The Power of Networking through LinkedIn

Career Experts continue to tell us how important "networking" is in the job search process.  Yet I find many professionals in job search that are not on LinkedIn or have a partial profile completed (less than 100%).  Frankly, many don't have a good working definition of "networking" and have not made the time investment to complete a profile and start connecting with people.

Here are some well known facts about job search in today's economy (2011):

1. 80% of the jobs are found through networking rather than applying online or walking into a business.
2. 80% of the jobs are not posted and part of the "hidden job market."
3. On average, it takes about 1 month for every $10,000 of salary you are seeking, so a $50,000 job would take about 5 months.  
4. As of June 2011, LinkedIn is known as the #1 professional networking organization in the world and they are reporting that 1 million people a week are setting up LinkedIn profiles.

LinkedIn provides a foundation to network effectively, you just need to know HOW to do that.  Some methods of the "HOW TO" follow:

1. Look for LinkedIn training classes or workshops that are low cost or free and invest the time to apply the suggestions and get your LinkedIn to 100% as quickly as you can;  
2. There are some excellent (free) training programs available online.  The latest e-book I've seen is written by Lori Ruff and Mike O'Neil titled "Networking for Nerds."  It was designed for college graduates but is an excellent training tool for everyone.  The e-book can be found at:  www.classesandcareers.com/advisor/networking-for-nerds-e-book;
3. On LinkedIn.com under the "more" tab you can access the LinkedIn Learning Center which has hundreds of questions and answers, an excellent learning tool.
4. That's a good start for now, try the above and see how it goes, let me know what questions you have get that profile completed