| Your goal during a virtual job search is to be | | | | current clients that are part of the network, and |
| noticed by local, national, and international | | | | list your references. This is a great resource for |
| companies that are in need of additional help. | | | | recruiters and HR personnel who need help on a |
| Recently, social networking sites like LinkedIn have | | | | temporary or contract basis. |
| become a hunting ground for recruiters, HR | | | | You can also use LinkedIn to find companies in |
| professionals, and department supervisors looking | | | | your area that hire virtual assistants. You will be |
| for new talent in a variety of industries. By | | | | able to find contact information and learn more |
| creating a profile, recruiters and others who have | | | | about the company before calling them. There is |
| virtual positions and on-site positions to fill will be | | | | also a job board where you can search for open |
| able to learn more about you and contact you for | | | | positions. LinkedIn can save you valuable research |
| an interview. | | | | time because most of the information about a |
| What is LinkedIn? | | | | company will be listed in their profile. |
| If you are unfamiliar with social networking sites | | | | LinkedIn currently has over 3 million users that |
| like LinkedIn, don't feel bad. When questioned | | | | work in various industries. If you want to find |
| about social networking websites, most people | | | | work in a specific industry, you can search for |
| automatically think of MySpace or Facebook - | | | | companies using specific keywords. |
| sites that are used by teenagers, college | | | | How to Be Found on LinkedIn |
| students, and those promoting music and other | | | | Because there are so many profiles listed, you will |
| arts. LinkedIn is a social networking site for | | | | need to create a profile that is unique. This means |
| business professionals. On this site, those looking | | | | adding specific keywords that tell recruiters more |
| to fill available positions are able to research | | | | about your skills. Adding users to your contact list |
| possible contenders by reviewing their resume, | | | | will also increase your chances of being noticed. |
| network connections they have made, current | | | | The more contacts you can add, the better. Ask |
| job status, and any additional skills they may | | | | former clients, friends, relatives, and former |
| posses. | | | | co-workers who have profiles on LinkedIn if they |
| Most people post profiles on LinkedIn as a way to | | | | will add you to their list and vice versa. |
| build business relationships. Recruiters see LinkedIn | | | | Checking your profile once a week, making |
| as a way to approach passive job candidates who | | | | updates when you complete a project for a new |
| may or may not be looking for a new job. When | | | | client, or when you learn a new skill can help |
| participants create a profile page, they can add | | | | increase your exposure on the site. |
| keywords, photos, and connect to others within | | | | In addition to LinkedIn, there are other social |
| the network. | | | | networking sites that cater to business |
| Why Should I Join LinkedIn? | | | | professionals. Sites like ryze, ecademy, Soflow, |
| As a virtual assistant, part of your job is to find | | | | and openBC allow you to create a profile and |
| new clients. By creating a profile on social | | | | connect with other users. These sites are much |
| networking sites like LinkedIn, you can list all your | | | | smaller than LinkedIn, but are growing in |
| skills, post your resume, connect to former and | | | | popularity. |