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NFT: Opinions for job seekers - LinkedIn

AP in Halfmoon : 5/3/2016 2:51 pm
My son believes he's underemployed and he's looking for a better opportunity. I suggested he update and expand his LinkedIn profile. The topic of when to request to connect with a potential employer came up. I told him there's nothing wrong with sending a request to someone he just interviewed with. He believes that would be inappropriate.

What does BBI say?
It's tricky  
Mike in Long Beach : 5/3/2016 2:53 pm : link
Depends on how serious the interview was (i.e., whether it was just exploratory for both parties or if he was a serious candidate). There's no right or wrong answer to this one IMO, but I'd lean towards your side here. It's certainly not "inappropriate" and I don't think it would hurt his chances to send the request. It may not help his chances, but I don't see what the consequence is. Unless the interviewer has his own strict social networking protocol (and who the Hell wants to work with someone like that?) I say it's fine.
I agree. LinkedIn is a great social media tool for professionals  
GiantBlue : 5/3/2016 3:00 pm : link
I think it would show genuine interest in knowing more about the interviewer and consequently the company he is applying for. It also gives them an avenue to communicate if the interviewer accepts his request.

Win-Win!
AP- LinkedIn is great  
Young Elijah : 5/3/2016 3:10 pm : link
I landed my current consulting gig on there. Its a great tool as other have said, that when utilized correctly could be extremely helpful. I suggest you have your son updated his linkedin to match his resume, included a short summary/intro paragraph about his successes in his current role. Then have him sign up for the Job Seeker Premium upgrade (its free for the first 30 days). This is great for a number of reasons.

1. When you apply to a job, its just 2 clicks for an InApply (I think its called) job...you click apply, attach a resume and you're done.
2. Your InApplication goes to the "top" of the recruiter's digital pile, and your profile is highlighted.
3. You see stats on all other applicants, years of exp, schools, other useful stuff.
4. You get a large number (or unlimited) number of InMail messages. These can and should be used to contact recruiters when applying and even for follow ups which would make the act of adding your interviewee less informal.

There are more perks, but those stood out for me. Also, can cancel anytime.

Good luck!
I would say request to connect  
ron mexico : 5/3/2016 3:14 pm : link
The guy can ignore if he doesn't want to but I can't imagine anyone getting offended.
I think it really depends on the type of interview the  
Scyber : 5/3/2016 3:58 pm : link
"first" interview was. If it was just a quick phone screen type thing with HR, then no. If it was a more in depth interview with someone in his field then that would be OK. Although I might wait till the follow up interview if that is part of the process. After the first interview it is tough to tell where you stand on their priority.
semi-cheesy  
I Love Clams Casino : 5/3/2016 4:28 pm : link
have him show more effort and send a thank you note.....employers love that.
RE: I would say request to connect  
Sonic Youth : 5/3/2016 4:44 pm : link
In comment 12943250 ron mexico said:
Quote:
The guy can ignore if he doesn't want to but I can't imagine anyone getting offended.
Agree with this. There's really no downside, and I always felt that people on LinkedIn just know that connecting is beneficial for everyone involved. There's no downside to having a bigger network on LinkedIn.
What  
Jon in NYC : 5/3/2016 4:58 pm : link
do your other BBI handles say?
RE: What  
Giants2012 : 5/3/2016 5:04 pm : link
In comment 12943429 Jon in NYC said:
Quote:
do your other BBI handles say?



Great contribution as usual ahole

RE: RE: What  
Jon in NYC : 5/3/2016 5:07 pm : link
In comment 12943439 Giants2012 said:
Quote:
In comment 12943429 Jon in NYC said:


Quote:


do your other BBI handles say?




Great contribution as usual ahole


I've had people connect with me following interviews.. most of whom we  
Mellowmood92 : 5/3/2016 5:08 pm : link
didn't hire. I have no issue with it. Now if someone i interviewed looked me up on facebook and attempted to send a friend request.. then that'd be weird.

I 2nd Clams suggestion to send a thank you note. Something hand written and mailed shows a genuine thoughtful gesture.. email follow ups are almost expected and predictable, it also takes practically zero effort.
Thanks for the advice  
AP in Halfmoon : 5/3/2016 5:08 pm : link
I think it's important he does what feels right. He typically exercises good judgment
LinkedIn  
Giants2012 : 5/3/2016 5:09 pm : link
is tricky but works

Link up with people and show a general interest in what they do, their company does, etc. I would not solicit for simply job hunting. Networking will expose him to opportunity but I wouldn't just connect for a job. People like others to earn it the right way.

It's a great tool and I use it often.
I got a great new job  
brandozilla : 5/3/2016 5:14 pm : link
from a linked in connection. I think its better suited for recruiters who are seeking the right type of person, than for a job seeker looking for a new position.
I would say keep your profile up to date with your skills and accomplishments, accept any connection by a recruiter and just see what is thrown at you.
RE: I got a great new job  
Mike in Long Beach : 5/3/2016 5:17 pm : link
In comment 12943459 brandozilla said:
Quote:
from a linked in connection. I think its better suited for recruiters who are seeking the right type of person, than for a job seeker looking for a new position.
I would say keep your profile up to date with your skills and accomplishments, accept any connection by a recruiter and just see what is thrown at you.


This is spot on.

I get a message from a recruiter every week or so, and I know people more accomplished than myself who get recruiters hitting them up multiple times a day. Definitely very worth while to keep the profile updated.
RE: I got a great new job  
pjcas18 : 5/3/2016 5:19 pm : link
In comment 12943459 brandozilla said:
Quote:
from a linked in connection. I think its better suited for recruiters who are seeking the right type of person, than for a job seeker looking for a new position.
I would say keep your profile up to date with your skills and accomplishments, accept any connection by a recruiter and just see what is thrown at you.


LinkedIn is great for the job seeker as well. search the posted jobs section, most, or many, career sites are now integrated with LinkedIn so you can almost single-click apply for a job.

Several people I'm close to  
Giants2012 : 5/3/2016 5:22 pm : link
received jobs just b/c they liked a post shared by another poster and posted/communicated about it behind the scenes. It creates opportunity
My advice  
Mike in Marin : 5/3/2016 5:37 pm : link
is to connect with anybody that might be of interest in helping you, or reciprocating, any time in the future. I would most definitely connect with anyone I interviewed with, especially if there is any chance of wanting to work with that person down the road.

If anything else, that person will see how their career progresses and feel shitty about not hiring him when he had a chance.
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