LinkedIn Recommendations

As I prepare for another Creating a LinkedIn Profile program, I noticed that I didn’t include a section on recommendations.  That’s an important piece to LinkedIn. It’s especially helpful for potential employers to read what your past manager co-workers, directors and other folks that you may have worked with think of your work. Here is how you do it:

1. Move your cursor over your photo in the top right of your homepage and select Privacy and Settings. You may be prompted to sign in to your account.

2. Click the Manage your Recommendations link under Settings

3. Click Ask to be recommended  after each job listing

4. In the "Who do you want to ask?" section, enter name(s) of your connections into the text field or click the LinkedIn icon to search a listing of all of your connections.  

5. Use the template LinkedIn provides to ask for a recommendation or better yet, create your own letter asking for recommendation.

6. Hit Send

To make a recommendation for someone else, go to the same Privacy and Settings area and follow the same steps for Manage your Recommendations. Click Make a Recommendation towards the bottom of the page and follow these steps:

1. Select a name of the person you’d like to recommend from your LinkedIn connections

2. Follow the prompts asking how and where you know this person and then write out your recommendation. 

3. Click submit.

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Are Cover Letters Still a Good Thing?

A recent survey asked HR managers about their thoughts on cover letters.  Ninety seven percent said that while they may not always read them, they better be included. Why include a cover letter?  A cover letter sets you apart from other candidates and allows you to showcase your brand. Since it’s the first impression a recruiter or hiring manager has of you, it’s vital in these days of job insecurity that you identify what makes you a specialist, expert or a leader in your field. 

There are a couple of different formats to writing a cover letter but the important part is that it is unique to you and to the open position.  Don’t use the same cover letter for every position.  Don’t lift something from your resume and plop it down in your cover letter either. Rather, explain how your background and experience can fill the open needs identified by the company

You can use a standard bulleted list or the newer “T” format. The bulleted summary statement emphasizes your particular strengths and achievements. .  If the job responsibilities call for experience in scheduling, communication and event planning then you need to succinctly highlight your experience in these areas. In the “T” you can create a column or “T” that matches the job skills needed by the employer with your skills and experience.”

Here is an example of a “T” cover letter.  You can substitute the middle paragraph with a standard bulleted list if you’d rather stick with the tried and true.

Proper Salutation/Address Information Date
Dear Mr. /Ms. Last Name;
The open position for a Human Resources Assistant, listed on the (company) website calls for many of the abilities I have developed in my 10 years of Human Resources experience. My background indicates experience and successful implementation of a number of innovative recruiting processes with (company) including:

In the body of the cover letter, set up a "T" column. On the left side of the "T", write out several of the job requirements. On the right side of the "T", state your accomplishments as they relate to each of the listed job requirements.


There are other areas of my background including my educational background, solid social networking and employee referral abilities, on-boarding program design and organization skills that may also be of interest to you. I look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you personally to discuss how I might fit into your organization. 

Sincerely,

Name
Phone number