How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

Not on LinkedIn? Then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to promote your skills and search for jobs in Houston. In fact, the professional connections you make on LinkedIn can truly give you an advantage in your job search – and in your career.

Here’s how to get started:

Create your profile.

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your online resume. Create a detailed profile, including past employment, education, and qualifications. Also be sure to include keywords (such as Houston civil engineer) so that you will be easily found. If you have a professional headshot, you may also want to upload that to your profile.

Build your network.

The more connections you make, the more opportunities you will have. With that said…don’t go crazy with your connections. Only connect to people you know and trust.

Reach out.

Let your network know that you’re looking for a job in Houston, TX. The more people who know you’re looking, the faster you may be able to find a job.

Get recommendations.

Recommendations from people you have worked with in the past carry a lot of weight. A variety of positive recommendations will put you in the best possible light to potential employers in Houston.

Search jobs.

Use the job search section to find job listings you may be interested in.

Ask & answer questions.

The Answers section in LinkedIn is a great way to increase your visibility, as well as enhance your credibility within your particular field. Respond to questions, and ask a question if you need information.

Check if a company is still hiring.

Many companies today have their own pages on LinkedIn. So if there is a Houston company you’d like to work for, go to their LinkedIn profile and check out their “New Hire” section to see if anyone new has recently joined the company. Also, look to see if you know any of the company’s current employees so you can make a connection.

Get to the hiring manager.

If you do know someone at the company, ask that individual to forward your resume to the hiring manager. Hiring managers are much more apt to review a resume that comes from someone they know.

Find out about the company.

Again, if you know someone at the company, ask them for the inside scoop on getting hired at that company. If you don’t have an “in” at the company, then take a look at the profiles of existing employees to get a better sense of the backgrounds and experience of people who already work at the company.

Searching for a job can be a daunting challenge. But by leveraging the power of social media, you may be able to find the job of your dreams a lot quicker. And if you still need helping finding the right job opportunity here in Houston, TX, please contact Murray Resources. As a premier employment firm serving the Houston area, we can connect you with a variety of Houston job opportunities in fields such as administration, engineering, accounting/finance, and sales and customer service.  We look forward to helping you!

Inspiring Talent During Tough Economic Times

One day the pundits say the economy is getting better, the next day it’s getting worse. So whom do you believe? No one really knows. But for the employees who work at your Houston company, this constant uncertainty breeds fear. What’s worse is that if your firm has experienced layoffs in the recent past, then you are more likely to lose top performers in the near future.

Why is that?

Because when a company suffers layoffs, many times, top performers become demoralized and overworked – and eventually leave in search of greener pastures. Don’t let this happen!

So how can you retain and inspire your hard working team? Here are some steps to follow:

Be open.
When times get tough, people tend to draw their own conclusions if they don’t have any other information to go on. Even if you have some bad news to share, it’s better to be forthcoming than to withhold the information.

Involve employees in creating solutions.
It’s time to rally the troops and enlist them in developing solutions. Have a meeting about the biggest challenges your company faces over the next year and invite employees to develop some solutions.

Know that actions speak louder than words.
Your employees are going to begin to doubt your credibility if you keep telling them that things are looking up, but then operate as if the sky is falling.

Meet with employees one-on-one.
Review the current situation with each employee individually and lay out the challenges and opportunities you see for them ahead. Also be sure to clearly outline your expectations of them. If you see layoffs in the future, let your employees know specifically what they can do to help offset them.

Provide market pay.
While it may not seem like a good time to be handing out raises, you may run into big problems if you’re under-compensating your employees. Honestly evaluate your pay and benefits to make sure you’re offering a competitive package – particularly to your top performers.

Celebrate successes.
Make sure that you celebrate important milestones with your employees. Doing so will create an environment of positive reinforcement.

During times of crisis, true leaders emerge. It may seem easier to sit back and let events take their course. But, in the process, your team may fall apart. Now is the time to step up, inspire, and re-energize your team!

If you have any questions about managing employees during tough times, please contact Murray Resources. As a leading employment agency serving Houston, TX, Murray Resources can help you develop a retention plan for inspiring and retaining your top talent. Contact Murray Resources today to learn more.