Monday, February 27, 2017

Keep in Touch on LinkedIn

Everyone should have a network of business contacts. When I began my career, this would have been a small phone contact book I carried around. Maybe a rolodex. These days, it’s LinkedIn for me, though there are other ways to keep a network alive.

Ultimately, your network is your best chance of finding a better job, or just a job, when you are ready. That means you should have a network in place.

I suggest LinkedIn since so many people are already using the platform in the US. I accept all invitations, but you can choose to do what you want. No matter which platform you choose, separate your connections. It’s easy to do, as you get acceptances or invitations, quickly categorize people.

Then post items on LinkedIn. I tend to put my blog posts out there, sometimes adding other items. The key is interaction and touches with your network. For those in your “A” network (the closest group), make sure you reach out with email, lunch, something every few months.

Keeping a healthy network is the best way to help with job searches and ensuring you will have help finding your next position.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Touch Your Resume Today

How long has it been since you updated your resume or CV? If it’s been more than 4 months, take 30 seconds right now to look at it and see if there are changes you can make.

If you’ve completed a project, attended an event, written a blog, changed a contact email/phone/address, or something else, update your resume, CV, or online profile now. Take the five minutes to fix things right now.

Tomorrow might be the day that you need to look for a job because of a change at work, or perhaps you’ll hear about a fantastic position next week and they want your resume immediately.

Note: After you update things, send a copy to a friend for proofing.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Leaving Jobs

In the Brent Ozar newsletter recently, there was a post about the right reason to leave a job. It’s a short, interesting read, and one that I like.

This site isn’t about leaving an employer. It’s about building a brand to help you get the job you want. Maybe that’s a way to alter your current duties by showing you can do more. Maybe that’s about a promotion inside the company, or just a raise in your current slot. Maybe it’s because you want/need a new employer for some reason.

It’s up to you to decide, but I want you to be prepared when you choose to leave. That’s why it becomes important early to network, blog, learn, share, and do plenty to show you’re a great employee as a part of your current job. You never know when you’ll want to leave.

Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.. That’s the motto to keep in mind.