Trends and Profile NEWS

Using Social Networking to find a Job

By Jeff Bressler for CEOWORLD Magazine Updated:May 6, 2009

With the global recession in full blown mode the number of applicants for jobs is on the increase. It is becoming evident to many employment seekers that the normal channels of job hunting and getting your resume to the top of the pile aren’t producing success. For many, thinking out of the box is producing results.

Many forward thinking job-hunters are using social networking in all sorts of creative ways to find employment.

But one of the most unusual is offering a finder’s fee of up to $6,000 for anyone who passes along a lead that resulted in a full- time job. I recently read a news story that laid out this unusual offer.

The story talked about Beverly Shepard, who was laid off in January of this year from her job as marketing director at The Virginia-Pilot newspaper.

Sixteen months ago, when the newspaper announced it was up for sale, Beverly anticipated the worst. She started looking for another job while she was still working, but to no avail. She even paid an Arizona-based recruiter $6,000, but it was wasted money and generated no interviews.

That’s when she turned to LinkedIn for help. She emailed her more than 200 connections and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Find her a full-time job that pays $120,000, with benefits, and they earn a $6,000 finder’s fee. An $80,000 job pays a finder’s fee of $800.

She emailed her 200 LinkedIn connections with the offer.

She was quoted in the story I read as saying that “I thought a few leads would dribble in, but I was amazed,” she said. “I got my first lead within 15 minutes. So far, I’ve had one job interview and I have another one later this month.”

She even heard from an old boyfriend who’s willing to help.

Arither friend, a PR pro, wrote a press release about Beverly’s publicity stunt.

That led to an avalanche of media attention, including an interview on CNN and an article on FastCompany.com.

I am trying to find out of Ms. Shepard found her dream job, but with her innovative approach to job hunting she should be well positioned for a bright future.

If you have only several LinkedIn connections, or several hundred, don’t let them just sit there gathering dust. LinkedIn expert Scott Allen says there are lots of creative ways you can use those connections to find answers to questions, be introduced to decision-makers, and even promote products and services.

I am not totally convinced that all social networking sites have benefits, but if you have not joined Linkedin you are missing out on the opportunity to promote yourself and development numerous new contacts.

I use Linkedin every day and gain tremendous benefits. You can visit the site at www.linkedin.com

———————-

Editorial Staff: By Jeff Bressler (news@ceoworld.biz)

Like this article! ‹ Nano car or house: Tata Housing launches low cost Housing Project Shubh Griha in Mumbai President Obama, Bangalore and Outsourcing: Some Observations ›
Share this Post: Get It Delivered To Your Inbox

Readers Rating:

(No Ratings Yet)

Loading ...

Popularity:
171,818 views

Comments:
Comments

Leave a Comment:

hawaiijobs10

well post.
For more jobs visit http://www.staffingpower.com

associations

I have joined Linked In many years ago, but I haven't seen any benefits from it personally. Beverly's story is interesting: did she find that job or were all the leads copied from monster.com?