I had a chance to speak to Brad Mauney, LinkedIn’s senior product manager, search & social graph. There’s not much more important than being found, especially if you’re in a job search. One of the most useful aspects of any social media platform is the opportunity for people to find you. The adage, “If Google doesn’t know you, you may be no one,” is becoming more prevalent in today’s socially focused environment. LinkedIn tends to rank very well in Google searches, so having an optimized profile is one useful way to be found online.

It’s also important to stand out within LinkedIn. When someone is searching for a candidate with your expertise in that network, how can you help ensure your profile comes up high in their search results? Mauney explained that part of the algorithm LinkedIn uses to determine where you rank in a given search takes into account 1) how often your profile comes up in LinkedIn’s search results and 2) how often searchers click through to view your information when it does appear.

How can you influence this elusive aspect of being found in LinkedIn? Mauney emphasizes the importance of creating a profile that engages viewers and entices them to click through to learn more about you.

How can you encourage people to want to know more about you on LinkedIn? Mauney suggests the following:

Include a picture in your profile. Krista Canfield, LinkedIn’s senior manager, corporate communications, says, “Folks who have a photo are seven times more likely to have their profile viewed in general than folks who don’t have a photo.” While the statistic does not include data about the type of photo, it’s a good idea to use a picture where you appear friendly and approachable. Smile, and be sure you look like yourself, but on a good day! Use appropriate lighting; a professional photo is a great idea, but if that is not possible, take a close-up of your face, wearing clothing that isn’t distracting or busy.

Write an engaging headline. What can you include in your headline to pique a reader’s curiosity? Since your headline appears in search results, it naturally affects how many people decide to click through to learn more about you. Since you can improve your overall ranking in search by earning more click-throughs, pay special attention to your headline. Mauney suggests incorporating an elevator pitch in the headline and not limiting it to your current job title.

Grow your network. Another important factor influencing click-throughs is whether or not you are connected to the person searching. Statistically, people are more likely to click through to learn more about someone if they share a common connection. (Search results list levels of connectivity.) Mauney says a baseline of at least 50 people in your LinkedIn network is important to help users begin to see a real benefit from their connections. He noted that a “trusted network” is the most useful, and encouraged LinkedIn users to connect with people they actually know or do business with.

Other suggestions to help people find you on LinkedIn?

Completely fill out your LinkedIn profile with as many details as possible.

Think about the searcher’s intent.

Titles and “headlines” are important in LinkedIn.

Use LinkedIn’s various tools, including “groups” and “answers.”

Read the complete post at U.S. News & World Report

1.      Creative
2.      Organizational
3.      Effective
4.      Extensive experience
5.      Track record
6.      Motivated
7.      Innovative
8.      Problem solving
9.      Communication skills
10.     Dynamic

Compare these to the 2010 most popular “overused buzzwords” in LinkedIn profiles in the U.S.:

1. Extensive experience
2. Innovative
3. Motivated
4. Results-oriented
5. Dynamic
6. Proven track record
7. Team player
8. Fast-paced
9. Problem solver
10. Entrepreneurial

LinkedIn’s official take on buzzwords comes from Nicole Williams, LinkedIn’s Connection Director and author of  Girl on Top: “Even though this year’s list of overused terms differs from last year’s, your objectives remain the same: Banish buzzwords from your profile. Use language that illustrates your unique professional accomplishments and experiences. Give concrete examples of results you’ve achieved whenever possible and reference attributes that are specific to you.”

While it is true that you need to make sure to highlight what is special or different about you, and most experts would agree — you don’t want an overly jargon-y, empty-sounding, buzzword filled resume or LinkedIn profile. But (as I also asked last year): is it time to do a search and destroy mission to eliminate all buzzwords from your resume and online profiles, as LinkedIn suggests?

I still don’t believe the answer is to eliminate all buzzwords. This is what I shared last year:

Let’s think about it — why are these terms so popular? Because many of them describe exactly the type of person many employers want! Take a step back and think about this before your revise your profile.

MSNBC’s career expert, Eve Tahmincioglu responded to LinkedIn’s post last year with a measured, and I believe appropriate, answer. She asked, Are buzzwords really a bad thing?:

Admit it, you probably have one or two of these on your resume or LinkedIn profile. But is that really a bad thing? Who cares if they’re buzz words if they convey what you want?

I couldn’t agree more. Of course, if you read your profile and you list every single “cliche” without providing information that supports your claims, it’s time for a makeover. You need to show, not tell — focus your efforts on telling a story that is both about you and targeted to your next employer.

It’s not a good idea to “outlaw” words on resumes, even if they may be a little overused. Do I write resumes full of cliches? No, but I do target my clients’ resumes to their desired employers!

The most important thing to keep in mind is that your materials need to be as much about your employer as they are about you. Focus on their needs and make a clear case for why you have the skills and experience to accomplish their goals – and to solve their problems. Might that mean including a few buzzwords? I think so — there is a reason that buzzwords are buzzing! But, be sure your materials don’t sound like the seemingly unthinking, cliche-spewing commentators.

Can you change my mind? Do you think we should totally eliminate these buzzwords?

photo by autan

How to best present your credentials (via a resume, online profile, or via your personal website) is a hot topic in the career world. Recently, several sites have come on the scene to help job seekers create infographic resumes. These completely visual (graph based) documents usually draw on information you either input into a form or they rely on existing information about you, for example your LinkedIn or Facebook profile. The resulting resume, conventional wisdom suggests, will help the job seeker stand out from a crowd of “boring,” conventional resumes.

I’ve written about this subject and taken the position that, while fun and visually stimulating, an infographic resume cannot be read via the Applicant Tracking Systems most companies are using, so would be completely useless to use to apply for most jobs. For networking purposes, it can certainly be eye-catching to have a graph-based version of your resume to share, and you may be able to get some millage from sharing a PDF of an infographic resume on your social resume, or personal website.

My opinion is, anything you can do by entering information into a form or connecting an application to your LinkedIn profile and pressing a button does not really illustrate any specific skills you have! For now, you may get some attention with an infographic resume as an accompanying document if a human being reviews it — for example, when mailed — which is very rare.

As I explain in my Job-Hunt.org article on the subject, as with anything related to your job search, consider your target audience and their needs. Unless your resume infographic will be unique and appeal to the employer, think twice before assuming your “outside of the box” approach (and how unique is it really once all of the career bloggers are blogging about it?) is going to be the thing that lands you a job.

These are the tools I mention and evaluate in my post on Job-Hunt.org:

• Vizualize.me
• Kinzaa
• Re.vu
• Brazen Careerist
• Slideshare 

Read the full post on Job-Hunt.org here.

sample infographic resume from Devign Elements

In my guide, I explain:

• Why you should use Google+. (Recruiters are sharing tips and tricks about how to use Google+ with their colleagues and touting Google profiles as wonderful resources to find and source candidates..don’t miss out!)
• How to find people to follow
• How to make it easier for recruiters and potential clients to find you
• Tips, tricks and links to make your Google+ experience more efficient, effective and successful!

You don’t want to spend all of your time Googling advice and resources to use Google+  effortlessly and conveniently. Now, you don’t have to; I did the work for you. In addition to my advice about how to use this new tool, this guide has links to numerous, vetted resources full of information you’ll need to know. No more wading through information to find exactly what you need. Save time, money and your sanity by purchasing this guide to get you started.

I believe it’s important to explain WHY you should use Google+, so I start out with persuasive arguments explaining why you should get started. You’ll need a top-notch Google profile, and I walk you through, step-by-step.

I offer lists of resources to help you find people on Google+, tips to be sure you are easy to find, resources to help you identify and use your keywords (crucial for using social media tools), links to information about how to maintain your privacy and other resources for continued, updated details about Google+.

All for the low, starting price of $6.95. Don’t wait until I raise the price…Click the button below to purchase via PayPal or your credit card. You’ll receive the guide as soon as you pay. Be sure to let me know what you think!

When someone Googles your name, what does he find? When you have your own website — a social resume — you can help control your online identity.

It is TIME, if…

• You are a job seeker, independent contractor or small business owner.
• You just want some job search insurance.
• You want the right people to find you and to hire you!

An online presence — a social resume — can help you achieve your goals!

My social resume package can help you:

• Get discovered by people who need you. Attract interest in you and what you offer.
• Remain high on your industry’s radar, even if you’re not looking for a job.
• Make it easier for people to find you through Google and other search engines. Control what people find when they Google you.
• Expand your network of potential customers, employers, mentors and colleagues. The more people who know about you, the more likely you are to be referred for opportunities.
• Sharpen, communicate and reinforce your most important messages.
• Raise your profile and improve your value as a subject matter expert. Use your online presence to convince people you can do what you want to do next — even if you are missing some qualifications.

Best of all, you can achieve these results around the clock - whether you’re actively working at it or not. As soon as you’re ready, so am I. Contact me for a price quote.

LEARN MORE…

photo by ♀Μøỳαл_Bгεлл♂

Using Global Digital Technology to Stimulate America: Building Business Alliances Abroad & In America

I’ll participate in this panel discussion moderated by Tiffani Howard, Founder and President of Stimulate America INC , a Georgia Non-Profit organization addressing the economic challenges of American citizens by providing resources to assist them in their recovery.

The primary focus of the “Using Global Digital Technology to Stimulate America” panel discussion is to identify ways entrepreneurs can develop international business relationships using digital technology that can be translated into a positive means of economic development for the United States, create jobs and promote stabilization.

We want to discover what is working, what doesn’t work, what we want to work and how to do it. It is our goal to share techniques, explore strategies and invent new ways we can use digital technology to bring liquidity to our country while savoring international cuisine at this indispensable lunch and learn.

Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Avenue Northeast Atlanta, 30303
Wednesday, November 9th
12pm to 12:50pm: Lunch Reception at the Gallery
1pm to 2pm: Panel Discussion in the Auditorium

Social Media for Job Search

Job Seekers are invited to attend this free event to learn about LinkedIn and social media for their job search. Recruiters and career coaches will be on hand to review resumes and LinkedIn profiles. I’ll have copies of my book, Social Networking for Career Success, to sell and will be happy to answer your questions about social media and job search

Wednesday, November 9th
Drop in between 5pm and 8pm for networking and learning.
Roam Atlanta, 5815 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005

I hope to see you there! Register for these events and learn about other opportunities at Digital Atlanta’s website.

This year, I have a book to sell, and I am delighted to announce I’ll be in the Atlanta-Fulton County Library’s booth (#127) selling Social Networking for Career Success on Saturday from 2 – 4 pm (or later, if I have lots of visitors).

When you buy my book directly from me, I’ll send you a free copy of my Google+ Guide, a $6.95 value!

The library will also have crafts and storytelling for children, library card sign-up and information about what’s going on at their 34 branches

Please stop by to visit, ask questions about how to use social networking for career success and to pick up a copy of my book and Google+ Guide!

Learn more about what’s going on at the Festival on their website, and be sure to stop by the Atlanta-Fulton County Library’s booth on Saturday from 2-4 to meet me!

• To expand the number of people you know and who know you.
• To learn new information pertinent to your field from mentors and thought leaders, and
• To illustrate your expertise with a community of people who may connect you to opportunities based on learning about you and what you know.

Google+ allows users to accomplish all of these goals in similar ways to other networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn; it very easy to open up pathways to connect with people you’ve never met and to engage in an in-depth conversation. This engagement compares, in many ways, to Twitter, where it is possible to connect, meet, and learn from people you don’t already know, without barriers requiring introductions.

Google+’s value add is the fact that Google controls much of search traffic. Any tie to being “found” online and any boost Google+ may provide gives this new network extra value.

Read my post on Job-Hunt.org for tips to use Google+’s features, including your Google profile, “circles,” “sparks” and “hangouts.” Stay tuned for information about the Career+ Chat, sponsored via the Career Collective (and friends).

• Be the “home” for people’s professional identity. He noted LinkedIn’s focus on helping LinkedIn users put their best foot forward when applying for jobs.
• Provide insights for users and opportunities to learn from a community, thus making people better at their jobs
• Be “everywhere,” helping professionals access their networks access information and resources.

Nash noted LinkedIn is a “professional operating system for the web” and an “extension of “professional web,” a designation he believes the new “Apply Now” button solidifies. He explained the button helps package and “bring the power of LinkedIn to anyone.” Whether someone is applying for a job, or hiring for a large or small company, he believes this new tool will help.

Any employer or job seeker (who has a LinkedIn profile) may use the button free of charge. In fact, LinkedIn reports:

 “Thousands of companies have the Apply with LinkedIn plugin accessible on their websites today, including LinkedIn, Netflix, LivingSocial, Photobucket, Concur subsidiary TripIt, Foodspotting, GazeHawk, Munch On Me, and Formative Labs. LinkedIn has also teamed up with key Applicant Tracking System (ATS) partners who have enabled the Apply with LinkedIn plugin for their customers today, including Peoplefluent, Jobvite, SmartRecruiters, Bullhorn, and Jobscience.”

“How people hire hasn’t really changed in 15 years,” Nash said. He explained that today, we have an opportunity to know who the people hiring are and to identify whom they know. “Business software needs to acknowledge those relationships,” he said. Distinguishing it from other online applications, LinkedIn’s button offers anyone using it information about how they are linked to the person posting the job and/or the organization, whether or not the job is posted in LinkedIn.

Most job seekers would agree the opportunity to immediately know if they are connected via their LinkedIn networks to the hiring manager or someone in the target company is a great resource. However, easy isn’t always the best approach for job seekers. While this solution eliminates those pesky hoops job seekers usually need to jump through to apply for work, to best take advantage of the opportunity to apply using “Apply Now,” it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

• Complete your LinkedIn profile fully. Include your story in the “Summary” section and add your keywords in the “specialties” section. Pay special attention to your Headline. (I offer detailed information about how to optimize your profile in a free sample chapter of my book, Social Networking for Career Success.)
• If you are a student, don’t forget to complete LinkedIn’s student-focused sections.

Read the rest of my tips on my post on in U.S. News & World Report.

UPDATE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT and RTs of this post and for spreading the word to your communities. Due to the death of my father this weekend, we will be postponing the launch of this chat until next week. We will re-post and advertise it when we’re ready to get going.

I’m taking a bit of a break from blogging and social media posting to concentrate on remembering my dad and focusing on family matters. I appreciate your kind support in this difficult time. My social networking community is a big part of my life in good times, and I am lucky to be able to appreciate your thoughts in tough times, too.

I’ve been thinking about how to bring the great aspects of Twitter chats into Google+, and you’re invited to join in the fun!

I’m a big fan of Twitter chats. My favorite, and one I try to participate in regularly is #jobhuntchat, Monday nights at 10 ET. It’s moderated by Rich DeMatteo, @cornonthejob and Jessica Miller-Merrill, @blogging4jobs  If you’re familiar with Twitter chats, they are somewhat informal opportunities to engage with people you know — and meet new contacts, colleagues and experts.

I’m excited to announce my Career Collective co-leader, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter and I will be launching an interactive Q & A we are calling Career+ Convo on Google+ in conjunction with several Career Collective members and other experts whom we’ll invite to join us. The plan is to meet on Wednesday nights, 9-9:30 pm ET on a G+ page. We’ll post questions (you can send them to me in advance) and you’ll have instant answers from us and any of our colleagues and expert friends who hop on!

We hope you’ll join us for this experiment, which will provide job seekers:

• Answers to your “need to know now” questions.
• Connection points with other job seekers on G+.
• Introductions to career experts (coaches, recruiters, HR experts, etc.) who may be answering questions. This will help you add some experts to your “circles” so you can keep up-to-date on trends and resources.

This week, the chat will be happening on my Google+ homepage. You can click that link or search for “Miriam Salpeter” on Google+ to find the conversation.

Consider checking out the Chrome extension for Google+ to help make it easier to follow the conversation.

To summarize -

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE FIRST CAREER+ CONVO

When: Wednesday, August 3rd, 9 – 9:30 pm Eastern Time

Where: On my Google+ page. Or, just search for “Miriam Salpeter” in Google+ to find where we’ll be.

What you need: A Google+ profile and a willingness to try something new

Please comment to let us know if you’ll be joining, whether you are an expert or a job seeker! Looking forward to trying this out with all of you! Please let your social media communities know about Career+ Convo.

Google+ icon by Samuel McQueen

Via Mashable