Social Media Can Get You HIRED

Wendy Terwelp 3 Comments

Can social media help you get hired faster? YES, if you use it the right way.

Laura Gainor

Laura Gainor did. In March, Laura Gainor saw a job posting on Twitter for a position at Comet Branding in Milwaukee, WI. Based on the ad, Gainor launched a social media campaign, which landed her the gig in less than 30 days.

Gainor identified the company, did her research, and launched her campaign based on what she learned about the organization. She used all elements of social media to make her pitch as to why she was the best candidate for the role – and it worked.

Recruiter Todd Nilson (Twitter Handle: @talentline411) regularly posts job openings on Twitter. When asked if it works, he said (via Twitter), “So far so good. I get some kind people RTing [retweeting] me. Slightly better luck from LinkedIn updates, though.”

Probably because Nilson has an extensive LinkedIn network. As do I. Because my connections are connections I know personally, I am very comfortable in referring them to others. However, I’ve got to be asked in the right way.

For example, one recruiter emailed me via LinkedIn asking for more information about a candidate. Unfortunately, I had no idea who she was talking about. So, I picked up the phone. It turned out this candidate was a third-degree connection. That meant that the candidate was not directly connected to me (first degree), but rather connected to one of my direct connections.

The recruiter and I talked and she provided me with more specific details of the job, including: salary, location (city), position title, requirements, and a brief job description.

This enabled me to forward her email, along with my recommendation about her company, and provide more details about the gig to MY connection. This enabled him to forward more information to his connection – the candidate. This strategy helped my recruiter friend not only get referrals from me for the gig, but also more candidates from my direct connection.

The job was filled.

If you’re in job search mode, it pays to pick up the phone, especially if you are the direct connection to the person posting the job. If you aren’t, you can certainly email your direct connection to get more details.

Personally, all the people in my LinkedIn network are people I actually know and can refer with confidence. I recommend this strategy to those wishing to beef up their LinkedIn connections.

If someone wishes to connect with you and you have no idea who they are, you can either ignore the request or simply pick up the phone and find out more. If, after you connect, you feel this person would be a great addition to your network, add him or her.

In addition, whether you’re an employer, recruiter or candidate, it’s important to have a detailed LinkedIn profile that communicates YOU, your brand, and your personality. Go beyond the standard data.

See my LinkedIn profile here:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyterwelp

Note the story AND the recommendations. Build your profile accordingly.

Also, don’t forget about the in-person connection. Pick up the phone. Set up a meeting. According to CareerXRoads 2010 Source of Hire Study: Referrals make up 26.7% of all external hires. (Translation: Networking!)

Want more tips on how to make that personal connection the right way – and using just five minutes a day? Check out “Rock Your Network®.”

Personal Branding: Lessons from GLEE

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By Wendy J. Terwelp, Career Coach, Brand Strategist

On Tuesday’s episode of Glee, Sue Sylvester tells two students, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to put in a call to the Ohio Secretary of State notifying them that I will no longer be carrying photo ID. You know why? People should know who I am.”

Do people know who you are? The right people?

While you may not have the need of Ms. Sue Sylvester, who feels everyone should know who she is, it’s important to have the right people know who you are.

Who are those right people? Here are some tips to identify them – and make the connection.

1. Know your career goal. The stronger focus you have on your goal, the easier it is to attain it.
2. Know the industry you serve. Target 25 companies.
3. Who needs to know about you in this industry? Make a list.
4. Who are the key players? Check professional organizations – and join! Attend meetings regularly. Play a key role. Get connected to the key players.
5. Know what you bring to the tables others do not. Think about it like this, why should someone hire you? What skill, ability, RESULTS, have you achieved that would motivate your new and current connections to open up their contact database and give you names? Share the reason with them.

Next, make the call!

Want more tips? Check out Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers.

Did you miss Glee? Here’s a link to the episode on Hulu.com.

PS: Lots more about personal branding in this episode – check out the last song by Mercedes.

Job Search Follow Up: There’s a Right Way

Wendy Terwelp 1 Comment

When I was a recruiter, candidates sometimes called our company a few times a day asking if we found anything yet. Sometimes it was once a day, every day during the week. Interestingly enough, these were for all levels of positions, including high level professional positions (I specialized in placing IT and sales executives).

This extreme follow up is annoying and definitely the wrong way.

In a conversation with an executive recruiter the topic of “annoying versus professional and persistent” follow-up techniques came up in the conversation.

What’s the right way? A value-focused phone call that leaves the employer wanting more.

Old way: “Hi, I’m calling to see if you received my resume.” BORING.

Better Way: “Willamena Herzog it’s Fred Smith. I’m calling to see if you had a chance to take a look at my resume and to mention I am very interested in the sales position. When I researched your company, I saw that you sell the XWY Widget 1000. This is a core area of my expertise. In the past year, I sold more than $1 million worth of this product. I’d like to do the same or better for you. Please give me a call between 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday and I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.”

Using this strategy, you indicated your value, interest in the position, AND the best time to reach you. This technique also helps avoid playing phone tag.

When following up with recruiters, Laurie Purcell of Key Search recommends contacting recruiters no more than three days after emailing a resume. She recommends waiting no more than one week before following up with employers.

Challenge: Check your list of targeted employers. Have you followed up? If not, make a call or send an email. Be sure to communicate your value, interest, and best time to be reached. Stand out from the crowd.

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© 2006 – 2010 • Wendy J. Terwelp • Opportunity Knocks™ • All rights reserved.

Wendy Terwelp, Knocks.com, has helped thousands of clients get hired faster and be rock stars at work since 1989. A recognized expert on networking, both online and off, Wendy has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Fast Company, The Business Journal, Careerbuilders.com, Monster.com, and more as well as numerous radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles on the web and in print and most recently wrote the ultimate networking book, “Rock Your Network®.”

Interview Wardrobing on a Budget

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Normally I’m all about recommending my favorite personal shopper at Macy’s to clients for interview attire. (Picture Stacy London & Clinton Kelly of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.”)

Not everyone has that kind of budget.

Here’s what to look for at resale shops, second-hand stores, and places like The Bottomless Closet, Goodwill, and St. Vincent DePaul:

1. Name brands. Yes, people donate real name brand clothing like Brooks’ Brothers, Chaus, Eileen Fisher, Ralph Lauren, etc. Look for good quality brands. They tend to be more classic in style as well.

2. Current style. Some resale and consignment shops require donors and consignment clients to provide CURRENT styles — one or two years’ old tops. (Note: Anything that looks like the REAL ’80’s forget it!)

3. Good fabric. Say goodbye to polyester and hello to cashmere, wool, and cotton. Real fabrics like these demonstrate quality.

4. NO shoulder pads. Shoulder pads are always a risk. They’re usually way too big! And that screams DATED.

5. Lapels – watch out. Check out current magazines, fashion websites, etc. BEFORE you shop. This way you are on track and in style when you choose your blazer.

6. Skirt length – check it. It must be current. Not too short, not too long. Preferably one inch above the knee at the highest, at the knee at the lowest.

7. Wear and tear are NO-NOs. Many people donate good quality items – and sometimes new items. Check for original tags. Check sleeves, cuffs, and necklines for wear. Don’t forget to check the pits. Yes, I said it.

8. Shoes. Sometimes you can get quality shoes for cheap. Be sure the style is CURRENT. The fit is solid on your foot. The wear and tear are minimal to ZERO. And that they are good quality leather, so you can polish them up.

9. FIT. Try it on at the store. Yes, you must. Fit is mission critical in selecting potential interview and work clothing. If it’s close and you have to have it, get it tailored.

Good luck hunting!

Here’s a cool event happening that benefits YOU and the community:

Spring Cleaning Sale at The Bottomless Closet!

Items priced from $2 to $10

  • Suits
  • Jackets/Blazers
  • Dresses
  • Slacks
  • Tops
  • Shoes and Accessories

Dates:

5/6; 10AM – 3PM

5/7; 10AM – 3PM

5/8; 10AM – 3PM (bag sale; $5.00 per bag)

All sales are final, credit card accepted for purchases.

LOCATION:

6040 West Lisbon Avenue, Suite 101 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53210

P: 414.875.9290 • E:  bclosetmilwaukee@aol.com

Bottomless Closet also accepts donations. Their clothing benefits low-income women looking for work. Please bring work attire, should you wish to donate.

Oscar®-Winning Networking

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Academy Awards Oscar®

Jeff Bridges did it. Sandra Bullock did it. Mo’Nique did it. And you can too.

In fact, all the Oscar®-winners did it so much, there’s a special link on Oscar.com about it. Here it is: http://bit.ly/b6t8Dj

What am I talking about? Why the easiest way to start a conversation. The easiest way to network. The easiest way to get enough courage to pick up the phone.

And the winner is…. THANK YOU.

You are not alone. No matter how crappy you’re feeling about the downsizing, the firing, the economy. You have people in your life you’ve helped in some way and they want to help you now.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers,” he says no one is a self-made man. You’ve got a community, a neighbor, a family, a time period when you were born…

And, when you listen to the Oscar®-winners’ speeches, they get it. They thank everyone. And I mean everyone. From fellow actors, to camera crews, to directors, to family members, to teachers, to past Oscar-winners who inspired them, and more.

You can too, because you do have people in your life who’ve inspired you in some way at some point in time.

One client recently said to me, “I hate small talk.” Well, thanking a person isn’t ever small. Another, “I don’t even know where to start.” How about “Thanks!”?

Coaching Challenge: Go ahead. Be an Oscar®-winner. Pretend you are one of the nominees. Make a list of all the people you would like to thank who have helped you along the way. Start with at least 10. Yes, your family members count! (Heck, Jeff Bridges thanked his mom, dad, three kids, wife…)

Next to each person’s name, jot down something you’d like to thank them for. Here’s one of mine:

Dad – Thanks for telling me to not complain to my boss unless I have a solution. Now, I’m the boss and this is advice I’ve passed on to my clients. This has helped my clients feel more confident, think about solutions (rather than problems), and even get promoted.

Now pick up the phone, and make the call. You can do it!

Thanking a person is the easiest way to start a conversation. And definitely an Oscar®-winning tip you can use in your job search – and beyond – to make your network thrive.

Want even more tips to make your network thrive? Check out, “Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers.”