This post was originally written for BlueSteps.com, the senior executive candidate arm of the Association of Executive Search Consultants. Because senior executives tend to be Generation X or Baby Boomers, they also tend not to be native technology users. Although using LinkedIn is considered widely accepted practice, there is still a great deal of confusion, and even fear, about how best to use it if at all.
This article makes sense out of a somewhat confusing LinkedIn feature: the Status Update.
Should a senior-level candidate use the LinkedIn 'Status Update' feature to get the word out that they are in the market for a new opportunity?
This is a great question, and one that leads into a discussion of how to use all aspects of LinkedIn relationship building and networking. This article is an essential read for those in full-time positions as well as those in transition.
Status Update
There are mixed opinions on whether your Status should announce that you are currently in transition. However, before we consider the debate, remember that when you update your profile to match your current employment status, all of your connections will be notified via the news feed. For example, a former colleague of mine went to another company and told me that she received three messages of congratulations the following day. Perhaps connections will see you change your profile information and get in contact? Therefore, if you want to inform all of your contacts of your employment status, this could be a good way to get the news out.
TIP: This setting can be adjusted to not show your updates by going to Account & Settings > Member Feed Options and selecting Hidden. Then you can change it back in the future if you want updates to be visible again.
Your Status is also a Profile Headline
Due to the color and location of the status bar, rather than just updating your connections, it is often the first thing people see when they look at your profile - you can prevent this by clearing your status a few hours or a day after you have posted it. In the status area and the profile headline, many profiles read ‘Senior executive looking for my next opportunity in [industry/function]’. While many argue that this is a good way to broadcast that you are available, at a senior level this does not enhance your personal brand or even increase your chances of securing a position. With regard to the primary target audience - executive recruiters - employment status plays a secondary factor in their search for the top talent. They will contact you whether you are employed or not.
Social Networking is Dynamic
The best way to use the status update feature is to include a link once or twice a week to an interesting article that you have read, or even better, that you have written yourself. While this may not automatically let people know you are looking for a position, it will definitely bring you to their attention. If your profile is compelling and they know of an open position, the likelihood is that they will contact you regardless of your employment status.
A few examples: 'James Smith is attending the Annual I.T. Industry convention about the future of social networking and VOIP [link]'
'Rachel Taylor just read a great whitepaper on networking available here [link]. Let me know what you think.'
TIP: If the link is too long, shorten it with www.bit.ly. Simply visit www.bit.ly, put the website address in the form, then copy the www.bit.ly address that it gives you and paste it into your status alongside your message.
Targeted Networking
Letting everyone in your network and LinkedIn know that you are in transition is not particularly beneficial, and if overdone, can have a negative effect on your job search. The real power of LinkedIn is in targeted networking, for our purposes today, in New York City. Search out those decision makers in your connections; fellow industry professionals, executive search professionals and close friends. Re-build relationships by inviting people to meet up when they're in NY, for example.This may seem elementary but most people on LinkedIn are to building relationships outside of the virtual world.
TIP: Exchanging or posting email addresses or telephone numbers, and offering to go for a coffee should only ever be done in private messages.
Group Discussions
Another important aspect to LinkedIn is the Groups feature. Whether you are in transition or not, every executive should join industry specific and executive networking groups. Contribute to, and start discussions. Demonstrate your thought leadership and connect with like-minded executives and recruiters. Build relationships and then mention that you are in transition and looking for opportunities. Always remember networking is a two way process. Going back to the status update, it is a very one way communication tool (unless you invite discussion through an interesting statement or link to something interesting).
Promoting versus Networking
Finally, senior executives should not post in groups or discussions comments such as ‘Senior executive looking for position in [location/industry], please contact me via email or telephone’. While one or two people may have found a job this way, to the majority of executive recruiters and professionals open to networking, this sets off alarm bells. It sends out a message that you are not using social networks to connect, help others, learn, develop and discuss, but instead are just there to get your next job. For other executives, this suggests nothing in return when building relationships, while for executive recruiters it does not appear that this is an accomplished senior executive selectively searching for that perfect match. Instead, this creates the image of an executive who is in a rush to find their next opportunity and is open to anything (while this is probably not the case, unfortunately that is the image that is produced).
To make this clearer: would you turn up to a networking event and immediately announce that you are a financial services executive with 10 years experience looking for opportunities in New York City, then broadcast your personal email address? No. Online networking is very similar to in person networking; it is about equally balanced relationships. The value-add for each person must be matched.
Social Networks Can Be Very Helpful
Do not be alarmed by these simple rules of social engagement. Although your personal brand requires careful management, social networking offers excellent opportunities to connect with interesting and successful executives and search consultants. If you enjoy building relationships (and who doesn’t?), the rest will follow.
By Christian Pielow, BlueSteps Marketing Manager
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