Recruiter Networking For Jobs

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things a recruiter reads about you. More than that, though, it’s an important part of search results. When a company uses LinkedIn Recruiter to search for candidates, the information in your profile’s headline weighs heavily in search results. Optimizing your headline is like optimizing your entire profile for better placement results when recruiters run a search. My favorite formula for a LinkedIn profile headline is: TARGET JOB TITLE | 3 HIGH-PRIORITY SKILLS | PERSONAL BRANDING STATEMENT Let’s break down each one. First, you want to use your target job title. If I’m a recruiter running a search on LinkedIn for a client services manager, I will use this position title to pull profiles of candidates who are already in this role or have past experience in this position. Second, as a recruiter, I will include specific skills in my search that are critical to success in the role. I might use “customer relations,” “sales,” or “operations.”  This will give me a list of candidates with the relevant experience and skills required for the role. Third, the personal branding statement is your chance to convey value to the hiring manager. It’s what gets them to click on your profile and read it, versus another candidate. It’s your unique differentiation factor. On my profile, I use this personal branding statement: I help executives attract better job offers with personal-brand-focused resumes.   This branding statement communicates who I help (executives), the value I deliver (attract better job offers), and how I do it (with personal-brand-focused resumes). Those three elements combine to create a unique value proposition. When creating your personal branding statement, include who you help, how, and to what end. I used this headline formula to update my husband’s profile last year when he launched his job search. He received a message from a recruiter within 24 hours of his headline update. Melissa, one of my LinkedIn Unlocked course students, saw a 1,277% increase in profile views after updating her headline. Another student, Josh, saw a 2200% increase in profile views after updating his. #Networking #JobSearch #Careers #LinkedInTopVoices

I managed a 70 person recruiting team, hired thousands of engineers, and was told that the facebook recruiting team had an internal blog breaking down my outbound approach bc so many engineers had shared it internally... These are my outbound sourcing maxims. 1. get good at email - use the prospect's personal email (NEVER INMAIL!!!!) - subject line must be about THEM (but not basic "go trojans!") - declare your intent ("I think you fit for our team") - 90% of message should be about THEM - people like to be liked - list why you are impressed by them - humor helps most of the time - DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOURSELF - DO NOT LINK JOB DESCRIPTIONS - SERIOUSLY STOP WTF - ... sell the conversation, not the job Two main takeaways here. One, approaching someone and telling them that you are amazing "gives the ick." This is as true in recruiting as it is in dating. Two - don't force existential consideration early. If you give lots details about the opportunity, people will find every reason to find that it's not a fit. Also, you're coming on too hard. 2. you need to contact WAY more people than you think - good response rate = >20% - good interested response rate = >10% - only a fraction of those who take a call will actually be a fit - == >50 outreaches per day for most roles ... seriously, LOTS OF OUTBOUND, and it's gotta be good. I used to not even check my email until I'd sent 50 outbounds every day. Each outbound had to meet my conditions above. 3. people are most honest at the outset - take advantage - more time in process == candidate is more likely to WANT the job - people who WANT something are more covetous of it - and people who want something might not be entirely open ... the stakes are low on the first call - so candidates are more likely to be open about their needs - so you should do everything you can to get them NOW. 4. STOP TALKING!!! ("god made you with two ears...") - people love to talk about themselves (if it feels safe!) - 30 minute call? Candidate should be talking for 27 of them - ask good questions, think "Hot Ones" quality - goal: figure out what they care about - ... then spend 3 minutes delivering a supremely tailored pitch Bad recruiters pitch at the outset, with no idea what the candidate cares about. Great recruiters find the buttons, then push them. 5. move as fast as possible once you have the right one - people want to feel wanted... - time is typically interpreted as disinterest (even if that's not accurate) - so, move fast as you possibly can, give clarity about next steps, etc ------------------------------------------ The succinct version... - Write great emails - Write a lot of emails - Ask deep questions early - Listen before speaking - And don't dilly dally when you have the one Easy to write. Hard to do. But this is 100% my blue print.

Even with a vast network, only 7-8% of people on LinkedIn secure better opportunities, while over 90% struggle to switch jobs. To succeed on LinkedIn and get job opportunities, follow these step-by-step guidelines: 1. Define Your Goals: - Before diving into networking, outline your career objectives and desired job roles. - Consider factors like industry, role, and company culture that align with your aspirations. - Identify successful professionals in your desired fields to serve as role models and potential connections.  2. Initiate Connections:   A. Utilize LinkedIn:  - Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry. - Personalize connection requests by highlighting shared interests or mutual connections. - Keep your messages genuine and concise.  B. Attend Events:  - Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and networking gatherings. - Engage in meaningful conversations and exchange contact information. - Follow up with new connections after the event.  C. Conduct Informational Interviews:  - Request informational interviews with professionals whose careers you admire. - Prepare insightful questions and seek advice rather than job opportunities. - Focus on building relationships rather than direct job inquiries.  3. Maintain Regular Follow-Ups:  - Send concise follow-up emails after meeting new connections, expressing gratitude and referencing specific conversation points. - Stay in touch with your network by sharing updates and showing genuine interest in their professional endeavors.  4. Expand Your Network:  - Don’t limit your network to your immediate industry; connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. - Engage in online forums, webinars, and social media discussions relevant to your field. - Offer valuable insights and connect with like-minded professionals. Additionally, keep in mind: - Focus on quality connections over quantity. - Give back to your network and offer support when possible. - Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and share relevant content to maintain your online presence. Remember, networking goes beyond mere connections; it’s about nurturing genuine relationships. Dedicate time and effort, and your network will prove invaluable in your job search and beyond. #Linkedin #Jobsearchtips #networking

Our client landed a senior Marketing role with a $30,000+ raise. It took them 18 weeks. Here are 6 strategies they used to make it happen: Context: Our client had spent months applying to marketing roles without much traction. Their applications went unanswered and interviews weren’t turning into offers. The biggest challenge? Competing against candidates with direct Ed Tech experience while theirs was from another industry. We teamed up and helped them build a strategy to position themselves effectively and connect with the right people: 1. They Narrowed Their Scope Instead of applying to everything, they built a targeted list of companies by: - Outlining must-haves (growth potential, team structure, leadership style) - Using LinkedIn and industry reports to identify companies that fit - Prioritizing companies hiring for roles aligned with their skill set This gave them a focused approach rather than a scattered job search. 2. They Focused On Networking Over Apps Rather than relying on job boards, they prioritized connecting with decision-makers by: - Using LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers and peers in Ed Tech - Leveraging college alumni networks for warm introductions - Reaching out with specific, value-driven messages rather than generic requests 3. They Tracked Their Process They tracked their applications and networking messages: - They created a spreadsheet to track applications, networking efforts, and interview progress - They analyzed which outreach methods led to interviews - They refined their resume and messaging based on response rates By using real data, they quickly identified what was working and doubled down on it. 4. They Prepared Intentionally Their networking efforts led to a referral and an interview. Rather than “winging it,” with their interview prep, they: - Completed mock interviews with their coach to identify weak spots - Refined their answers based on real-time feedback - Rehearsed high-impact stories until they felt natural 5. Treated Their Interview Like A Marketing Pitch Instead of just summarizing their experience, they structured their responses to sell their value: - They used a “challenge-action-result” framework for every answer - They tied their past experience directly to the company’s needs - This ensured they stood out as a clear problem-solver, not just another candidate. 6. They Used A Value Validation Project (VVP) Instead of just telling the company what they could do, they showed them with a targeted project: - They analyzed the company’s existing marketing funnel - They built a retention strategy to increase student re-engagement - They presented a data-backed plan showing how similar strategies had driven growth in their past roles That helped set them apart and win the offer.

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Are your networking convos going nowhere?  Then, you are likely not asking the right questions at the end of the chat. So let me fix this for ya. Here are my favorite end-of-chit-chat questions to make sure you keep the new connections moving forward. ⭐ Expanding Your Network: "Based on our conversation, who else would you recommend I speak with to gain further insights into this field?" ⭐ Gaining Deeper Industry Insight: "Are there any groups, associations, or forums you think I should join to connect with other professionals in this field?" ⭐ Understanding Company Culture: "Who in your organization has been pivotal to your understanding of the company culture, and might they be open to a discussion?" ⭐ Exploring Opportunities: "In your opinion, which companies or teams are doing exciting work in this space that I should explore further?" ⭐ Finding Mentors and Advisors: "I'm interested in finding a mentor in the field. Is there someone whose career path you admire and who might be open to a mentorship conversation?" ⭐ Learning About Roles and Functions: "Which colleagues of yours have taken interesting paths or roles that you think I could learn from?" ⭐ Asking for Introductions: "Would you be comfortable introducing me to anyone in your network who you think could provide additional perspective on my job search?" ⭐ Keeping the Conversation Going: "What events or meetups would you suggest I attend to meet like-minded professionals in this industry?" ⭐ Following Industry Developments: "Are there any upcoming industry events or webinars that you think would be beneficial for someone in my position to attend?" ⭐ Staying in Touch: "How can I best keep in touch with you as I continue exploring this field and potentially seek your advice again in the future?" So...will you use these banging questions in your next networking chat? Then drop a "YEAH" Lil Jon style in the comments below. #networking #networkingtips

That "Easy Apply" button on LinkedIn might be holding you back more than you realize. After two decades of placing C-suite talent, I've watched countless qualified executives disappear into the black hole of automated applications. Meanwhile, the executives who secure premium roles are rarely clicking that deceptively convenient button. Here's why direct networking outperforms digital applications every time: 🎯 When you apply through automated systems, your meticulously crafted resume competes with hundreds of others in an algorithm-driven screening process. 🎯 At the executive level, your unique value proposition gets diluted to keywords and bullet points. 🎯 Instead, focus on building meaningful connections with decision-makers. A warm introduction from a trusted contact carries exponentially more weight than even the most polished application. 🎯 Remember: by the time an executive position appears on LinkedIn, informal conversations about potential candidates have likely already begun. 🎯 The most valuable opportunities often exist in the hidden job market - positions filled through recommendations before they're ever publicly posted. By nurturing your professional network, you position yourself to be considered for roles that the "Easy Apply" crowd will never even see. Your executive experience deserves a more sophisticated approach than a convenience button designed for volume recruiting. Invest your time where it truly delivers results: in conversations, not applications. What's been your experience with executive job searching? Has networking opened doors that applications couldn't? #ExecutiveCareers #Careers #NetworkingStrategy #HiddenJobMarket

A few months ago, I got a message here on LinkedIn from an executive recruiter who told me that a resume I had written for my VP of Sales client was “one of the best resumes I have ever seen… and as you can imagine, I have seen a lot of resumes in my career.” It felt good to read that. I thanked the recruiter in the moment. We kept in touch. He has already sent referrals (thank you!). But over the past few months, I have revisited that client’s resume several times. I have been thinking about it a lot. Why did that document stand out to someone who screens thousands of resumes every year? What made it good in a market where hiring teams have less time than ever? Here is what I feel pretty darn confident about: The resume did not get noticed because it was long or short. It did not get noticed because of the formatting alone. It did not get noticed because of buzzwords or fancy language. It stood out because the client’s story was undeniable. We uncovered the pattern of his career. We made his results easy to find and impossible to ignore. We connected every achievement to business impact that mattered. We removed anything that blurred the message. We aligned the entire document to the role he wanted next, not the roles he had already done. Most executives underestimate how powerful clarity is in a resume. Their resumes may be accurate, but they are not always strategic. Impressive, but not memorable. Full, but not focused. This client’s resume did well because it did one thing exceptionally well. It helped the recruiter visualize him in the job. That is the real purpose of a modern executive resume. Not to archive a career. To position a leader. When you give hiring teams a clear pattern of performance, they stop guessing. They start leaning in. I still think about that recruiter’s message because it validated something I focus on every day in my work: the right story, told the right way, changes how the market sees you. And sometimes, it changes your entire search. If a recruiter reviewed your resume today, what story would they walk away with?

Don't reach out cold until you have spoken and reconnected with all these people first and have asked for AIR + explained exactly what you are looking for. 🎈 Advice - career advice, job search advice, career pivot advice 🎈 Information - What's going on in the company, industry? What trends are they seeing? 🎈 Recommendations - Who do they recommend you speak with to learn more? What professional associations or groups do they recommend? Where do they go or what do they read to stay current? 🎯 Contact ALL these People So They Know What You Are Looking For 1. People You Used To Work With Your past work colleagues have seen you perform in the job and know your strengths and work ethic. These people make an excellent source of information to find out what changes are going on in the business and industry. You want to let them know you are looking for a new opportunity. 2. Friends, Family, Neighbors People you know are most likely to want to help you if they can. Your friends have a vast network of contacts you don’t know about. 3. Past Managers Assuming you and your previous manager or supervisor got along, it’s a good idea to reach out to them. Your past boss may know of upcoming opportunities at your old company 4. Target Company Employees Talking with people who work inside a company you're interested in allows you to learn what it is really like to work there. Plus they can provide advice and/or insight on the best way to apply. 5. Alumni/Classmates Don’t forget to tap into classmates, professors, and alumni as another potential pool of people to network with. Use LinkedIn's Alumni tool plus your school’s Advancement or Alumni office database. 6. Customers/Clients The people you’ve served already know you and are familiar with your work. Lean on them as a source of information about what’s going on. Your customers and clients have a feel of the work landscape and future needs. This information will help you position your most important skills and experience. 7. Vendors/Suppliers Similar to your clients and customers, these people know what it’s like to do business with you. They also have a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in your industry because they are still servicing businesses. 8. Service Providers (Doctors, accountants, hairdresser, etc.) Don’t overlook the business relationships you have with professionals who provide you with services. These people have their own vast network of contacts. 9. Fellow Volunteers If you volunteer, you’ve likely established relationships with other volunteers and people within the organization. These people have seen you give your time and effort.

If I were looking for a job right now, I would not waste a single second on job boards. The job market is a cesspool. Hundreds of applications per role. Algorithms filtering resumes. And companies pulling “hiring freezes” mid-interview. Here’s exactly what I would do instead👇 1. I would look for the money. When companies raise funding, expand into new markets, or announce partnerships, they need leadership. Business journals, VC newsletters, industry deal trackers - they publish these updates weekly. If a company just closed a Series A or a $50M round, they’re about to hire. 2. I would track leadership changes. When a CFO, COO, or CMO exits, it leaves a hole. Executive moves are announced every single day on LinkedIn press releases and business news feeds. Those are opportunities waiting for the right person to step in. 3. I would package myself as a solution. Not a job seeker. Not “open to work.” I’d position my background around results: “I help companies cut costs, increase revenue, and scale without chaos.” The resume comes later. The first impression is ROI. 4. I would reach out directly to decision-makers. Skip HR. Skip apply here or anywhere. I’d message VPs, C-suite leaders, and investors: “I saw you’re expanding into [market]. I’ve led [initiative] that delivered [specific measurable result] at [competitor or similar company].” That’s how conversations start. 5. I would pursue fractional + board opportunities. Companies want executive-level talent without the permanent headcount. Fractional leadership and board seats are exploding especially for professionals over 45 who bring decades of experience. This is not “networking harder.” It’s about tracking the signals that show where opportunity is about to happen and getting there before a job is ever posted. 👉 On the job boards, you’re competing with thousands. 👉 In the hidden market, you’re competing with strategic job seekers. That’s the difference between waiting for a call-back… and getting introduced directly to the person who can say yes. Stop waiting for permission. If I were looking right now, this is exactly what I’d be doing today. ✨are you finding the job search completely outdated too?