The other day a recent university grad (and up and coming political powerhouse) contacted me about raising her professional profile. She wanted to start putting feelers out so she had job options once she was ready to move on from her current position. She just didn’t know where to start and how to get noticed by potential employers. This is what I told her:
1. Network on LinkedIn: LinkedIn’s membership has quintupled in the last 3 years and has become the primary source for networking and recruiting. With a great LinkedIn profile you can start to build relationships and get noticed. Check out “How to Create a LinkedIn Profile That Really Connects” for tips to creating a strong profile.
2. Capitalize on your Resume: Use your resume to highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Identify your added value and tell potential employers “what you offer” and “how you can help solve their problems”. Don’t fall into the trap of listing job duties, use your resume to differentiate yourself from the competition.
3. Talk less, Listen More: Face to face networking can be nerve wracking! Relax, introduce yourself, then ask questions about them and their work. People love to share so a strong leading question may open the door to a great conversation and an opportunity for you to find common areas of interest.
4. Get Out! Attend local events, meetings, and conferences where you are going to be able to meet, connect, and network with potential employers.
In a very short time, this young millennial professional has applied these strategies and seen results! Now its your turn.
I find your coaching very useful. Thank You Tamara