1. Mike O’Connor Director of Career Planning The Sage Colleges
Social Media Meets Career Development: Effectively Networking with LinkedIn
Mike O’Connor
Director of Career Planning
The Sage Colleges

2. Facts
World’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 100 million members in over 200 countries and territories.
More than half of LinkedIn members are currently located outside of the United States.
Nearly two billion people searches on LinkedIn in 2010.
Management team is comprised of seasoned executives from companies like Yahoo!, Google, Microsoft, TiVo, PayPal and Electronic Arts. The CEO of LinkedIn is Jeff Weiner.
Available in nine languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Turkish and Romanian.
Started off 2011 with about 1,000 full-time employees located all around the globe, up from around 500 at the beginning of 2010.
Source:

3. Why Use ? “Old Way” of Applying Doesn’t Work
Companies average hundreds to thousands of resumes submitted for each entry-level position
Most organizations don’t post their positions publicly, or pay to have them advertised via Monster or Career Builder
Expansion of your professional network and relevant networks
70 percent of all jobs found through networking (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Increases marketability and exposure
Era of the “Personal Brand”

4. Starting A Account

5. Building Your Profile
Easiest Way - Upload an edited professional resume
Include any “relevant” job or experience
Choose professional picture or headshot
Get recommendations…

6. Networking On LinkedIn
Targeting Contacts
Connect with friends, faculty members, and professionals in target field
Increases LinkedIn Network and potential exposure to many more professionals…
Best Strategy – JOIN GROUPS
THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of Groups – Includes professional associations, alumni and affinity groups, and even specific employers
Give you access to professionals in target fields
Connect with individuals in a position to help you and your career

7. Networking On LinkedIn
Networking vs. Handouts…
It’s BOTH what you know and WHO you know…
Networking: Mutual Beneficial Process. Not about Me, Me, Me…
Informational Interviewing
Networking strategy to talk to people in target fields…
Goal: get industry specific information and more contacts in target field

8. Request for Informational Interview – Sample Message
Dear Ms. Jacobsen, I’m an English major in my junior year at Sage College of Albany, and I have interest in pursuing a career in the field of television and film production. I was excited to see that you are currently employed by MTV as a producer. I would very much like to learn more about your experiences in the industry and any advice you’d be willing to share with regards to succeeding in the field. Would you be willing to speak with me for minutes about your experiences in media production at a time that’s convenient for you? Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Beverly Hillbilly

9. Resources Guide for New Users Guide for Students and Recent Graduates
Guide for Students and Recent Graduates
Guide for Job Seekers