February 2010Get a Job!By Mauri SchwartzThe View asked Hill resident and career expert Mauri Schwartz, President / CEO of Career Insiders, www.CareerInsiders.com, to answer questions from job seekers. Submit your questions to editor@potreroview.net. Q: What’s your advice for people who’ve been out of work for more than a year? How does one respond to that question when asked? A: I know it must be tough to have been out of work for that long. It’s sad that so many people are having such a hard time in this terrible job market. But before I can answer your question, I have to ask a few. Have you been totally out of work for the past year? Or have you had any short-term contract employment during that time? I would also want to know what type of job you had, and for how long. Finding a new job at a high management level is going to be more difficult and take longer than one at a lower level. It’s not unusual for it to take up to a year, especially if your industry is one that’s cutting back. Q: Do you have any recommendations for using LinkedIn as a networking and job search tool? A: Your LinkedIn profile should be consistent with your resume, and focus on what you’re looking for; it’s not a Facebook page. LinkedIn is extremely useful as a research tool to help identify decision makers in the organizations you’re targeting. To do this, you’ll need to build a network of highly networked people. Start with those you know the best, and especially those who work in your industry. When you’re sending out requests to connect on LinkedIn, be sure to personalize your messages. As always, keep you communications warm but professional. Think about how you feel when you receive a canned template message. If you’re requesting a connection with someone you recently met, remind them of how you met and pay them a compliment. For example, “Hi so-and-so, it was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at Thinkers Café. I enjoyed our conversation. I thought it would be nice to connect on LinkedIn. What do you think? Thank you, Mauri.”
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