LinkedIn's New Feature

First, understand that your Resume and your LinkedIn profile both make first impressions in a matter of seconds.

Second, explore LinkedIn’s new feature that lets you tell visitors to your profile that you might consider a career move.

Third, don’t turn on the new LinkedIn feature unless you have strategically optimized your LinkedIn profile to show the best version of you. You are making a first impression when someone visits you on LinkedIn.

Fourth, don't turn on the new LinkedIn feature unless you have a stellar resume that can be visually scanned in a matter of seconds. You are making a first impression when you send a resume.

This is the standard LinkedIn invitation that comes from 95% of the people who send connection invitations in my direction. The first thing you should do to differentiate yourself from everyone else is to invest a minute to write a unique connection invitation.

“Jeff,

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”

EXAMPLE #1

This invitation came to me from someone I don’t know. The invitation came with a professional looking photo. This person’s profile is built out well and includes a reasonable number of what I call check box endorsements. His profile appears to be a real profile. I'll accept this invitation to connect.

“I am looking for some guidance after working 30+ as a Director for a nonprofit agency. I am looking at retirement in a few years and I want to start my search now.”

Example #2

“Hi Jeff

Found you when research Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Certification. I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”

His profile appears to be a real profile. I have a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Certification and it shows up on my LinkedIn profile. I can tell that this person did his homework. I'll accept this invitation to connect.

Jeff Snyder Coaching

In Job Search Mode? You Should Do This