How to customize your Linkedin URL

By Debra Manente

The most frequent question people have at our popular LinkedIn workshops is always, ‘How do I change my LinkedIn URL?’

Without changing your URL, LinkedIn assigns a series of numbers which can be hard to remember, however, your URL can be customized.  By doing this, your URL becomes more visually appealing and can then be used on your resume, business cards, or email signature. 

Your custom URL can contain between 5-30 letter and numbers and be as simple as your name, or your “brand.” However, LinkedIn will not allow the use of spaces, symbols, or special characters. If you decide to change your URL, remember to always choose a URL that reflects professionalism. If your name is John Smith and John Smith is already being used, you may opt to use your middle initial or a combination of your first/last initial and then your first/last name.  Whatever you chose, keep it professional because everyone in your network will see it. 

Keep in mind that some URLs may be unavailable, as each URL is offered on a first come, first served basis.  If a member uses a URL and then changes it, the URL they first chose will be unavailable for use by another member for several months.  Also, if you change your URL more than three times in six months, you will have to wait another six months before you can change it again.  Therefore, you may want to sit with a pad and pen and jot down possible combinations in the instance your name is already being used. 

Once you decide which version of your name you want to go with, the steps to change the URL are as follows:

1.       Move your cursor over Profile at the top of your homepage and select Edit Profile.

2.       Below your picture, there will be a Linkedin URL. It will look something like this: www.linkedin.com/in/yourname.......

3.       Click the word Edit next to that URL.

4.       In the Your public profile URL box in the bottom right, click "Customize your public profile URL.”

5.       Type your name, or whatever you want the last part of your new custom URL to be, in that text box.

6.       Remember to click Set Custom URL.

You have now customized your LinkedIn URL.  If you go back and click on Profile, at the top of your homepage, you will notice your new URL below your picture.  It’s that easy.   

By customizing your URL, you have now taken control of another part of your “online brand;” along with demonstrating your savvy technical skills. Now you are ready to network with people and add your URL to your resume, business card, or any social media platform you use.

Good luck and let us know how customizing your URL has made a difference!

How to make a lasting impression on that initial job interview

 by Debra Manente

Let’s face it; an initial interview is not likely to get you the job. But, it is an essential first step. When you go for a job interview, your goal is to make them like you, and want to talk to you more. In this day and age, it’s rare for applicants to get offers during the first interview. Therefore, you always want to make a lasting impression and leave them wanting more – make them want to talk to you again. Here are some simple things that can create a better first impression and help you reach that goal.

Dress for success

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression so you always want to look the part. According to Forbes Magazine, most interviewers have their minds made up within the first seven seconds on whether or not they would hire a person. Therefore, you want to always look professional. To begin, your clothes must be clean, pressed, and shoes should look polished. To get a better idea of what you should, and shouldn’t wear, check out our Pinterest pin board. It is full of ideas on how you should dress for a job interview, and ways to avoid looking unprofessional.

Tell them your value proposition

If you say you have the skills you know they are looking for, you must be able to talk about those skills and provide concrete examples of things you’ve accomplished that will benefit the company. This is what we call your Value Proposition. In other words, how your qualifications meet the employer’s needs and can help them achieve their goals. If they say they need someone who feels comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, you want to relay to them that you’ve utilized Outlook, Excel, and Word during an internship or previous job, for example, or that you clocked hundreds of hours writing research papers while utilizing Word and Excel in college. Give them examples of what you have done and how it relates to what you can do for them. You want them to visualize you working in that position. Build a picture that demonstrates how you will get the job done.

Be aware of your non-verbal communication

Studies show that non-verbal communication makes up for 90% of the message. Therefore, you always need to be aware of your posture and eye contact. A lack of eye contact shows a lack of interest. Also, it’s best to practice your handshake. A limp, clammy handshake will not showcase you as a strong capable employee. You want your handshake to be confident and firm; but not bone crushing. Holding their grip for 2 to 3 seconds while looking them in the eye with a confident smile is sufficient and demonstrates that you are capable, personable and trustworthy.
 

Show enthusiasm for the position.

No one wants to hire someone who isn’t passionate about the work they do. This means asking thoughtful questions to get an idea of what the company is truly like. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have questions, never say no. By having five to seven questions prepared, it shows that you are excited to find the right fit for not just them, but for yourself. Not only are you letting them interview you, but you are interviewing them to see if you would even want to work in their environment. Showing that you have a genuine interest in the position—whether or not it is the right position for you—proves that you did your homework and that you take your career seriously.

In the end, your goal is to make them like you, envision you doing what it is they are looking to accomplish, and want to talk to you more. By being aware of these simple ideas, you can create a lasting impression and increase the chance of being called back for a second, or third, interview.

 

Good luck and let me know how these ideas have worked for you.

5 reasons why you need to research a company before the job interview

5 reasons why you need to research before your interview
by Debra Manente
 

As a hiring manager, nothing frustrated me more than when I sat down to interview someone for a job and he or she had no knowledge about my company.

It just felt like a waste of time for me and the interviewee. No matter how impressive their resume looked, if applicants knew nothing about the company it showed me that they didn’t take the time to go above and beyond to try and set themselves apart from other applicants.

Many times, companies will ask, “What do you know about our company?” as a way to eliminate unprepared candidates from those who are more serious and showed initiative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate has declined, but for most job-seekers, the competition for finding a job is still an uphill battle. Job candidates can’t afford to leave any rock unturned. With unlimited resources to get our information, there is no reason why a candidate shouldn’t at least know about the company’s products, problems, growth, goals or competitors. 

Here are five reasons why it’s important to always research a company before an interview:

1. It demonstrates your enthusiasm for the career field, and more important, the organization.

Showing that you took the initiative to learn about a company’s customers, products and services, and competitors demonstrates that you are enthusiastic and serious about the job; and that not just any job will do. This speaks volumes to the employer and they will most likely place you reward you for the effort by allowing your candidacy to move to the next round.

2. It allows you to be able to articulate how your skills, knowledge, and values match those of the organization and industry.

For example, say the company has a reputation for serving its customers well and the quality of its products or services are considered top notch. By knowing this, you can demonstrate during your interview how the company’s qualities are important to you and how they align with your beliefs. This helps ensure that you get noticed.

3. It helps determine if this is an organization at which you would want to devote the next few years of your work life.

Would you want to work for a company that may be relocating to another state or country? Would you be interested in the company if it has a history of laying off employees after six months? Is the company profitable? Is it adding jobs?

By researching, and talking with others who already work there, you could save yourself a lot of valuable time determining if it is a place you want to work. Without knowing what its future goals are, you will not know if this is where you want to be.

4. It can help you answer the question, “Why do you want to work for us?”

The one question you will most likely always be asked in an interview is, “Why do you want to work for us?” The correct answer is never “because I need a job”. To be successful in answering this question, you must understand the dynamics of the company and what it is the employer is looking for in an employee. Learn what obstacles the company faces and explain how you can help accomplish those obstacles in a positive way. Everyone needs a job, but conveying that you are a person more interested in being a contributing factor to the company’s success is key to impressing the hiring manager.

5. It provides you with the foundation for thoughtful questions when asked.

From experience, I know employers hate it when interviewees don’t have questions when asked. It’s best to always have five to eight questions prepared before you arrive. Some of those questions might initially get answered before you have a chance to ask, but having more than a few questions prepared will eliminate some of the stress of having to think on the spot. Creating thoughtful questions will be easier for you if you are knowledgeable about what it is they do or who they are. 

In the end, it can never hurt to know a little about the interviewer, as well. Interviewers are always impressed when you have conducted your research thoroughly and ask informed, intelligent questions. It not only shows that you are serious about your career, but demonstrates that you are less likely to just take any job just because you need it.

Good luck, and let us know how these ideas have worked for you.

8 tips on how to properly complete your LinkedIn profile

8 tips on how to properly complete your LinkedIn profile

spoken by Debra Manente to Dr. Rigali, Director of Career Services

 

With the rapid ascension of social media use, especially among college students and recent grads, none may be more vital than LinkedIn in landing a job.

 

According to research, 92 percent of companies use LinkedIn or some form of social media as a recruiting tool, and 79 percent of all jobs are posted on social media. Sixty one percent of all LinkedIn members are hiring managers and executives.

 

There are 200 million people currently on LinkedIn so that means there are a lot of jobs and contacts out there waiting for you.

 

“Anyone who means anything to your career is probably on LinkedIn,” said Debra Manente, who is the associate director of the Career Services Department at Post University.

 

Ninety percent of people say they got a job because of someone they know, and LinkedIn allows you to connect and stay in touch professionally with as many people as possible.

 

The whole purpose of LinkedIn is to build relationships, and some of them could help you get a job. The social media tool also allows you to professionally promote yourself, and helps you rank high in search engine results.

 

Debra met with a group of Post University students recently about the importance of LinkedIn as one tool in the career search process. She urged students to create LinkedIn profiles and complete all eight steps to achieve 100 percent completion, which enables you to be seen by more people.

 

“It helps you establish an authoritative voice regarding your accomplishments, experience, and capabilities and leads people to find you when they search the internet,” Manente said.

 

She walked the students through the eight steps including name, picture, headline and strong summary, experience, education, skills, demographic area and industry, and connections.

 

1.Name: Use the name you will use professionally on LinkedIn. Don’t use a nickname.

 

2. Picture: Your picture should be a professional-looking headshot with a pleasant expression on your face. No one else should be in the picture. It’s appropriate to have your work setting in the background.

 

3. Headline and strong summary: Debra said this is the most important part of the process. It’s vital to use this space to convey your skills. For example if you work in a career services department write Career Developer/Career Search Blogger/LinkedIn Trainer/Program Coordinator.

Don’t just state your title as that is already included lower in the profile. Debra said no matter what you do, don’t leave this section blank.

 

4. Experience: College students can include internships under experience along with full- and part-time jobs. You must list at least two positions under experience, which can include volunteer work.

 

5. Education: For recent graduates you can move education to the top of your profile. Debra suggested you only list relevant classes and there is no need to list your high school.

 

6. Skills: List skills employers want to see based on the career you want. You must list at least three skills in order to achieve a 100 percent completed profile.

 

7. Demographic Area and Industry: Failure to include this information means you won’t show up in LinkedIn’s searches.

 

8. Connections: You need at least 50 connections to bring your profile to 100 percent completion. That sounds daunting but you can connect with people on your gmail and yahoo emails. And, you also can actively seek out connections among professionals in your current or future field.

 

If you want to connect with someone you don’t know or don’t know well, it’s best to send a personal message instead of LinkedIn’s automated impersonal message.

 

Debra said 10 percent of your network should feature recommendations by other LinkedIn members. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations from people with whom you’ve worked closely and can attest to your skills, work ethic, etc.

What’s been your experience using LinkedIn? Have you ever learned about a career opportunity or gotten a lead on an interview through LinkedIn? Leave a comment and let us know.

Are you using your body language to your advantage? by Debra Manente

Correct body language can lead to success

Posted by Debra Manente

 

You probably never thought of it but your body language can make a difference when it comes to how you are perceived in your interview; or even throughout your career. Researchers have found that the timid and meek are often overlooked when it comes to getting hired and for career advancement. However, there’s a way you can create a more powerful you; and give yourself the feeling of accomplishment and confidence. What do high level executives and C-level management know that make a difference? In short, it’s all about understanding your body language and how to make it work in your favor.

Based on research done by Amy Cuddy, Associate Professor and Hellman Faculty Fellow in the Negotiation, Organizations & Markets Unit at Harvard Business School, and an article from the Wall Street Journal, simply changing your body position can have an impact on your chances for success. That’s great news for those quiet, soft spoken types. Nonetheless, college students and graduates can also benefit from knowing these tricks.

Cuddy has coined the term “power poses” and explains that simply by changing your stance, body language can change your body chemistry. She goes on to explain that a power pose, called "pride," is innate. People born blind at birth do it when they're victorious in events, even when they've never seen it or been taught to do it. On the other hand, in low power situations, people or animals who are feeling feeble and helpless reflect closed body language; something that reflects negativity and defeat.

What does all this mean to you and your job interview? By understanding how your posture affects your hormones and behavior, your body language can become a valuable instrument in the way you succeed. By practicing a few simple gestures before your interview you can build rapport and reflect that you are a person who is competent and can complete a job on time. Sales people do it all the time. When I worked as a sales executive for a popular television network, we were taught to “mirror” the client’s body language in order to build comfort and land the sale. It’s no secret that people tend to spend money with those they trust and feel comfortable talking with. The same holds true while utilizing a few keys moves before and during your interview. Therefore, by understanding the value of body language, it may just be the thing you need to help the interviewer choose you over the competition.

How does it work? Standing up is a way of saying, “I want to command your attention.” While practicing a "power pose" for a few minutes in private—such as standing tall and leaning slightly forward with hands at one's side, or leaning forward over a desk with hands planted firmly on its surface — it leads to higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. These physiological changes are linked to better performance and more confident behavior.

 

Cuddy also reports that participants who struck power poses for several minutes before beginning a mock job interview received better reviews and were more likely to be chosen for hire — even though the evaluators had never seen them in the poses. Research by Dr. Dana Carney, an assistant professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, reports that power posing before a college-entrance exam can also help improve test scores.

In summary, not only does body language effect how others perceive us but also shapes how we view ourselves. Hunching over a smartphone or a computer may be self-defeating and forces you into a lower-power pose. Instead, next time you prepare for your interview, or get ready to make a presentation, put away the cell phone and take a few minutes to stretch in private. If you can’t find a private area, practice sitting tall with your feet planted firmly on the floor. This forces regular breathing and will lead you to feel under control and ready for action. “Striking a pose” may be just what you need to help you build confidence and get through that difficult interview, land that job or receive that long awaited promotion.

How to make your post-interview thank-you letter matter - by Debra Manente

By Debra Manente

 

AFTER THE INTERVIEW: Embrace the power of the thank-you letter

 A whopping 1,791,000 students earned their bachelor’s degrees in 2013, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Add a stagnant economy to a saturated market, and you get a job search that can be tremendously challenging. So what can you do to help improve your odds of setting yourself apart from a sea of competition?

Today’s job candidates often underestimate, or even overlook, one post-interview gesture that actually can make or break your chance at a job offer: the thank-you letter. Perhaps now more than ever, the thank-you letter is an important step in elevating your candidacy and knocking out the competition.

Don’t let the name fool you – your thank-you letter is not just an opportunity to say “thank you.” It’s also an opportunity to qualify yourself as the best contender for the job. Think of it as your first business proposal. It should demonstrate your strong writing skills, showcase what you can do for the company, and leave a lasting impression. Most importantly, it should paint a picture of your professional future according the conversation you had in your interview.

Sound daunting and intimidating? Breaking the letter down into three key sections can take the mystery out of the process. Here’s my foolproof format.

1: Thank and refresh. You guessed it – you want to start out your letter by stating “thank you” and expressing your appreciation for the interviewer’s time. Be sure to mention the day you met with the interviewer, as well as the position you interviewed for. Remember, the individual may be holding multiple interviews for multiple positions, and this will help them identify you right away.

-          Example: “Thank you for meeting with me on Tuesday. Having the opportunity to meet with you and to learn more about the <Position title> role at <Company name> was greatly appreciated.”

2: Qualify and convince. The second paragraph should comprise the majority of your letter. This is the place to communicate the skills and accomplishments you have, and how you they will enable you to make a difference in the company. The key here is to cater your delivery to the specific dialogue you had in your interview. Touch upon the needs or obstacle of the company as described by the interviewer, and demonstrate in detail how you are equipped to fulfill them. By doing this, you show the employer that you have taken time to think seriously about your role and prove the value you can bring to the company.

If done properly, this portion of your letter will pave the way for further conversation about the skills you will bring to the table, and will advance the interviewer’s interest in pursuing you as a candidate. Simply put, this is your opportunity to convince the interviewer you are the stand-out applicant – and that you mean business!

-          Example: “As we discussed, my experience training associates to deliver consistent service to outside vendors will benefit <Company name>; which can influence your bottom line.”

3: Close and pursue. Your third paragraph should begin with another “thank you” to show your sincere appreciation for their consideration. Then, don’t be afraid to express your expectation of a follow-up phone call or second interview and show your enthusiasm for the job. Just like if you were trying to close a business deal (remember, your thank-you letter is not dissimilar to your first business proposal!), you should be assertive about pursuing the next steps.

-          Example: “Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you again about how I can make a valuable contribution to your company. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you for a second interview and will follow-up with you on Thursday.”

Some final pointers:

-          Just like the cover letter, your thank-you letter should be short and concise to keep the interviewer’s attention. It should be just a few paragraphs long and should not exceed one page. If you have the time to hand write your letter, use resume paper.

-          It’s always best to send everyone you interview with a separate thank you letter. Don’t send the same letter to everyone – people tend to share, and sending a duplicate message to each interviewer will make you look insincere.

Finally, after you’ve sent your letter off, be sure to follow up properly to reiterate your interest and stay fresh in the interviewer’s mind. After all, the whole point of the thank-you letter is to continue with the conversation until it leads to a hiring decision. This simple gesture can make all the difference in whether or not you advance to the next level, whether it’s a second interview or a job offer. So make it count!

Still have questions about thanking your interviewer? Feel free to drop a note in the comments.

The Four Do's and Dont's of Following Up - by Debra Manente

Written by Debra Manente

IN TOUCH: Following up after a job interview can be less stressful when you know some basic rules

 

We’ve all heard it time and time again, after you leave an interview, you need to follow up. Whether it’s with a phone call, email, or handwritten letter, following up can make or break your chance of getting a job offer. 

 

But what if you don’t feel comfortable following up? What if you’re a recent college graduate new to this experience, or a seasoned professional who’s re-entering the job market unsure of modern follow-up protocol? Whatever your circumstance, here’s some insight into the do’s and don’ts of following up to help you battle those butterflies.

 

DO send a thank you letter. You should always send a thank you letter after an interview. Many recruiters or hiring managers have come to expect this. Consider how you have been communicating with the recruiter, and use his most preferred communications method. Send a thank you note to everyone who interviewed you, not just the recruiter who took the lead. Before leaving an interview, get every interviewer’s business card so you have their contact information.

 

DO be prompt. If the recruiter tells you he hopes to have a decision made by the end of the day, or the next day, time is of the essence, and you should follow up as soon as you can. Send your email as soon as you get home or are in front of a computer. If you know you have time to send a thank you note the old-fashioned way through snail mail, take the time to hand write it and mail it no more than 48 hours after your interview. The benefit of sending the thank you note via post mail is that you can stand out from other applicants who are sending emails. Never send a thank you note via text messaging or through social media outlets. According to MSN Careers, 90% of people polled said sending a text thank you or following up via social media was inappropriate. What the employer wants to see is that the candidate knows proper business etiquette, and text messages and social media avenues are too casual and suggest a lack of professionalism.

 

DON’T be afraid to call. The last question you ask in an interview should be, “When do you see yourself making a decision?” or “When can I follow up with you?” It’s OK to ask this question -- the recruiter wants you to. This way, you give yourself an advantage because you create an opportunity to call the recruiter and remind him why you are so fantastic, ask for the next interview, or ultimately, ask for the job. If the recruiter says, “Yes, call me in four days,” then make sure you call in four days. By giving you the green light to call, he is telling you he WANTS you to follow up. Don’t be intimidated by this step since many times it is used to determine who has the courage to do what they say they are going to do and who has the follow-up skills needed to get the job done.

 

DON’T be overly persistent. What if you call and the recruiter or hiring manager doesn’t answer? Leave a brief message and your phone number. Talk slowly and repeat your number. Calling back once shows you follow through. Calling twice shows initiative and desire. However, anything after is overkill. If you're looking for a position, you need to be proactive, but if you don’t hear back after a week that is your sign to move on. But don’t be discouraged. Be proud of yourself for making it this far in the application process, and remember that every interview is a great experience. Mark down your experience and results from this interview process, and use it to improve your chance of success with you next interview.

 

In short, the post-interview follow-up is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and remind the recruiter or hiring manager what you can bring to the table. Following up after the interview gives you the chance to continue the conversation after the interview is over, or get the closure you need in the interview process. Ultimately, you have to use your best judgment and hope for great news. Keep these guidelines in mind and be confident! Stay tuned for more advice on thank you letter etiquette in an upcoming post.