If you’ve never used an online networking site, LinkedIn can appear to be a little intimidating at first. Even if you are familiar with other social media sites, you’ll still want to take the time to learn how to navigate your way around LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform and one of the most influential social media networks.
With over 830 million members in more than 200 countries and territories, you’ll want to utilize this tool to market yourself as a business-of-one.
Members use the site to network or keep in touch with colleagues, co-workers, clients, friends, and family. But it can do so much more—build awareness of your brand, boost your profile, connect with professionals, find job opportunities, etc.
This training will help you:
Better understand how to navigate the LinkedIn platform
Learn how to search for specific topics on LinkedIn
Manage your personal profile and account settings
Identify ways to market yourself to your network
Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, August 31st at 12 pm ET.
CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!
Recruiters have one job: find the right person for the position.
Their performance is evaluated on how efficiently and effectively they match top talent to job requirements. Ironically, in the current economy, recruiters are finding their jobs harder than ever.
I'm serious.
There's too much talent for them to weed through. What used to be "finding a needle in a haystack" has now become "finding a needle in ten haystacks."
As a result, recruiters have to determine a candidate's marketability much quicker.
Translation: Candidates must pay even more attention to the power of the "first impression" factor.
First Impressions Really Do Matter (A LOT)
People skills, attire, etc. all become more important when competition amongst talent is this fierce.
Reality check: Those who are failing to make a good first impression get put in the "no" pile and are never contacted again.
So, if you aren't getting called back by a recruiter after either an in-person meeting or phone call, there's a good chance that, in addition to the fact you didn't have the right skills, you also might have displayed one or more traits on the "I can't market them" list.
Now, most recruiters won't tell you what you did wrong. Why? For one reason, they aren't paid to give you the bad news. Second, they don't want to burn a bridge. And third, as I mentioned, they just don't have the time.
And yet, how are you going to fix the problem if you don't know it exists? I've put together the most common reasons why a recruiter writes a candidate off. You may not like what you read, but the good news is with a little attention and practice all of them can be improved upon.
So, ask yourself, "Am I guilty of the following?"
Top 10 Things Recruiters Won't Tell You
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1. Your interview attire is outdated / messy / too tight / too revealing / too flashy.
2. Your physical appearance is disheveled / outdated / sloppy / smelly / overpowering (i.e. too much perfume or cologne).
3. Your eye contact is weak / shifty / intense.
4. Your handshake is limp / too forceful / clammy.
5. You say ah / um / like too much.
6. You talk too much / use poor grammar / say inappropriate things (i.e. swearing) when you answer interview questions.
8. You talk too fast / too slow / too loud / too soft.
9. You giggle / fidget / act awkward / have facial tics / lack expression.
10. You lack sincerity / self-confidence / clarity / conviction.
So, How Do You Fix These?
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Well, given that 93% of communication is non-verbal, I can tell you that many of the negatives above can be improved by focusing on one thing: attitude.
If you are angry, fearful, or confused, it's going to show. You must find a way to feel good about yourself and your ability to contribute. This comes from knowing your strengths and embracing them.
It also comes from doing your homework on a company so you can articulate clearly and with enthusiasm why you would be a great fit for the job. I realize this is easier said than done, but it can be done.
I hope I've convinced you to take a hard look at the 10 reasons above and commit to finding a way to improve your first impression factor.
And Knowing Your Professional Strengths Will Help!
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If you want to reveal your unique professional strengths, take our FREE Career Decoder Quiz! It's time to unlock your TRUE potential and start selling yourself to employers!
Once you know your professional strengths, it will be much easier for you to convey why you would be a great fit for a position. And as long as you don't make the above mistakes, you'll be golden.
It's your career. Own your actions and take control of your professional development. I promise, recruiters will take notice.
Need more help with your job search?
We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
You're familiar with the feeling: your palms start sweating, you start to shake and for some reason, your mind goes completely blank. Sounds like a dreaded case of interview jitters!
Nerves can bring even the most professional candidate to their knees, impeding their chances of securing the job, even if they're the most qualified.
If you know that you're prone to nerves, make sure you take the necessary steps to control them—before you step into the interview room, not after.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to overcome interview nerves:
1. Be Prepared
Nerves are often triggered by anxiety. It's common to worry that you won't know the answer to a particular question in the interview, or that you won't have the necessary knowledge to wow your prospective employer.
You can help alleviate this concern by doing your research. Predict possible interview questions and make sure you know the answers. Feeling well-prepared can help calm your anxiety.
2. Sleep Well
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It might be tempting to soothe your worries with several glasses of wine the night before. While this may feel good at the time, it certainly won't the next day. Have a relaxing bath, avoid too much alcohol, eat well, and get a good night's sleep.
3. Think Ahead
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To save yourself time worrying in the morning, lay out your best suit, make sure you've already purchased your train tickets or petrol, get some money out if you need to buy lunch, and make sure all your time in the day is spent focusing on the important task—preparing for that interview.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
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If you're really anxious, ask a trusted friend or family member to perform a "test" interview on you the day before, also known as a mock interview. You'll get a chance to practice your performance and also receive some valuable feedback.
5. Stay Positive
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Remember, you can do this. You're qualified for the job, you've got some great credentials, and you've got the necessary experience.
This company is just as lucky to be interviewing you as you are to be interviewed by them! Boost your self-confidence by telling yourself that it's in your power to get this job. You can do it.
And In The Interview Itself...
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If you feel your heart start to race and your forehead break out in a sweat, take a deep breath. Remember, the people interviewing you want you to succeed. They're desperately seeking the right person to join their company, and they're really hoping that you're that person.
If you start to feel nerves getting the better of you, ask for a moment to pause and gather your thoughts. If necessary, be honest with your interviewers, and explain to them that you're feeling nervous because the job matters a lot to you.
It's likely that they'll understand; after all, they're human too, and they've probably experienced nerves at some point in their lives.
Take it slow and steady and keep reminding yourself that this is your job. You can achieve it!
We hope these tips will help calm your nerves and ease any interview anxiety you may be experiencing.
Remember though, it's okay to be nervous; that means the job opportunity means A LOT to you. Whenever we embark on a new and exciting journey, our nerves let us know we're on the right path.
Now, with that in mind, go out there and ace that interview!
Need more help with your job search?
We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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