The 10 Red Hot LinkedIn Tips for Job Seekers

Someone in one of my groups tipped us off to this excellent article.  To summarize:

1. Get connected to 250 people on LinkedIn - that's the gasoline in the tank
2. Join 50 LinkedIn groups - that's the engine oil
3. Post a daily status update - that will keep you top of mind with your connections
4. Participate in three group discussions a week - to be heard and recognized as a smart person
   
• HAPPENLink is a good place to be heard and recognized as a smart person, too
5. Search and save job searches - this is like having your own virtual assistant scouring for jobs 24/7
• It's a good idea to do the same in Indeed.ca and Eluta.ca
6. Download LinkedIn JobsInsider toolbar - this will tell you who you know who know people at the company you want to get a job at
7. Follow the companies you are interested in working for - you will get notified of new hires as well as people who move on, among other things
8. Search for people you know at the companies you apply to - it's a great way to find out if you have a first level connection who knows someone you can contact
9. Optimize your profile for your keywords in your headline, skills and job titles - use the keywords for skills, knowledge and abilities that your future employer is looking for
10. Spend at least one hour a day on LinkedIn - you have to put some time in if you want results

Job seeking is work.  And it involves taking some risks: reaching out to your connections, making statements and arguing your point in a group discussion, exposing yourself to potential employers.  It also can be a lot of fun.  Go for it!