July 15, 2009

Using LinkedIn to research a career change

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Though LinkedIn has taken the professional world by storm, many of its users still have no clue what to do with it beyond setting up their profile. I'm a firm believer that LinkedIn can be a wildly helpful tool for those researching a career change. For tips, I consulted Jason Alba, author of the book "I'm On LinkedIn -- Now What?"

Q. What are some of your favorite ways to use LinkedIn to connect with people who have the career you wish you had?

A. The first step is to invite them to connect with a reason. After that, I think you need to find the line between "I want to add value to your network and career efforts" and "Really, I'm not stalking you." You don't want to just connect and then never communicate. These people have the potential to be mentors or influencers as you reach into their networks. 

Q. Is asking to connect with them and inviting them to coffee the best way?

A. If it's a local connection, I definitely recommend trying to figure out how to meet face-to-face. If you do, however, make sure you have a purpose so you aren't just sitting around making small talk and have them leave thinking, "That was a waste of time."

Q. How about joining the LinkedIn groups they've joined, studying their profile for their career trajectory, and poking around their contributions to the Answers section?

A. Nothing wrong with any of that. I favor personal relationships, but doing this type of research won't hurt. If anything, might prepare you for a conversation with the person.

Q. When is it appropriate to ask a LinkedIn contact for an introduction to someone you want to approach for an informational interview or brain-picking session? 

A. I think it's appropriate anytime. The key is to have a strong introduction request. I have one sitting in my inbox right now that basically says, "Hi, how are you?" No way am I passing that on. I am using my own relationship capital, since when I pass an introduction request there is some form of endorsement from me. I want to see you say who you are and why you want an introduction request: What do you have in common? Why do you want to talk? Where do you see synergies?

Q. If you have a day job in one field but moonlight in another, how should you reflect this on LinkedIn?

A. It is against the terms of service to have multiple LinkedIn profiles. Figure out how to have both personas on the same profile. It can be as subtle as using the Websites area to include a link to your secondary business or passion, or putting a short paragraph in the summary. 

Q. If someone who doesn't impress you asks for a recommendation, what should you do?

A. I encourage you to only write recommendations when you can professionally endorse the person. I have written back and said, "We haven't worked together, so I really don't have anything I can recommend you on. Perhaps after we work together on a project I can recommend you."

Q. Any other LinkedIn suggestions?

A. The Advanced People Search is a critical tool that I think too many people overlook. Spend a few minutes in there poking around. I think you'll be amazed at what kinds of connections you come across.

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com

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3 Comments

Susan Ireland on July 16, 2009 3:29 PM | Reply

I have trouble saying "No" when people invite me to join their network. I may have had some contact with them but not enough to "know and trust" them to be in my network. Yet, if I decline the offer, I can never connect with them in the future. Also, I don't want to offend them. To date, my solution has been to ignore the invitation, which seems inpolite. Any suggestions?

Janet on July 16, 2009 3:43 PM | Reply

It always makes me cringe when career coaching articles suggest that it is OK to ask people you barely know to meet you for coffee so that you can pick their brain about a career change. Especially now when so many workplaces are short staffed after layoffs, everyone is really busy. I don't have free hours in my work day, do you? A brief telephone conversation or email exchange seems a lot more manageable.

Jason Alba on July 20, 2009 4:17 PM | Reply

Thanks for the interview, and for the comments :)

My suggestion to Susan with regard to connecting or archiving invites is to figure out what your connection strategy is ... in my book I have a chapter on this, talking about being open networkers or conservative networkers. There isn't any one solution for everyone - you have to find the one that's right for you. AND, your solution can evolve as your needs evolve.

Since I have a more public face/persona, I am a more open networker, but I'm not one to use the size of my network as an incentive to connect with me.

@Janet, regarding the meet face-to-face thing. I am not saying to have a coffee meeting to do what is referred to as an "informational interview." However, I've found that for me, in networking, I can take the relationship to a different level if I meet someone face-to-face.

But you are right, people are strapped for time (not like before they weren't). If I really want to meet with you I'll figure out how to meet in your office, or at your company's cafeteria, or for lunch at a restaurant near you (everyone has to eat lunch sometime, right?).

Your point is well taken... I do like to do F2F (although as busy as I am, when someone asks for a lunch meeting I recommend one of three restaurants near my office).

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