On the fourth 'Day of Kforce',
From our staffing company,
Four must-join LinkedIn groups.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest online professional network with more than 180 million members. With a growing population, it’s easy to feel like a little fish in a very big pond. How can you reach the hiring managers and recruiters relevant to you? Condense your LinkedIn network into a specialized population in your location by using one the most powerful features of LinkedIn -- LinkedIn Groups!
Currently, there are over 1.5 million groups organized by job, industry, certification, company, organization and human interest. Each type offers a different benefit to you, but which ones are the best to join for your job search? Brad Justus, Kforce's Healthcare Client Relation Partner and LinkedIn guru, discusses the four types of LinkedIn groups most relevant to job seekers and how you can use them to your advantage!
1. Educational/Alumni Groups
Most colleges and universities have a presence on LinkedIn, hosting their alumni and often classified by major. Within these groups you can network with other professionals and job seekers that graduated with your same degree. Joining these groups may help you stay ahead of industry trends and any job opportunities with companies connected to your school’s career center. Were you in a sorority or fraternity? Check for their LinkedIn groups too. If you’re looking to relocate, see if there’s a chapter in your new location and start networking there as well.
2. Association Groups
Are you a member of any local associations? Don’t just network with them at meetings and mixers, do so online too! Use these online forums to discuss relevant industry trends with like-minded individuals. Post recent articles and breaking news in real-time, rather than waiting until the next in-person event.
3. Certification Groups
Are you looking into expanding your knowledge with additional certifications, or do you already have them? From CPA to Six Sigma Black Belt, there are thousands of groups out there for professionals like you. If you’re working towards a certification, these groups may be your best resource for advice from professionals who were once in your shoes.
4. Special Interest Groups
Where does your passion lie? Sports, social media or art? Join an interest group and express your expertise about things that are important to you. The job conversation will come, but what better ice breaker than a common topic you are both passionate about? If you are passionate about a topic that does not exist, you can even start your own group (here's how)!
Groups are arguably one of the most powerful features on LinkedIn, but you have to do it right! Brad reminds you not to simply join groups just to join them, become active in them. If you are unsure of where to start, look at the profile of a valuable connection and see what groups they are in. Post relevant updates and articles, comment and ‘like’ other member’s updates, and over time you may be seen as a thought leader!
As you become more active in your groups, contacts and opportunities may open up for you. To get started, feel free to join the Kforce Professional Network.
Stay tuned for Day 5!
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