How to EFFECTIVELY use the LinkedIn Referral for job applicants (Dos & Don'ts)

Tips for Job-seekers on using LinkedIn.

This forum is powerful. It is your CV, as I have said before. It allows you to link with very useful resources at "no fee" (except perhaps the cost of your data!).

Jobs are posted each day and some are obviously attractive.

They are competitive.

LinkedIn, I am told, allows you to reach out to people working in those companies, who are on your connections, for support regarding your application.

It is OK to ask for recommendations from your connections if you are applying for a job in a company.

BUT.

I think it would be of great help NOT to simply apply the LinkedIn template.

That is LAZY. In my opinion.

IF I wanted a job at company A, and I have a connection on LinkedIn who worked there, I'd write a PERSONAL introductory note, explain to the connection WHY I fit the profile being sought and request a referral.

IF you drop requests on people using generic templates, be sure that the person you are asking to vouch for you KNOWS you well enough to speak on your behalf. IF Not, do a brief CV of yourself.
Honestly, being a connection of LinkedIn is no more than "Accept Connection Request" for a lot of people. Passive relationships.

We hardly KNOW our connections. Maybe we "Know About" them.

That is NOT enough if you wish to be supported. You have to make a case for yourself.

DO

• Introduce yourself, especially focusing on your career path and relevance to the job you're applying for and for which you seek "campaign support"
• Do a brief CV of yourself to offer talking points if your connection wishes to speak to the hiring manager about you (you don't want him/her to lack what to say about you).
• Tell your connection WHY you are fit for the job. Remember there are many more connections using that same route to seek help. Why are you better than them?
• Figure out how you would like someone to present themselves to you IF you were the one being asked for support.

DON'T

• Assume. Assumptions are dangerous. Don't assume that casual social media knowledge is enough to get a positive nod and support
• Take anything for granted
• Think you are the ONLY person asking for help!

Take every opportunity as an interview. You would like to be supported by someone who is clear that you take the application seriously and that you don't just ask them for help simply because LinkedIn nudged you to do it.

I hope this helps and happy job-hunting.

Why do you wanna quit your job?

Most of us are desperate when looking for a job. We're ready for anything. Any job. The motivation is own salary. Independence. It's empowering.

Once you've a job done dynamics set in. Stagnation. Frustration. Boredom. Unsupportive bosses. Unrealistic demands. Attrition with colleagues. Or to start over. Perhaps even to go into business and stop waiting for a salary. Be your own boss!

You want to move. From your team. Or your company. Or your job.

So why do you want to quit your job? Why do you want to change your job?

Why do people change jobs?

In preparing for Interviews I always want to BE ME, be authentic

Being Me. Authentic, uniquely me and avoiding the faked image.

Four years today, I was taking the second interview for my what was to be an exciting time at Mars Petcare. The picture on the left was taken shortly after I was hired, in Dec 2014.

In preparation, I had watched a lot of videos on "how to prepare for your job interview" and I also read a lot of content on interview prep and how to answer questions in a way that gets you hired. I watched a lot of useful videos on "Preparation for an Assessment Centre" etc. All very useful. I watched videos on how to prepare for an interview in a German company since I was going to take my interview in Germany.

I saw all the tips on dress code (avoid white shirts, black suits and red ties unless you are interviewing for a "power" position, I was advised). I bought two or three pairs of shoes. A lot of prep on dress. Finally I settled on All Blue. My lovely colour.

I watched videos on Table Manners and how to use cutlery. I mean, I was going to have dinner with my VP and I needed to eat like a future manager!

After reading all that, I made a decision.

I wanted to BE ME. To present myself in MY WAY and not be a copycat. Yet I had to ensure that I stayed on message to answer the questions like "who are you" and "what do you bring to this role".

This is what a lot of people face each day. As a teacher and someone with a "Sunshine Profile", I would die of boredom if I were put through interviews where people have to present themselves in the self same style.

I love variety. And that means I look out for authenticity, no two people are similar. So I am afraid that I am a proponent of being self, unique.

I always see people get coached on business case preparation. How to use PESTLE (do you know this) and sticking to a SWOT analysis. But I always wonder: If ALL of us did that, what brings out the difference in us? Is it then down to the quality of the coach? If you are over coached (if there is something like that), when do you bring out the unique you?

So, in my case, I always go for the Cheison way. The BE ME way.

When I am asked to "introduce yourself", I go for an infographic (below is my "frozen" infographic that has become a useful way for me to answer the question above.

Try do an infographic for yourself and in powerpoint animate it. That is very powerful, and I found it worked in more than interviews that I have had at work. Images tell what you can't tell in 1000 words.

Best of luck in BEING YOU!

An Infographic to answer the interview question "About Me"