Marisol Orozco, Employment consultant with Build ON
Hi readers! In this entry blog, we will exclusively focus on how to use social media, especially LinkedIn as a part of your job searching strategy.
For some of you this may seem like strange territory; for many others it is a quotidian routine to check and maintain their URL, connect with and endorse colleagues or other experts in their field. Regardless, we at Build ON receive a vast array of questions that we will try to address in this blog post.
If you are wondering whether it is important to have a LinkedIn account as a job seeker in Canada, the answer is “absolutely, yes”. Regardless of your field of expertise, having an online presence is a “must” for a new-to-Canada job seeker. Canada is among the top countries with the most LinkedIn users. It is very common to be approached, apply for jobs or receive employment offers via LinkedIn. Having an account has many advantages: it is affordable/free of any charge to open and keep a profile and it gives you the opportunity to start making connections before you arrive. This point leads to other two crucial matters: what to display in your profile and how to connect.
If you are new to this adventure, you may ask “What are the key elements in a LinkedIn profile?” “What do employers look for in my profile?” These are very important questions. The first step is to ensure that your image is suitable as this is the first impression you present to potential employers. Choose a professional headshot of yourself! A smart attire and a smile will contribute to a strong “personal brand”. Add a summary of your profile under your name. Remember that using relevant keywords and industry-specific terms are crucial. Don’t forget that recommendations and endorsements are very powerful. Invite a former client, boss or colleague to write about you.
One of the most frequently asked questions from our clients is that how to connect with a potential Canadian employer. This question usually segues into whether it is okay to ask for a job immediately after sending an invitation to connect. The answers to these questions are dictated by the Netiquette (Netiquette refers to a set of rules that guide online behaviors and interactions). Never ask for a job directly, proceed with tact and establish a rapport first. Register with Build ON to access our online training materials to understand the cold calling techniques and tips for informational interviews that can be applicable to online networking situations and meeting with employers virtually.
After you do your research and find relevant contacts within your field, the next step is to send invitations. Here is an important tip for newcomers: don’t send invitations only to hiring managers. Look for “diversity managers” that are committed to policies of inclusion; target fellow immigrants that can share tips and advice about your sector and industry of choice. Remember the “hidden market”: these first-hand informants can help you have a more effective job search. Consider a mentor who can help you in this journey. Check out our mentorship blog to get familiar with the benefits of having a mentor. You can also register with Build ON to be connected to a local expert in your field.
Finally, be aware of scammers and keep in mind that LinkedIn is different from Facebook. Don’t upload personal pictures or advocate political/religious messages that can damage your “professional image”.