LinkedIn is a great networking tool for many people in today’s social environment, especially recruiters and people looking for jobs. As a recruiter, I use it to network and connect with potential candidates for open positions I have with existing clients. I’ve been a Linkedin user since 2006, so I have more than the average number of connections but I not an open networker. I want to know or at least remember why I’m connected to the people in my network. That being said, I will connect with people who send me a personalized note about connecting. By that I don’t mean just adding my name to the stock LinkedIn connect note, but a few words about why they want to connect with me. Let’s connect because we both work at Vail Resorts or let’s connect because I’m looking for a job and wonder if you can help me, NOT the standard Linkedin Hi Robye, I’d like to connect with you on LinkedIn. Boring and uninformative! This makes me hit the ignore button and not connect with you…so if you want to connect with me, take the few minutes it takes to write and tell me why you want to connect and I’ll connect with you and maybe just find you that dream job you’ve been thinking about. Whenever I want to connect with someone; I write a note to let you know why I want to connect, so take the time to read my note and connect with me. Realize it’s in your best interest to connect with me or other recruiters. You may not need or want a new job today but it certainly makes looking for someone to help you find a new job easier if you’re connected to a few recruiters. As a recruiter my goal is to help you find you your ideal job, so taking the initiative to connect with a recruiter is the first step in that process. Recruiting is another version of sales; I don’t have software or a tangible item to sell; I just have you, so just like you want people to return your calls about whatever you are selling…connecting is like that first phone call. So, let’s connect, it will be beneficial for both of us!
LET’S CONNECT ON LINKEDIN OR NOT?
