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I constantly r e c e i v e questions from job seekers, e x p e r i e n c e d and novice alike, looking for the “secret sauce” of finding a new job. I’m happy to answer their questions,

however I then have one for

them. Ah, how the tables turn. Therefore job seeker, “Are you on LinkedIn?”

If so, fantastic, and if not, you must sign up for LinkedIn straight away. I say this all the time; LinkedIn is both a job seeker’s and a recruiter’s most powerful tool in today’s job market. However, just having a profile isn’t enough; you must utilize your profile effectively. LinkedIn can be a way

to be discovered, as opposed to sending application after application into a website, otherwise known as the “online black hole.” Therefore, please find below my top LinkedIn tips for job seekers to maximize your chances of being contacted by a recruiter.

Green Light RecruitersEnsure your profile is an open invitation for recruiters to contact you via the “[Name] is interested in” category. Under Account Settings, Communications, and “Select the types of messages you’re willing to receive,” make sure you’ve selected you’re open to “Career Opportunities” so that recruiters know you want to hear from them. Complete Your Profile

When recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn, the more complete your profile, the higher it will appear in search results. I recommend filling out your Summary, Experience including descriptions of each of your positions, Skills, Education, and Interests at a minimum. Also note all your professional

Today’s Number One Job Search Tool

By Cassie Sturdevant, Senior Advisor, Impact Advisors

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Cassie Sturdevant

College of Healthcare Information Management Executives www.cio-chime.org | DECEMBER 2014 | CIO Connection 29College of Healthcare Information Management Executives www.cio-chime.org | DECEMBER 2014 | CIO Connection

certifications. Your goal should be an All-Star Profile Strength (found on the right column) profile to increase your chances of a recruiter finding you.

Use a PictureUpload a picture even if you don’t want to. There are a number of articles and studies that assert a recruiter is more likely to view your profile if you have a photo. This is most likely true, plus, see above; complete your profile. Use a professional photo, please. No wedding pictures, cartoons, or 1980s glamour shots.

Connect, Connect, ConnectRemember the adage, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” and fully utilize LinkedIn. Connect with everyone you know – friends, current and former colleagues, alumni of your alma mater, etc. Perhaps even accept invitations from those you do not know. Networking isn’t necessarily about

who you know, but is all the about the, say, 150 people they know that you can access.

Don’t Pay for ItI do not believe job seekers need pay for a L i n k e d I n Premium or E x e c u t i v e p r o f i l e . Networking, researching prospective emp loye r s , r e a d i n g c a r e e r -r e l a t e d advice, and

more can all be accomplished with the free profile.

Good luck with your job search!

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