Tough times like this call for creative solutions. As the economic crisis in Canada worsens, it's more important than ever to make sure you're keeping up to date on all of the news and intel about what's going on. Fortunately, there are a plethora of online resources that give information and advice to help job hunters stay in the loop.
LinkedIn is a social networking site geared toward professionals who want to network with like-minded individuals. Just think Facebook meets LinkedIn, where people can search by profession, interest and location.
Without further ado, here are five easy ways to use this underrated site for hunting a job in Canada:
This is the first step in using LinkedIn. If you've heard of it but haven't created an account, make sure to do so.
Create a profile detailing your professional experience, and list your skills and certifications there. If possible, add a summary that describes what you're looking for in a position, your long-term goals, and your values.
If you've had a job where you could do something outstanding that was noticed by someone else at the company, consider asking if they'd be willing to write a recommendation.
While not required, it can help beef up your profile and boost your chances of getting interviews for jobs.
Look for people who also work in the same field you're interested in, and connect with them.
As a matter of fact, roughly 80% of LinkedIn connections are between people within the same company, meaning it's often a great way to get an introduction to someone who works for your dream company.
Simply message them regarding their expertise and let them know you're looking for a role that fits your skills.
If you're not in a specific industry, try joining or making groups related to the topic you're interested in. For example, if you're a civil engineer looking for jobs in Vancouver, create a networking group focused on civil engineering issues.
Perhaps you could even volunteer to help moderate the group. It's also an effective way to network, and you may be able to find a mentor who can help you out.
LinkedIn is updated with all of the latest job listings, and it's easy to find opportunities in your city or region.
Go to your profile, scroll down, and click on "Jobs You May Be Interested In." This will bring up job openings from companies that are hiring for positions similar to yours. Usually, the further down the list you go, the more specialized the positions become.
Don't forget to check out all of the job listings posted to LinkedIn by your connections as well. After all, that's who will most likely know about jobs before they're listed online.
The best way to stay informed is to get out there and stay in touch!
Using these simple tools, you can ensure that you'll be one step ahead of the competition when it comes time for a hiring manager to review your credentials.
