Seattle executives use LinkedIn to find candidates

Most executives are registered on LinkedIn and most understand it is a resource for their job search.  Let me give you an example of how some of my Seattle friends are finding candidates through LinkedIn.

A Senior director of my acquaintance told me one of his teams has an opening for an experienced web applications developer. His direct report asked for a hand finding likely candidates. Here's what he did.

First, he listed the job on the jobs section, but that was almost an afterthought.  He actually wants to 'recruit' the right person rather than just wait for a resume to land on his manager's desk.

He scanned LinkedIn for Director's of development using the people search. He searched on: Director Web Applications.  Now clearly, he isn't hiring his own replacement. What he wanted to check out were the people who added references to the director. He found a few with the appropriate background and whose comments he liked.  He checked out their profiles and found even more possibilities from the references section.

The director then invited the directors to connect on LinkedIn. He also took down names so he could call them to learn more about the individual contributor. His manager now has a few candidates to consider that he already knows a bit about and my friend now has a few new peers with whom he is now connected.

Gary Thede of Boost elearning did the exact same thing.  Gary is in search of a few excellent Enterprise sales execs.  He used the people search: Enterprise sales Seattle.  He found several executives to contact for referrals. Certainly speeded up his search for the key positions.  He hasn't hired anyone as of this date, but you have to believe he has a good selection of qualified candidates and he won't waste time on wannabes.  He has also expanded his own network and volunteered to help his new connections in the same way.

For his CEO search, an investor friend is using the same approach to find likely candidates.  He put the cart before the horse. He wants to see what direct reports say about candidates before he considers them.  [Please do not ask me for contact information. He wants to do this privately and is not accepting unsolicited introductions.]

How does this help executives in their job search?  It informs them how important making references and acquiring references are to an effective job search.  Just one more truly excellent device for getting your name in front of hiring authorities.

For more tips on how to use LinkedIn for Job Search go to www.jobsearchdebugged.com and click on the right side of the blog page for a link to a free white paper.

If you have more ideas on how to use LinkedIn as a tool to discover leads, Tell me what you know.  Send ideas and experience to ritathejobcoach@gmail.com.