We've covered a lot of bases regarding job search over the past few weeks, and while I know I've touched on this subject before, I think it's time we went a little deeper on the issue. It's been hammered in your head that we're in the most difficult job market in our generation, and that you need to be creative regarding your job search. Most people think of this as meaning that you have to have the best formatted resume with all the right key words, find the jobs that aren't posted publicly, follow up with hiring managers, and create value in your interview by presenting yourself in a light that makes you stand out among your competition. That's all good advice, but you need to kick it up a notch and get noticed.

I was speaking to someone last night about our respective job searches, and this person asked me "How are you coming across all of these excellent opportunities?" My reply was that many of them have come directly to me as a result of people finding me on LinkedIn". She replied "Why aren't people finding ME on LinkedIn?"

Good question.....and the wheels in my mind began to turn.....

I happen to be very fortunate regarding the opportunities that have found me. I'm pretty visible out there in the community and I have tons of connections that I work on a fairly consistent basis. Fact of the matter is, that while working my network has produced some pretty good interviews, about half of the opportunities that I've been presented with were the result of someone I've never met or spoken with, reaching out to me. Why is that?

It's because I promote myself, plain and simple. I work very hard at making sure people know who I am, and what I'm all about. I want people to know my name, and when they think of me or hear my name, I want "Making your next hire your best hire!" to be the first thing that comes to mind. I have the "Job Search Advice" email mailing list, which through word of mouth is growing each day. I post something once a week in the LinkedIn groups where I'm a member. I pose questions in the Q & A section, and answer other people's queries. In the LI groups where I'm a member, I post something weekly that either states my availability as an applicant, or introduces me and my current activities as a Pro-Bono search consultant. This level of activity drives people to view my profile, which gives them a snapshot of my experience as a recruiter, my stint as VP and President of a non-profit recruiter's networking group, as well as select, Director and VP level supervisory recommendations. I can only surmise that my activities, and the information they garner from my profile lead them to make contact with me.

I'm also becoming more active here on ERE.net where I post the content of my daily emails in this blog, and on HRGuru in their "Jobs and Career Advice" Forum.  Simply put, I'm visible, and people reach out to me as a result.

What are YOU doing to promote yourself? If the answer is nothing, or not much, you're missing out on a golden opportunity. So endeth the lesson.

Bob