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Linkedin (and networking in general) is viewed as a short term commitment by many jobseekers. You start networking when you become active on the job market (whether forced or voluntary) and you finish when you secure new employment. This does make a lot of sense since networking is very time consuming and an uncomfortable experience for most jobseekers. The growth in the use of Linkedin has transformed job hunting in a positive way but I feel that many users take a short term focus approach to using the tool. Linkedin has already proven valuable in delivering short term job goals for jobseekers (seen this with my own eyes) but there is much more value to be achieved by maintaining and developing a longer term focus. Jobseekers should use Linkedin (and other networking tools) to maintain and grow their network even when not actively job hunting. Below are a few arguments why this should be the case.

Permanent Job for Life – RIP

It’s true!! Appleby’s have even moved out of the “Gold Watch” business such is the decline in the retirement party market. The last retirement party I attended was for Bertie in May 2008 . Globalisation, technology, shorter product life cycles and changes in job market perceptions mean that we will be changing jobs on a more regular basis whether we like it or not. There was a saying that a smart employee always kept their CV up to date.
Well a smarter employee will use Linkedin (and other networking) to actively engage and maintain their network. I read a quote yesterday “networking for job hunting is about false friendliness & using people”. There is a small bit of truth here but if you are continually networking then this perception will never be associated with you.

Never need to job hunt again

Would you like it if your next job found you? This wish can be granted through what US professionals call Personal Branding (I call it Self Marketing)!! Developing and nurturing your personal brand may sound fanciful but when executed effectively the results are impressive. Visibility is an essential component of Personal Branding. This means you must stay on the radar to help elevate you to the status of “go-to” person or expert in your field. How? You guessed right! Many professionals are never short of work opportunities or job offers because they have mastered the art of self marketing. Work hunts them and they don’t have to hunt work.

I would be interested to hear your comments and views on the topic.

By the way I would like to point out that I love dogs, I am not mocking the good work of the RSPCA and no dogs were hurt in any way during the writing of this blog post.