How to Use LinkedIn to Build an Effective Employer Brand

How to Use LinkedIn to Build an Effective Employer Brand How can your organisation harness the worlds largest professional network to attract talent? The answer lies in employer branding, or talent branding as the folks at LinkedIn prefer to call it. Chris Brown,  Director of UK Talent Solutions at the worlds largest professional network  explains how to use LinkedIn to boost your employer branding. Listen to the episode below or read the summary and dont forget to subscribe to the Employer Branding Podcast. What are the top 5 factors that contribute to a positive employer brand? Theres lots of research out there already externally and from us explaining the power of a positive employer brand and how that can affect positively the way organisations attract talent and retain talent. But this research we did to highlight how a negative brand might impact, so what we did, we researched loads of people in the UK and asked them what convinces them to work at a company when theyre looking for a job. And the five things which came up as positive factors were about job security, around development opportunities, the way they can work with new teams and also companies sharing their own values. That much is there, that kind of purpose, and also just positive perceptions about the company which theyve heard in other places. Increased job security Increased professional development opportunities The opportunity to work with a better team A company sharing their own personal values Positive impressions of the company from past and present employees What are the top 5  factors that are most likely to put professionals off taking jobs? Ive seen so many of the exact opposite, so concerns about job security is one. Poor leadership, bad teams or dysfunctional teams, and then negative impressions that they have or perceptions theyve heard elsewhere, and a bad reputation among that industry. So theyre the five things that put us off those types of employers. Concerns about job security Dysfunctional teams Poor leadership Negative impressions of the company from past and present employees A company having a poor reputation among its industry peers How can you calculate the cost of a bad reputation for a company? We tried to put a figure on it, and we worked out that the cost of attrition, if you like, or the percentage additional that companies would have to pay is 10% to find and attract talent to replace those people that were leaving. And we worked out, for a company of 10,000 employees, that can add up to more than £4 million a year. So weve actually put a figure on the cost of a bad reputation. What are your best  tips for  companies that want to boost their reputation online? This is a question were asked a lot, so this is based on my experience and based on all the companies we are working with in the UK. First one Id say is having a strong presence. What I mean there is having your company and your brand presence built. Having a profile on LinkedIn, Twitter, any other social media, building out that content so its interesting, sharing updates through social and through LinkedIn that arent just about talent but about all sorts of things that your company might be doing. The second piece is about involving everybody. The companies were working with that seemed to be doing this the best or seemed to be having the most progress with their employer brand are getting their employees thats right from CEOs right down to every single employee in their organisation engaged as well. And what I mean by engaged is companies writing about their experiences, sharing news about their own company. And by doing that, that helps companies amplify the brand and in some respects, accelerates the network effect. And then the third thing is to be authentic. Over the years at LinkedIn, talking about employer brand, weve seen lots of organisations start to build their brand that presence I talked about.  And its very easy for all of us to spot authentic content, so you can tell its been written by an employee rather than by, for example, a marketing or commerce team. That authenticity, I think, gives those potential candidates real insight into what you can offer. How exactly does a company get LinkedIn followers? Theres lots of different ways. Harrods for example just engage their employees. So Harrods, and what we see this quite often, in recruitment teams, for example, would have the internal communications around the fact that were now using social media to recruit. This is a big part of our hiring efforts this year, for example, and we value your input as employees and we invite you to share the news that were posting. And thats right up by CEOs. If senior executives are starting to share, build profiles, write blog posts, they start to encourage all their employees to do the same. So at that volume of engagement, this is where the effects really start to show. There are other ways too. You can put ads around the network. You can direct people to the LinkedIn company page whatever the source is. What is  LinkedIns  Talent Brand Index and how is it calculated? Talent Brand Index is a really good tool. Weve talked about the power of employer brand or talent brand for years and weve been talking about it for the last 10, 15 minutes or so. The question were often asked in the past is, Its all very well, but its very intangible. How can I measure it? and the Talent Brand Index is one of the first ways that weve developed, but more broadly could be that anyones developed, which actually allows companies to measure it to measure the impact of their talent brand, and see how it progresses every time. So how it works is we can measure the reach that a company has on social media or LinkedIn by looking at certain activity, in aggregate, in the background. And that activity would be, how big a reach a company has is essentially based on how many employees they have and how many people are connected to those employees. X thousand people are aware of that company is an employer, so we have this number, and then we also look at engagement within that reach. Of that pool of people that are aware of the company as an employer, how many are engaging with them? And the engagement means are they looking at jobs, are they looking at the assets, the company pages, and so forth, or are they connecting with their employees or viewing their profiles? And then from those two numbers, we divide one by the other and we create an index which essentially is that brand index. Follow Chris on Twitter @Chris_Brown_UK and dont forget to subscribe to the Employer Branding Podcast.

Making the most of your time during unemployment

Making the most of your time during unemployment Unemployment is hard, whether you are a new grad entering the job market or a young professional that just faced a layoff. Unemployment is hard, whether you are a new grad entering the job market or a young professional that just faced a layoff. You might find yourself stuck in the classic job search Catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need the job to get experience. Or you could find yourself facing another dilemma: it’s easier to get a job when you have a job, but when you’re unemployed you’re the one that needs the job. In my last post I discussed how training for a marathon helped to keep my motivation strong throughout my job search. In this post I offer some ideas for how you can make the most of your time during unemployment. Join professional organizations Look up popular professional organizations for your intended industry.   Some organizations offer discounted membership rates to recent grads and professionals with minimal work experience. Locate the organizations chapter for your area and look at the calendar to see what events, seminars, or professional development opportunities are offered. Some chapters might allow you to attend an event without being a member (though you may have to pay a higher fee for the event). Go ahead and take advantage of the free time you have while unemployed to attend these events. Not only will they serve as networking opportunities and help build skills for your resume, but, as soon as you start a full-time job (and depending on the employer) you probably won’t have the same flexibility in your schedule to attend these events. Some chapters even offer a young professionals committee that sponsors networking happy hour events, providing an excellent place to connect with both peers and experienced professionals in a more laid back social atmosphere. Grad School Events If you have any interest or ever thought of pursuing a graduate degree, I strongly recommend attending open houses and information sessions while you are still job searching.   It’s an excellent way to keep your mind focused on your goals and what you want to achieve. Now you might be limited to where you visit due to travel costs and a tight budget, but try to make use of your free time now. As I stated above once you start a full-time job you usually don’t have the same flexibility in your schedule to request off one or two days to go visit a school. You also don’t want to send the wrong message to your new boss by requesting time off to look at schools, causing them to start questioning your motivation and dedication to your job. Free online courses   Another great way to use your time wisely is by taking a MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) class. These are great since many are usually free and provide a way to keep enhancing your skill set while looking for a job. Just taking a course probably will not give you the experience needed for certain jobs, but it’s a great talking point during an interview as it demonstrates to the employer you are proactive and signifies you are invested in growing and expanding your knowledge and skills. I took some courses through Coursera, but there are many other websites offering a variety of topics. Some even offer an overview of classes offered at top schools and programs.   Go to the gym Exercise has many health benefits and is an excellent way for dealing with stress, but going to the gym regularly could also open opportunities for networking. The keyword here is that it could lead to opportunities. I don’t mean you need to show up to spin or yoga class ready to hand out your business cards, but you never know where networking opportunities can happen.  You might talk to someone who works at a company of interest during your daily treadmill workout or maybe a post-run yoga session could end with a new job lead. The main point is the more you get out in the world and interact with people, rather than sitting at home on the computer applying endlessly to jobs all day, the better your chance at learning about a new job opportunity or speaking with someone who knows of some openings at their company. Even if you never get a networking lead by going to the gym, at least you are keeping yourself healthy! Meetups  If a gym membership isn’t in your budget then check out local Meetups in your area. There are a huge variety of Meetup groups ranging from running groups, adventure groups, social groups, and even business networking groups. Here you can connect (for free) with people holding similar interests and goals as yourself. As I stated before you never know where you might find your next networking opportunity!

The Response You are Searching for is NO - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The Response You are Searching for is NO - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career One of the most difficult words for some people to say has just two letters. Yet, this one word can cause people to wince and feel guilty for saying it. There is no need to feel guilty for saying it if you have a reason. And, there is always a reason for deciding not to do something. The reason can be something you don’t need to share,  but depending upon your personality you may feel compelled to share. The truth is you don’t always need to back up your “no’s” with a reason, but usually the person asking wants to know why. Below are a few tips for saying no. For saying no with tact, sensitivity, and conviction. And, for sticking to it. There is NO need to feel guilty for saying no. On the flipside of this there are some people that seem to revel in saying no. I’m sure they understand the meaning of the word, but I think they get a lot of satisfaction from just using the word. The goal is not to avoid something that may be part of your job description. However, you also should not be the one everyone asks to do something just because they know youll agree. Say No like a pro First. Say It Like You Mean It. State the facts  â€" Just accepting something is not acceptable. If you have other commitments, and everyone does, you should feel comfortable enough  in your own skin to state the reasons why you cannot and will not do something. Repeat  â€" Repeat your NO as many times as necessary. Resist  â€" Resist the urge to imply there may be a way for you to do what is being asked. Don’t say… “Maybe next time’ unless you really mean it. If there is going to be no next time… let them know. One thing learning how to say no does is it helps you to Stand Out in your Career. Your ability to confidently take on projects you know you can accept and complete is a reflection on you and your authenticity. Learning to say no is both a soft and a hard skill that is good to learn. Just say No Nancy Reagan said these three famous words in the 1980’s as part of her War on Drugs campaign. I’m recommending you learn how to say no too. It may be hard initially. It will be more of a challenge for some than others. For people that are “Pleasers” it may be exceptionally hard, but this is a skill that needs to be learned, practiced and repeated.  When done right  â€" meaning with tact and sensitivity to the person making the request the ability to say no is a leadership skill that will help you build your personal and professional brand. LinkedIn Tip: I wouldn’t put… “Ability to say no” on your LinkedIn profile, but I do recommend putting something in your profile that indicates you know how to make decisions. So, here’s a little help to get you going. When you are asked to do something…  I believe the response you are searching for is NO.  This sounds harsh and perhaps a little passive-aggressive, but the intent is not just to  say no because you can. However, if you truly cannot take on another task, another project, or another responsibility… Just Say No. Practice makes perfect Say it with me… no. No. NO. With practice you will become adept at evaluating requests and determining if you can take on a new task. You will also become adept at saying no with tact and sensitivity to the person making the request. Over time your ability to make good decisions will become a reflection upon you and your career.

3 Amazing Work Productivity Tips How to Do More in Less Time - Classy Career Girl

3 Amazing Work Productivity Tips How to Do More in Less Time We have known the importance of being productive since early childhood. Productivity helps us complete tasks faster, optimize the working process and, therefore, get the energy to live not only business but personal lives as well. In fact, a well-organized workplace can boost productivity. We can easily improve productivity, even without knowing that. After being inspired by OmniPapers step-by-step guide below, we decided to write more about the art of workplace organization. Every woman who works can find some helpful tips on workplace organization in our infographic below. You may be surprised to learn how the temperatures of your desk lamp can stimulate your brain or how the color of your cabinet can impact your productivity! Here is how to stay organized and increase your productivity at work: Some work productivity tips from the infographic above: Constantly  Declutter If you want to stay productive, you need to declutter your desk once and for all. Clear  papers,  put utensils and pens into boxes,  throw out things you dont use,  use bins and  wash dirty cups ASAP. Also,  set up proper lighting, decorate with  live plants to clean the air, and start using modern gadgets to boost productivity. In addition, its important to use  tools that can improve productivity.  If you feel tired, take a break and drink a cup of green tea to boost spirits. Create  Zones Do you have two zones at your workplace? If not, it is time. The first zone,  a computer one, is a place where your computer sits. Use this zone to complete tasks, write emails, and surf the Internet. The second zone,  a non-computer one, is an inspirational corner. Find books and articles that inspire you and read them here. Also,  decorate this area with your favorite quotes or paintings. Change Working Positions Being a healthy person means feeling great and completing tasks faster without sacrificing quality.  Try  buying an  ergonomic office chair, so your chair supports your lower back. This can help reduce the risk of health problems. Also, try changing your position while working and switch between standing and sitting. Of course, its also important to eat healthy food as our nutrition impacts our well-being. The bottom line? Staying organized in your workspace will help you  boost your productivity. As Paul J. Meyer said,  â€œProductivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” [Related:  Best Office Planners for the New Year] Do you have secrets about productivity?  Comment below!

CIO Resume - How To Write One That Puts You In First Place

CIO Resume - How To Write One That Puts You In First PlaceA CIO resume is important in every industry, and it's one of the most important elements in your ability to get a job with any company. Though it may seem like this resume cover letter is merely for the CIO, it can apply to virtually any high level position in a company.A CIO resume should contain everything about you that a potential employer is looking for. You are the CIO. That means you handle IT, you know how to use the computers and you have a lot of experience with networking.This information should be in your CIO resume. The more of this you have, the better. The CIO resume will help you stand out from the other resumes in the hiring process. It will also show potential employers that you are an expert on the matter.A CIO resume should also contain information that relates to your previous work experience. There are many things that a potential employer may ask about your past career as an IT professional. These includ e information about your technical skills, your professional references, and your expertise in technology.Other information you may be asked about are about jobs you've held in the past, any on-the-job training you've received, and any training you've had that related to the jobs you hold now. These items can be found on your CIO resume, and are very important to the employee.When you write your CIO resume, make sure that you take into account your skills and education. You want to include these items in every section of your resume. However, if they are hard to find or have no relevance to the job you're applying for, include them in the last section of your resume, called the 'other.'A CIO resume should also be concise. As much as possible, list the things that matter to the employer. On the other hand, do not put too much information in the first paragraph of your resume.A CIO resume should be used with care, and it is important to remember to think of what matters most. Your CIO resume should not overwhelm the employer, and should not be filled with information that does not relate to the job you are applying for. Use your CIO resume to present yourself, but don't overwhelm the hiring manager with information about yourself that he or she is unaware of.

Top 4 Things You Should Do to Progress in Your Career - CareerAlley

Top 4 Things You Should Do to Progress in Your Career - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Introduction For you to advance in your career, you need to come up with a plan. Career progress takes many forms from taking more responsibility at work to advancing in the corporate ladder. Regardless of what you want to achieve, its only possible when you have a plan to lead you along the way. Here are the things that you should do to progress in your career. For you to advance in your career, you need to come up with a plan. Career progress takes many forms from taking more responsibility at work to advancing in the corporate ladder. Tweet This Be in the right industry It is essential to ensure that you are in the field that satisfies your educational needs. It is possible to get pulled into a different field while you are starting. If you find yourself doubting your career decision, it is high time you consider moving to a different industry. So, avoid remaining in the wrong field for long. If you do, you will burn yourself out. You should have a passion for your work. After all, your job is where youll spend the best part of your life. Define what success means to you Success has a different definition depending on a person. For some, it could be finding a career that lets them spend more time with their family, and for others, it is becoming Executives. There is no right or wrong definition of success- it is different for everyone. The most crucial part is that youre able to know what success means to you. You should consider what is essential to you in your career currently and what you want it to look like in the future. The things that you want to achieve now may be different from what you want in ten years. So, thinking long term will help you understand your version of success. After you have defined success, turn it into action. Create a chart and show where you are now and where you want to be in ten years to come. Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay Pursue education When you are through with your technical school or college, your learning has not stopped. Many graduates think that when they enter the workforce, they have already learned everything they need to know. But in this digital era, your learning should not stop after you graduate. There are so many resources accessible to curious professionals. You can enroll inonline management courses, attend industry seminars, and take part in several ways to expand your education. But it is essential to let your employer know your effort in learning. Network For you to progress in the professional world, you need to understand that it is not all about what you know but who you know. To progress in your career, all you need is to connect with the most significant people in your field. You can network by attending events, doing favors, and sharing your opinion. When you have more contacts in your field, you will have more opportunities, and an opening is an integral part of career advancement. Networking, whether social or professional, is bound to bring you results. Thus, if you are looking to enhance your chances of landing a job, ensure that you are trying to connect with a lot of influential people through online and offline platforms. As such, you will have to make a point of attending social and community events to get to meet and know new people. Also, try and raise your activity level in popular social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. However, if you are looking for professional networking exclusively, be sure to utilize LinkedIn as much as you can- 7 Ways To Find The Right Career Conclusion When you want to progress in your career, keep these four things in your mind; ensure that you are in the right field, define what success means to you, pursue education and network. And remember that no matter the field you are in, it is essential to enroll in online management coursesto learn new skills. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

Taking Risks Has Its Rewards

Taking Risks Has Its Rewards Do you avoid taking risks? Maybe you need to re-evaluate your position on engaging in actions that seem a bit more dangerous than you are comfortable with. Especially during job search! Reward 1 Stepping outside your comfort zone helps build resilience and flexibility. This is one quality employers admire and seek! How often have you been subject to the flavor of the month initiative or asked to drop what you are doing to put out some fire? It happens more today than it used to. If you are an older worker, this is probably something you want to make sure you address so you arent perceived as someone stuck in a rut or obsessed with the mantra this is the way Ive always done it. Reward 2 Great success has seldom been achieved by those who havent taken risks. Think of the great athletes, entrepreneurs, and inventors. Where would they be if they didnt take risks? If you are eager to achieve more (wealth, status, responsibility, etc) than you have today, you are going to have to step out on a limb or two. Reward 3 You want to be a stand out applicant but when you politely wait for weeks to be contacted, well, youre not standing out. You are being overlooked. What calculated risks can you take to get noticed (and for the right things)? In my post on US News World Report today, I delve a bit deeper into the benefits of taking risks. Go have a look!