LinkedIn

Get Your Digital House in Order!

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The beginning of the year is a great time to get your digital house in order. Whether you are pursuing federal employment or employment in private, nonprofit or state and local sector, people are looking at your LinkedIn profile. Don’t get left behind. The market is highly competitive and we should use every advantage we can. And yes, I know the feds aren’t as active on LinkedIn as the private sector but this is changing rapidly.

LinkedIn is the premiere platform for jobseekers. You can argue that it’s good or bad but at the moment, this is the place to be digitally. Here are some ways you can optimize your LinkedIn account:

Basics:
  • Headline Strategy: Use all 220 characters with a formula: Current Role + Value Proposition + Target Keywords + Unique Differentiator
  • About Section: Structure with a hook, story arc, and clear call-to-action using the STAR method
  • Experience Optimization: Include 3-5 bullet points per role with quantified achievements and relevant keywords
  • Skills & Endorsements: Strategically order your top 3 skills and actively manage endorsements
  • Activity Publishing: Share original content 2-3 times per week during peak engagement hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10 AM)
Advanced LinkedIn Features:
  • Use LinkedIn Creator mode for expanded content tools
  • Leverage LinkedIn Stories for behind-the-scenes content
  • Host LinkedIn Live sessions or audio events
  • Create LinkedIn newsletters for consistent thought leadership
  • Utilize LinkedIn’s SEO by including keywords in all sections
AI Prompts:
  • “Create a LinkedIn headline using the formula: [Current Role] + [Value Proposition] + [Keywords for target role] + [Unique differentiator] for someone targeting [specific position]”
  • “Write a compelling LinkedIn About section that follows the STAR method and includes keywords for [industry/role]”
  • “Generate 10 LinkedIn content ideas that demonstrate expertise in [field] and encourage engagement

Please note that some of these ideas are more important for some jobseekers (and those who want to stay put) than others. And of course, LinkedIn is changing all of the time. Regardless, the above represents a great way to start or improve your LinkedIn presence.

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Networking Mastery

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Research suggests that anywhere as many as 80% of jobs are filled through networking. Networking can also be an important factor in a shorter job search. But how can you exercise your networking muscle?

Here are 10 different areas to focus on as you build your network:

  • Networking Foundations
  • Building Connections
  • Strengthening & Deepening Connections
  • Broadening Your Network
  • Leveraging Social Media for Networking
  • Expanding Beyond Your Comfort Zone
  • Offering Value to Your Network
  • Going the Extra Mile
  • Deepening Relationships
  • Reflecting & Reinforcing Your Networking Efforts

Here are a few suggested actions in each of the areas to get you started; I’m sure you’ll be able to think of more!:

Networking Foundations
  • Define your networking goals (for example: finding a mentor, a certain number of new LinkedIn connections, five new job opportunities, etc.)
  • Set a specific target for the number of people you want to connect with during this challenge
  • Craft your 30-second elevator pitch (that clearly communicates who you are, and what you do) so you can use it with new contacts
  • Identify your top 3 ideal networking connections
Building Connections
  • Send a LinkedIn connection request (with a personalized message) to someone in your industry
  • Comment thoughtfully on someone’s LinkedIn post
  • Join a LinkedIn group relevant to your profession or industry and introduce yourself
  • Ask a colleague to introduce you to someone they know who could help you grow your network
Strengthening & Deepening Connections
  • Write a personalized follow-up email to someone you met recently
  • Reach out to an influencer in your field and ask for advice on a specific topic
  • Share an article or resource with someone in your network
Broadening Your Network
  • Attend an event outside your industry to meet people with different perspectives and meet new types of professionals
  • Attend a community volunteer event or participate in a charity event to meet new people
  • Send a LinkedIn message to a recruiter to inquire about career opportunities
Leveraging Social Media for Networking
  • Create a professional bio for your social media profiles that clearly states who you are, and what you do
  • Host a LinkedIn Live or Instagram Live session discussing a topic of interest and invite others to join and contribute
  • Curate a list of recommended resources (books, podcasts, tools) and share it with your network
  • Share a professional accomplishment on LinkedIn and tag people who helped you get there
Expanding Beyond Your Comfort Zone
  • Join a meetup group related to an interest you want to explore further
  • Reach out to someone who is a few steps ahead of you in your career and ask for advice
  • Attend a cross-industry event to expand your networking horizons
Offering Value To Your Network
  • Offer to write a testimonial or LinkedIn Recommendation for someone you’ve worked with
  • Share a job opportunity that may be a good fit for someone in your network
  • Make an introduction between two people who could benefit from each other’s expertise
Going the Extra Mile
  • Host a virtual “office hours” session where you answer questions from your network
  • Attend a conference and actively network with speakers and attendees
  • Send a “just checking in” email to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, even if you don’t need anything from them
  • Send a thank you note to someone who has helped or mentored you recently
Deepening Relationships
  • Send a “check in” message to someone you haven’t talked to in a while
  • Ask a colleague or connection for feedback on a project or presentation
  • Invite a connection to a free industry-related event or webinar that could benefit them
  • Arrange for a casual coffee chat with someone you’ve recently connected with to get to know them better
Reflecting & Reinforcing Your Networking Efforts
  • Review your connections and identify key relationships you want to strengthen
  • Review your networking activities and determine which methods were most successful in helping you build meaningful relationships
  • Create a list of three action steps to continue improving your networking
  • Reflect on the types of people you’re connecting with and whether you’d like to broaden your network even further
  • Check-in with your key connections to see if there’s any way you can provide further value to them

Remember, the purpose of your network is not to get you a job but rather to build strong relationships to enhance your career through mutually beneficial relationships—whether it leads to a job or not. The time to build your network is NOW so it is there to support you no matter what happens to your career.

Need to Write a Bio?

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If you’ve been asked to write a bio, you may be wondering if you can just use your resume and be done. The answer to that is, “no.” A bio and a resume have two different purposes and formats; a bio provides a narrative summary of your professional journey, accomplishments, and a bit of personal information; it serves as an introduction. A resume on the other hand is a highly structured document that communicates your experience, skills, education, and accomplishments; its purpose is to demonstrate your qualifications for a particular position.

Now that you have an understanding of the differences between a bio and a resume, why might you need a bio?

  • To Serve as an Introduction: It introduces you to the audience, helping them get to know you.
  • Establish Credibility: A well-written bio highlights your qualifications, expertise, and achievements, establishing your credibility in your field.
  • Networking: It aids in building professional connections and relationships, as others can understand your background and interests.
  • Personal Branding: A bio can help shape and communicate a personal brand and present your unique qualities and values.
  • Career Advancement: It can contribute to career growth by showcasing accomplishments and expertise, which may lead to new opportunities.
  • Online Presence: In this age of social media, bios, especially on LI (called the About section) are essential and allows you to manage your online presence.

There are different kinds of bios: work bios for your organization’s website, bios for speeches and presentations; and your LinkedIn bio. Each has a different approach, length, and point of view. When sitting down to prepare your bio, you should think about 3 things:

  • The purpose of the bio
  • Your audience
  • What makes you unique

If you’re writing a bio for your organization’s website or something similar, you’ll want to check to see what requirements they have for format, length, and content. Your work bio is typically written in third person and often includes a professional headshot.

Almost all employers and individual hiring managers are using LinkedIn. If you don’t have a bio on LI (under the “About” section). For your LI bio, you can consider using the WHO / WHAT / GOALS structure. Outline:

  • WHO you are
    • WHAT you have to offer (what is unique about you /  your experience
    • What are your GOALS for your career

Your LI bio is typically written in first person and “friendlier” in tone than a formal work bio. And a professional picture (headshot) is critical.

Wherever you are in your career, a bio is a common career document and it is important to do it right.

Check out our Resources for bundles, e-books, courses and more to help you on your career journey!

I’m in the Federal Government—Do I Really Need LinkedIn?

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I frequently hear from my federal clients that they don’t need LinkedIn. Have you wondered if that’s true?

While I think it is fair to say that LinkedIn plays less of a role in federal hiring than it does in the private sector, I still think it’s value-add.

Here are 6 reasons why:

  1. The federal government is present on LinkedIn; jobs are posted there. While the vast majority of federal positions are also posted on USAJOBS.gov, many are also posted on LinkedIn. And many agencies use the recruiter function on LinkedIn to reach out to candidates.
  2. It’s a great way to research agencies—and find out who you might know. Looking for a new agency? Applying for your first federal job? LinkedIn is a great source of information about agencies; most have a presence. And you’ll likely find someone you know who works for that organization; it’s a great way to find real information about an agency.
  3. Some agencies (and certainly some hiring managers) will look for you on LinkedIn before they call you for an interview. You want to be easily found. Of course not all agencies or hiring managers do this but many do—whether they admit or not.
  4. Interview preparation. Getting ready for an interview? Find out who is on your interview panel and look them up on LinkedIn. It might provide you with some useful information that you can use during your interview.
  5. Networking is critical to your career. There are over 2.4M federal employees on LinkedIn. The Army alone has more than 500,000 employees on LinkedIn. The Air Force (USAF), Defense Department (DoD), Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Postal Service (USPS), each have more than 100,000 employees who claim to work for those agencies—that’s another 600,000+ federal employees. And of course, that does not count the 220M users in the United States. Lots of possibilities.
  6. Establish yourself as an expert / get noticed. LinkedIn is a great place to showcase your experience and knowledge—as well as share the interesting things your agency is doing. I am not suggesting that you violate your agency’s ethics rules or share information that should not be shared; that still leaves you with plenty of other opportunities.

Looking for more information about LinkedIn? Check out our Resources which include bundles and ebooks about LinkedIn and more! You can also connect with and follow Solutions for the Workplace on LinkedIn too to stay up to date.

Job Search During The Holidays—Networking Made Easy

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The holiday season can be the perfect time to conduct your job search. Why? Because there are many opportunities for networking—even in the current environment. With holiday gatherings, either in person or virtually, you have natural opportunities to build your network. Why does this matter? Because research shows that as many as 80% of successful hiring can be attributed to networking.

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with holiday decor around.

Here are some tips for successful networking:

  1. Build your network before you need it. Having a strong network helps build your brand and reputation, increases your visibility, and can provide support.
  2. Recognize that networking is a two-way street. You should not think about networking just as an opportunity to improve your own situation but also as a way to support others. Do something to build your network each and every day, whether that’s sending an email to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or identifying someone new you want to meet.
  3. Find your (potential) network everywhere around you. Sources to grow your network are everywhere from your friends and relatives to business associates such as accountants, attorneys, vendors (be sure to understand your organization’s ethics rules), to alumni associations to community organizations, and everyone in between. Even the people in your holiday card file! Make a list—your network is probably larger than you imagined.
  4. Seek out opportunities to meet people. You can attend holiday parties, volunteer in your community, participate in networking events, and take part in industry-related conferences, among other things. Follow up with everyone you meet either via LinkedIn or email.
  5. Ask for help (if you need it) and be specific about exactly what you need. Most people will be happy to help you — but you need to ask. A specific request for assistance (“Does anyone know someone who works in the accounting department at Company X?”) is more likely to be fulfilled than a general request (“I need a new job! Help!”)
  6. Follow up. If a networking contact gives you advice, a lead, or information, follow up on that information — and then also get back to that person to let them know how it went.
  7. Don’t forget about networking online. LinkedIn is the professional networking site. Make sure your profile is up to date. As you build your connections, customize your ask by sharing where you met / what you have in common. Comment on posts, and join groups. Post yourself. Work on growing your network to 500 or so.
  8. Pay it forward. After you land your new job, be sure to thank your network — especially contacts that have specifically helped you with your job search. At a minimum, send a personal note to everyone who assisted you in your search. And don’t forget to spread the word that you’ve accepted a new opportunity. Don’t neglect your network just because you found a new job. One of the most important parts of maintaining your network is providing assistance when you are asked. Be responsive to requests for help from folks in your network when you are asked.

Social Media Scrub Checklist

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Thinking about looking for a new job? Scrub your social media first!

A checklist on a phone held by a person. Social media logos of Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Whatsapp, Twitter on the side that are connected.

1 – Google Yourself

If you have a common name, you will want to see what information is broadly available through a simple name search, but then also narrow it by your profession or geographic location. (For example: “Jane Jobseeker Public Relations” or “Jane Jobseeker Omaha.”)

Be sure you are logged out of your Google account before searching. Review the results on pages 1-3. Are there any links of concern to address? (Negative information about you, incorrect information, etc.)

2 – Clean Up Any Digital Dirt

If you identified any negative, false, or inaccurate information in your Google searches, take steps to try to have it removed.

  • Figure out who controls the content. (For example, if the photo you want to hide is on your Facebook profile, change the visibility settings of that photo.)
  • If the content is on a website or page you don’t control, see if there is a way to request that it be removed. If the information isn’t removed from the original source, people will still be able to see if, even if it doesn’t appear in Google’s search results. (If the content is not removed from the source, it will reappear in Google’s search results when the site is indexed again.)
  • Check on the content again later. After the webmaster has made the change to the website, the information will still show up in Google for some time until Google updates its index.

3 – Create Positive Content

One way to have better content show up in the first couple of pages of Google when you name is searched is to create new content.

Here are some ways to do that:

  • Post on blogs and news sites that appear in search results. Write constructive comments that Google can associate with your name.
  • A personal or business blog – if you are committed to it – can provide a solid online presence. If you don’t like to write, you can shoot videos and publish them on your blog.
  • Posting content on YouTube and LinkedIn will also show up prominently in search results.
  • Reviews you post on Amazon.com will also show up in your Google search results.

4 – Make Sure Your LinkedIn Profile is Complete

A “complete” profile by LinkedIn standards is more likely to appear in search results.

Make sure you have these items in your LinkedIn profile:

  • Your industry and location
  • An up-to-date current position (with a description)
  • Two past positions
  • Your education
  • At lease three skills
  • A profile photo
  • At least 50 connections

5 – Review Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Lock down your social media settings during your job search. (This will not prevent your friends from sharing a screenshot of your posts/profile, but will limit who can see your posts.)

Do these six things:

  • Set your default sharing option to Friends.
  • Change the privacy settings for your previous posts (“Limit Past Posts”) so that previous posts are set to Friends. You can override the privacy setting of any individual post on that specific post, but this will change all your past posts at once.
  • Make your Facebook Friends list private so only you (select “Only me”) or only your friends (“Friends”) can see your Friends list. You can also customize it further by choosing “Specific Friends” or “Friends Except.”
  • Customize who can see your “Intro” details (education, current city, hometown, etc.).
  • Block your profile from appearing in search engines.
  • Change your privacy settings on photo albums.

On the topic of social media, please feel free to connect with us and follow along for more resources and tips on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube!