Guy Kawasaki put up this interesting list: How to Change the World: Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn. I have been using Linkedin for some time now, but haven’t really gotten anything out of it. Maybe this list will help.
The tip I hadn’t thought of:
Perform blind, “reverse,� and company reference checks.
LinkedIn’s reference check tool to input a company name and the years the person worked at the company to search for references. Your search will find the people who worked at the company during the same time period. Since references provided by a candidate will generally be glowing, this is a good way to get more balanced data.
Companies will typically check your references before hiring you, but have you ever thought of checking your prospective manager’s references? Most interviewees don’t have the audacity to ask a potential boss for references, but with LinkedIn you have a way to scope her out.
You can also check up on the company itself by finding the person who used to have the job that you’re interviewing for. Do this by searching for job title and company, but be sure to uncheck “Current titles only.� By contacting people who used to hold the position, you can get the inside scoop on the job, manager and growth potential.
By the way, if using LinkedIn in these ways becomes a common practice, we’re apt to see more truthful resumes. There’s nothing more amusing than to find out that the candidate who claims to have caused some huge success was a total bozo who was just along for the ride.
I’m currently not looking.. but when the time comes.. this one is one i’ll use.
By the way.. I’m not adding Guy
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i think Linked-In is a great idea. i’ve been a member for a year or so. but, i still haven’t made myself a complete profile. i should try to use it more… maybe i could find long-term employment!