Friday, November 30, 2012

How do you measure success? (Obedience based decisions)

Taken in its entirety from:

http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/tgif/

Obedience-Based Decisions
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
11-30-2012

"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." - Acts 5:32
So often we as a society equate numbers with success. The larger the conference, the more successful we deem it. The larger a church, the more we believe that God is blessing. And so on. I recall planning a conference one time. Registrations were not where I felt they needed to be a few weeks before the date of the event. It wasn't long before I began to get "under the pile" about the level of attendance. My friend, who was organizing this conference with me, called and asked how I was doing. I had to confess where I was. He immediately reminded me of my own teaching in this area. We are all called to be led by the Spirit, not by outcomes. "If God called us to put on this conference, then the outcome is up to Him if we have done our part." He went on to explain how he learned this lesson in a similar way a few years earlier.
He and a friend were led to host a Bible study group. His friend was to speak. It was nine o'clock and they were the only two people there. His friend was discouraged and was ready to leave.
"No," said my friend. "We have done what the Holy Spirit directed." He then stood up and began to welcome people as though there were many in the room. (No one was in the room.) He introduced his friend and they began the meeting. A few minutes later, people began to straggle in. By the time the meeting was over, ten had shown up, and one man in particular was impacted by the meeting.
Being led by the Spirit often means we must not use the world's standard for success as our measuring stick. You never know what an act of obedience will yield at the time. We must leave results to God. Our role is to obey. His role is to bring results from our obedience.
Do you make decisions based on the potential outcome or by the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you overly evaluate the pros and cons without consideration to what the Holy Spirit might be saying deep inside? We are all prone to make decisions based on reasoning alone. Ask God to give you a willingness and ability to hear the Holy Spirit and to obey His promptings.


Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Practice the truth; act on it; take it to heart.



A wonderful reminder of the importance of acting on what read in the Bible as a benchmark of  whether or not we actually believe something in God's WORD the Bible is true:

found at:  http://www.raystedman.org/todays-devotion


If you are having trouble viewing this daily devotion, please click here
The Power Thinking Christianly
Daily Devotion for November 27
From the Writings of Ray Stedman
of His Presence From your friends at
www.RayStedman.org
Read the Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
. . . continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of . . . (2 Timothy 3:14b).
Timothy acted upon what he had learned. You do not really believe something until you practice it. James says, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22). It does not do a bit of good to say you believe the Bible from cover to cover, like some people do. Do what it says. Practice the truth; act on it; take it to heart. The process begins with the mind's being instructed, then the heart's being fully convinced. Then you practice what you believe.
I do not know what it was that may have helped Timothy, but I am sure that when he read a statement like, Do not lie to each other (Colossians 3:9), he was careful to watch his words and stop lying, if that was what he was doing. When he read, Bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14), he realized that even though he, like everyone else, felt anger rising within him and he wanted to strike back when he was mistreated, that was the wrong thing to do. The Word of God taught that it was necessary for him to lean on the grace of God, to pray for people and find a way to do something good rather than evil in return. The apostle suggests two factors here that helped Timothy believe the Scriptures.
First, the Scriptures came to him through certain loved and trusted people. You know those from whom you learned it, Paul says. One of the things that makes believing the Bible much easier is when it comes to us through people we trust. In Timothy's case, his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were the channels by which he was taught the Word of God. Being of Jewish background, they may have followed the exhortation of Deuteronomy 6, where Moses taught the people how to teach their children. Moses did not say to have a classroom in the home where children were to learn something by rote. Rather, he said, Teach them when they rise up (when they get up in the morning), when they sit down (at mealtime), and when they go to bed at night. Those are the teachable moments. Use the experiences of a young child's day to reflect truth from the Scriptures that will lock itself into their hearts. What a powerful impact this mighty apostle made upon Timothy! He never forgot what he had learned, because it came through one whom he deeply respected, one whom he saw had answers to the difficulties and problems of life.
The second factor is that this came to Timothy at a very early age. From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, Paul says. Parents should not miss that emphasis. It indicates that childhood is a wonderful time to get the truth of the Scriptures into a young person's heart. As a young boy, ten or eleven years old, I was given many memory verses in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School that I committed to memory. I remember those verses yet today. What a wonderful thing to have learned from early childhood the truth of the Word of God through those most precious and trusted.
Father, I thank You for this amazing book. I confess to You how infrequently I open it up and let it speak to me. Help me to let this book minister to my heart and mind.

Life Application: Thinking Christianly requires believing the Scriptures. How often do we study the Word of God to know our Lord and heed Him so that He can live His life through us?
Related Message: This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "Thinking Christianly" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture.

What to leave out of your resume

Taken from:

http://excelgen.info/6-things-you-should-probably-remove-from-your-resume/

In an age of Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare, we’ve gotten used to broadcasting any and all information about ourselves. But when it comes to your Resume, it might be best to take a cue from architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who coined the phrase, “Less is more.”
Today’s article is about, Catherine Jewell, who tells job seekers to follow this advice when writing their Resumes. Jewell is a Career Coach and author of  “New Resume, New Career” a Resume makeover book featuring 50 real-life career changers. Here are six things she says you should leave off your Resume.

What to leave out of your Resume
by Catherine Jewell, author of “New Resume, New Career” 


Once upon a time in the ’70s, I saw a Resume with a full-length photo. It was for a vibrant, 20-something account executive in advertising. I envied her the chutzpah to include her photo. It made the Resume come alive. You could see her eagerness and professional demeanor.
That was then. So much has changed. Employers want to avoid any chance of discrimination about age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital and parental status, and ethnicity.  The less you say on the résumé, the more likely you make the cut. Each word, phrase and sentence needs to be carefully selected to prove that you are the right person for the job. Specifically, here are some things to take off your Resume:
1. Graduation dates
Include your degree, major (if it is relevant) and the institution. But take off the date. Age discrimination is a concern for many people looking for work. Avoid tempting reviewers to do the math to discover your age.
2. Irrelevant experience
If you are applying for sales and you have substantial experience in IT Project management, downplay the irrelevant experience and create new achievement statements that support your experience with customers. Make your non-sales experience sound more like sales. Shorten job entries that don’t support your sales message.
3. Jobs in the dim, dark past
The rule of thumb is to include your last 10 to 15 years of experience. If you need to prove expertise you gained long ago, you might use the title “Other Relevant Experience” and describe your achievements, without the dates of employment. Baby boomers should be careful not to include 30 years of experience. Why give hiring managers a clue you are over 50 until they meet you in person?
4. Personal section
Resumes of the past often included personal information such as marital status, family members and even church membership. All of that information is illegal to collect, so don’t include it. Also eliminate references to hobbies, clubs and political views. A “Community Work” section can show your leadership skills, but stick with noncontroversial organizations such as Rotary, Lions, theChamber of Commerce and recognized  nonprofits.
5. Gaps in history
Eliminate gaps in your work history by filling in with short, truthful statements. “Homemaker sabbatical” will explain a five-year work hiatus and allow the interviewer to focus on your history. You can also fill gaps with part time jobs, direct sales positions or consulting  projects.
6. Photos
These may not be on your Resume, but once a potential employer has your full name they might as well be. Polish all social networking profiles and remove any unprofessional or embarrassing photos. Ask your friends to clean up social networking profiles for you, too. If you are gray or balding, you might consider removing your photo during your job search.
Your Resumeis designed to present the professional you. Write it with a job description in mind, avoiding any details that might detract from your single-minded pursuit of that job.
Catherine Jewell is the Career Passion® Coach and author of “New Resume, New Career,” a Resume makeover book featuring 50 real-life career changers.  Her new book is available online and in bookstores now.

Is your work remakable? Are you trusting on ability alone?

Taken in its entirety from:

https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/world_wide_with_god_minstry/B5Zller3W4g



Set Yourself on Fire
Dan Miller
John Wesley was not a nice conservative, conforming, Republican Christian.  Because he was so controversial, he was forbidden by the Anglican Church to preach from its pulpits.  Did he wring his hands, admit defeat and fade silently out of history? Just go keep his day job? Not exactly.  With no pulpit welcoming him he would ride out into the countryside, pick a spot in an open field, and begin to preach.  He was so compelling with his message and his presentation that large crowds began to show up to hear him.  Listeners wanted to hear more of what he had to say and ultimately his thought-provoking theological ideas became the founding principles of the Methodist Church.
Someone once asked Wesley how he was able to attract such large crowds with his preaching.  Wesley responded, “I simply set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.”
You may be doing great work.  You may be responsible, ethical, and compassionate.  But is it remarkable?  Do you do anything with such passion that people would travel to watch and listen?  Maybe you don’t have a message to share or a product to sell.  But if you do – if you have a business or a service you provide – you’ll never get the marketplace more excited than you are.  You have to show your own belief and passion about what you’re offering.  Remember, professional selling is simply sharing enthusiasm.  Incidentally, John Wesley averaged preaching 15 sermons a week.  Not just one 28-minute sermon on Sunday morning.
If you are not working with passion and drawing a crowd, chances are you are drawing on your ability only.  In Wisdom Meets Passion I describe how passion flows out of the blending of:
1. Skills & Abilities – you have the ability to do many things.  I have known lots of physicians, attorneys, dentists and pastors who have proven their raw ability to perform in their profession – but have no passion for what they do.
2. Personality Traits – you can embrace your uniqueness.  If you are bold and outgoing, then use those characteristics to be your best.  If you are introverted and shy, then use systems and technology to show your brilliance.
3. Values & Dreams – you may think your dreams are unrealistic or just common and ordinary.  But if you are a wood sculptor, an artist, a bookkeeper, a teacher or a great mom, then do it in a way that is remarkable where people will remember and talk about you.
Now, go set yourself on fire.
This article appeared originally on 48days.com. Used with permission.
Dan Miller, President of 48 Days LLC, specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. He believes that meaningful work blends our natural skills and abilities, our unique personality traits and our dreams and passions. Dan is active in helping individuals redirect careers, evaluate new income sources, and achieve balanced living. He believes that a clear sense of direction can help us become all that God designed us to be.
Dan is the author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days to The Work You Love and No More Mondays. He writes regularly for many popular magazines and web portals, including CBN.com, Crosswalk.com, In Touch, AARP and Success magazines and the Zig Ziglar newsletter. He has been a guest on CBS’ ‘The Early Show,’ MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Mathews,’ 700 Club’s Living the Life and Fox Business News with Dave Ramsey Show, to hit some highlights. He hosts a weekly podcast that is consistently ranked #1 under Careers on iTunes. Dan is also a frequent speaker and guest on popular radio programs like Moody Broadcasting, Crown Financial, Janet Parshall’s America, American Family Radio, and Prime Time Chicago.
Committed to personal priorities, Dan and wife Joanne have been happily married for over 42 years. They have three grown children, all entrepreneurs, and they enjoy spending time with their eleven grandchildren. Visit his website at www.48days.com/wisdommeetspassion
Publication date: November 22, 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thank You Notes - help you stand out

An excellent reminder of sending thank you notes during the job search process found at:

 http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/11/21/importance-giving-thanks-during-job-hunt/#ixzz2D4tqsb9w

  • Job Line




In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks in your career and job search can help you stand out from a saturated job-seeking market.
“People love hearing from people who show gratitude and appreciation in your job, work and colleagues,” says Scott Dobroski, community expert at career website Glassdoor.
When hiring managers were asked whether thank you notes made a difference, 64% said they were helpful, according to a survey from temping company Accountemps.
In this job market, every little bit counts and gets noticed by the hiring manager,” says Nicole Williams, LinkedIn’s career expert.
Small gestures like a thank-you note after an interview can sway a hiring decision.  “A lot of people don’t send thank you notes and it’s just another opportunity to sell yourself,” says Julie Jansen, career coach and author of I Don’t Know What I Want, But I Know It’s Not This. It’s a way to reinforce your strengths and clarify points in the interview disguised in a thank you.
Thank-you and follow-up notes give another opportunity to reinforce your experience and showcase your personality.  “Recruiting and hiring managers stress that cultural fit is key and they want to know if you’ll fit in with the team,” says Amanda Augustine, job search expert at TheLadders. Fitting in well with a team is a huge deciding factor for your success at a new company.
What Should You Write?
Experts recommend keeping the note short—no more than three short paragraphs. “Thank whoever you met with for their time, what you specifically enjoyed about the discussion and point out follow up,” recommends Dobroski.
Reinforce points from the interview and address any challenges or problems, says Augustine. This will help you advance your position among other candidates and give the company a reason to bring you back. “Take a moment after the interview and think if there are any objections or reluctance that you can clarify or elaborate on that will help advance you to the next round.”
Don’t forget to add a personal touch by mentioning a product, network or professional organization that may have been brought up in conversation and that you are following up on, advises Williams. “Add that you appreciate [his or] her time and admire [his or] her work—a little sincere validation goes a long way.”
At the end of your note, Dobroski suggests including, “I look forward to speaking with you again. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Proofread your note several times to make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes and be sure to include your contact information.
“Sending a message full of mistakes is just as bad as sending nothing,” says Augustine.
How and When to Send the Note
The content of a thank-you note stays the same no matter the delivery method—but is it better to handwrite a note and send it in the mail or type an email? 
“Startups expect something sooner than three to four days after the interview—email gives us that capability,” says Augustine.
For electronic notes, send a simple email without any bells and whistles—do not send an ecard, says Dobroski. “When you’re trying to make a professional impression on someone, cards with graphics and bright colors are unprofessional.” Dobroski recommends sending an email within 48 hours.
Traditional companies will most likely expect handwritten notes, according to Augustine. “If you’re not sure, do what you’re most comfortable with and send something thoughtful.”
Depending on the position your thank you note can help demonstrate your skillset, says Augustine. If you’re applying for design positions, consider something creative that showcases your talent like a card that you designed.
If you decide to send handwritten notes, experts recommend using a card with a blank inside that says  “Thank you” on the outside and mailing them the same day as your interview.
Don’t Use Social Media
“Stay away from social media unless you’re applying for a social media job,” says Dobroski. If you do decide to use social media, send a direct message to that person.
Tweeting a thank you or sending a public message could disqualify you from a job. “For a majority of companies, hiring processes are kept private and hiring managers may not want to get called out by name.”
What’s Next?
Experts recommend following up with the hiring manager a week or two after the interview. “Add value in the follow up and keep the dialog going on a business level—mention something that’s applicable to the job or company,” says Jansen.


Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/11/21/importance-giving-thanks-during-job-hunt/#ixzz2D4tE7KPX

Creating a LinkedIn Profile

Some helpful videos on how to set up a LinkedIn profle




How to optimize your LinkedIn Profle

Quick overview on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile


Good Thing versus God-Thing

One of the essential aspects of any job search is to be regularly asking God to guide you to your next job....tangibly showing your dependence on him to discern between good things (or "self-oriented"  job opportunities in this case) vs God-things (or "others-service-oriented" job opportunities).  It requires not only praying but also listening, waiting and moving as the Spirit guides.

Read on for more insights on the importance of being led by the Spirit in your job search

Good Things Versus God-Things
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
11-23-2012

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." - Romans 8:14

The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good things" and "God-things." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, the cloud led them by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.

Each of us must have the discernment to know when God is leading in a matter, or if it is simply a good idea. There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.

I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.

As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Workplace believers are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.

Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good thing" or a "God-thing."
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Sluggish each day? Tips on how to Infuse energy into your life (Renessa Boley)

Life Designer Renessa Boley sits down with Natasha to talk about ways to naturally infuse energy into your life found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL6T16hM1mA


  • It is all about how you live your life
  • Make peace with your day - typically in constant motion and chaos all day - end day watching the TV or news, depressing....take all the negative energy to bed with you - wake up sluggish.  /Suggestion:  an hour before bed time just shut down everything - Read, pray, reflect  - what didn't go well - release it - so you aren't wired all night
  • Eat what you like - Nutrician is bed rock for energy - find foods that resonate with you - trial and error - fine great foods that are great for you - no greater feeling if eating well 
  • Exercise for the fun of it - shear discipline doesn't last - what is the fastest way to "done" (energy and vitality).  If you like it you will do it consistently (tennis, ball room dancing, etc. whatever like to do)
  • Be true to yourself - source of stress and anxiety when doing things you don't want to do - if you don't like to do it, don't do it, find someone else to do it or change get out of   - career you hate, figure it out - emotional release when aligned with doing what you like to do - learn to say "no" - it is ok to say "no" - substitute something else you can do for another when you can't do what they ask
  • Let go - life throws us curveballs feeling the need to control - do your part and let go what you cannot control - you are not master of your universe - life style shift - life has a way of working out by itself.
  • Doing the above you will be amazed how much energy you will have!

Take Action! (Renessa Boley)

Helpful hints from Life Designer Renessa Boley on how to take action on initiatives that are important to you


found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL6T16hM1mA

How to put your plans into action... ways to get cracking when the hype is gone

Key -  Block out time in your schedule to take action against your goals.

  • Goals are important but not urgent
  • Put time blocks in your planner so it is non-negotiable 
  • Make it a priority in your life
  • Not just done in your spare time
  • It is a lifestyle shift
  • Start with one goal, and celebrate your progress of this "baby step"
  • There is no failure in life, but life does give you feedback
  • What works for you - Concentrated effort - do a priority activity when you are most focused (example: study in the morning if you are a morning person)
  • Steps are what get you to the goal
  • Teach yourself to appreciate action not just result
  



Types of Nontraditional Resumes

The below post can be found at:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/nontraditional/ss/nontraditional-resume-examples_7.htm


Types of Nontraditional Resumes
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Have you considered using more than just a paper resume to enhance your job search? Depending on the type of job you are seeking a nontraditional resume can be a good way to make a great impression.
Some nontraditional resumes look like an online version of your resume. For example, a LinkedIn profile can be created to look just like a traditional resume and you can print out a PDF version so you have a hard copy.
Other nontraditional resume types include infographics and portfolios, which are visual representations of your skills and experience, video resumes where you use video to personally highlight your experience and skills, and personalized websites and blogs designed to showcase your candidacy for employment.
Check out the various types of nontraditional resumes you can use to see if one - or more - of them are worth adding to your arsenal of job search materials.



How to Use Your LinkedIn Profile as a Resume


The below post in its entirety can be found at:  http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/linkedinprofile.htm


By , About.com Guide
How to Use Your LinkedIn Profile as a ResumeLinkedIn
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I recently asked a question on LinkedIn about online recruiting and the best strategies hiring managers and recruiters use to find candidates. Granted, I was asking a captive audience, but every respondent suggested that LinkedIn was an excellent tool for finding candidates and a good resource for finding jobs, as well.

The Importance of Your LinkedIn Profile

One of the most important parts of LinkedIn is your profile. That's what you use to connect with people in your network and your profile is how you get found on LinkedIn by potential employers. In addition, your LinkedIn profile can increase your visibility online and help you build your professional brand. For example,my LinkedIn profile is currently #3 on Google when you search for Alison Doyle. That means anyone looking for information about me will find everything they need to know at a glance - my skills, my employment information, my recommendations, etc.
That's why it's important to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and detailed. In fact, you can consider your LinkedIn profile your onlineresume. It should have the same information that is on your resume and, if you're looking for a new job, you will want prospective employers to be able to review your credentials for employment, including your qualifications, your experience, and your skills.

How to Use Your LinkedIn Profile as a Job Search Tool

  • Create a Profile. Create a detailed profile on LinkedIn, including employment (current and past), education, and industry. Review your resume and copy/paste the relevant information into your profile. If you’re currently unemployed list your current position as "Open to opportunities."
  • Add a Photo. You can add a photo (a headshot is recommended or upload a larger photo and edit it) to your LinkedIn profile. Note that it must be a small photo - no larger than 80x80 pixels.
  • Professional Summary. The Professional Summary section of your profile is a good way to highlight your experience. Select an Industry, because recruiters often use that field to search. Don't forget the Headline, because that's right at the top of the page when someone views your profile.
  • Keywords and Skills. Include all the keywords and skills from your resume in your profile. That will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.
  • Contact Settings. Your contact settings let your connections (and recruiters) know what you're available for. Options include: career opportunities, consulting offers, new ventures, job inquiries, reference requests. Even if you're not actively seeking a new job, it's beneficial to be flexible about your interests, because you never know when a good opportunity might come along.
  • Links. The links section of your profile is a good way to provide even more information to potential employers and to your contacts. I have links to my company web site, my blog, and my About.com site.
  • Public Profile URL. Don't forget to make your profile public - that's how the world can find it. Also, customizing your URL will give you a link that's easy to share. Mine, for example, ishttp://www.linkedin.com/in/alisondoyle.
  • Create a Signature. Create a LinkedIn signature to use in your email. That's another way to increase the visibility of your profile.
  • Update Your Profile. Don't forget to update your profile when you change positions or companies. Your profile should be current and up-to-date.
  • Grow Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have, but don't randomly connect with people you don't know. All that does is annoy them - you won't gain anything by attempting to connect with someone who never heard of you.
  • Get Recommendations. To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is a reference in advance.
  • Use LinkedIn to Job Search. Use LinkedIn as part of your job search strategy - it will help expedite your job search.

LinkedIn and your job search


The below is taken in its entirety from:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/linkedin.htm
What do Microsoft, Ebay, Netflix, and Target have in common? All these companies (and many more) have used LinkedIn to recruit candidates for employment.
Kay Luo, (former) Director of Corporate Communications atLinkedIn, explains why, "The main reason that companies are using LinkedIn is to find passive job candidates. Another reason why companies are using LinkedIn, is because referrals from their employees are highly valued because they typically have a higher success rate (hence the popular "employee referral bonuses"). LinkedIn helps companies leverage the networks of their employees."
How Employers Use LinkedIn
One LinkedIn member (who will remain nameless because his company doesn't know he's job seeking) I spoke to received an inquiry less than 24 hours after posting his profile. He was amazed at how fast a former colleague found him.
Steve Goddard obtained his current job through LinkedIn. Recruiters working for his employer, VMware, Inc., searched LinkedIn's database of information for people with relevant skills sets and experience pertaining to VMware's existing requirements.
The recruiter discovered Steve's work history, downloaded the information, circulated it to group managers, and then contacted him. After a couple of lengthy phone calls, VMWare scheduled an on-site interview. After that, it was hiring as usual.
Steve told me, "I regularly get headhunters or recruiters with small startup operations, that have found my contact information through LinkedIn, calling me or emailing me with new job openings and hiring opportunities." From the company's perspective, Steve noted that VMware internal recruitment staff believes that LinkedIn has been a tremendous help with recruiting.
It's also important to note that LinkedIn has reached a point where it's almost unprofessional not to be on LinkedIn. There are members from all 500 of the Fortune 500 companies. LinkedIn members comprise hundreds different industries, and include thousands of hiring managers recruiters.
Search LinkedIn
Take a few minutes to search LinkedIn and I'm sure you'll find lots of contacts from your current and prior employers, clients, vendors, and schools. All those contacts have the potential to help you grow your career or find a new job. In addition, it can be a good source of employment references, as well as reference checking.
Job Search
You can search the Jobs section of LinkedIn by keyword, company name, job title and location or use the Advanced Search option to search by more specific criteria.
How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job - Or Have a Job Find You
  • Create a Profile. Create a detailed profile on LinkedIn, including employment (current and past), education, industry, and websites. Here are tips for creating a profile on LinkedIn.
  • Consider a Photo. You can add a photo (a headshot is recommended or upload a larger photo and edit it) to your LinkedIn profile. Note that it must be a small photo - no larger than 80x80 pixels.
  • Keywords and Skills. Include all your resume keywords and skills in your profile, so your profile will be found.
  • Build Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have, with one caveat from Kay Luo, "Connect to people you know and trust or have a business relationship with, no need to go crazy and connect with everyone."
  • Get Recommendations. Recommendations from people you have worked with carry a lot of weight.
  • Search Jobs. Use the job search section to find job listings.
  • Use Answers. The Answers section of LinkedIn is a good way to increase your visibility. Respond to questions, and ask a question if you need information or assistance.
  • Stay Connected. Use LinkedIn Mobile (m.linkedin.com) to view profiles, invite new connections, and access to LinkedIn Answers from your phone.