calls I don't call and I send the information to the correct e-mail address
14	When networking, I am in business casual attire at a minimum
15	I spend greater than 50% of my job search time networking and deepening my network
16	I friend, follow, or fan my target companies so I know what they are posting when they post it and I have Google Alerts set for each target company so I know the latest news on each.
17	I monitor the number of views my LinkedIn profile receives and by being active on LinkedIn I keep the count high
Sort / Interview	http://bit.ly/1fbTWQ2 http://bit.ly/1lddC5O
1	I have practiced interviewing, received feedback, and made adjustments as needed
2	After an interview I e-mail a thank you, then handwrite and US mail a thank you to every person I met with
3	Before an interview I conduct thorough research of the company
4	At the end of an interview I express interest in the job and I ask next steps and approximate timelines http://bit.ly/PB9oIT
5	I follow-up with company contacts after the interview (polite persistence)
6	Even though I feel I am close on an opportunity, I continue the job search
7	I know how to deflect the salary discussion until I am the final candidate and there is an offer on the table http://bit.ly/1pzKha9
8	I have interview clothes that fit and do not age me
9	When asked my strengths, I use my actual strengths as identified  through Strengths Finder 2.0.
10	I prepared my reply to the tough interview questions.
Select	http://bit.ly/1tLLFWH
1	I updated my marketing materials with the new position and I contacted people in my network to thank them and so they know to stop searching for me.
Next Steps	http://bit.ly/1ilNpg2
1	I know that jobs average 2.5 years and job security does not come from a company, industry, or job title. Instead job security comes from my keeping my skills up, my experience current, and my network of people active and I have to make these a priority.

 

Update 4/27/14:   One person commented: According to the guide, I have to have at least 50 accomplishments from past ;jobs to even be considered as a valid applicant. This sounds to me like saying only super stars need apply.   Here is my response: No superstar required (although you are probably more of one than you think).   That is the problem with my industries term "Accomplishments". It makes people think of a medallion around the neck, plaque on the wall, or trophy. Think of it instead as examples or "for instance"s. If I ask you the question "tell me about a time you " that is a behavioral question and having these examples identified and documented ahead of time will help you answer concisely.   Job seekers should take this time to recall and document their "for instances" some of which will be used on the resume, all will be fresh in the head for the interview, and it will remind you how accomplished you are.   Thank you for giving me this opportunity to clarify.   I believe high schoolers should begin the process of recording their "accomplishments" and continue through life so it is not as hard to recall. One of my favorite expressions is that memory does not get better with age - and forgetfulness starts early.