In the marketing classes I teach at Lincoln Christian University, we often talk about the power of getting people to know, like, and trust you. Good businesses understand this and use the know/like/trust approach to reach prospects and customers.
The same is true for your job search.
To get the job you want, you’ll need to be known, liked, and trusted.
Social networking sites like LinkedIn and About.me can play a big role in the process. While these tools can help you get some initial attention, at some point you’ll still need to talk to people and work with them. So don’t neglect the importance of traditional interpersonal skills.
Here are some resources to help you with that process:
- How to Transform Your LinkedIn Profile Into a Marketing Tool – LinkedIn is the place for business professionals to connect. Get your profile up to speed with this handy guide.
- The Power of Likeability and How to Use About.me to Get There – I’ve always recommended that students start a portfolio or blog with their name as the domain (for example, michaelgowin.com). If that’s too hard (but it shouldn’t be), set up a site using About.me instead.
- Ten Etiquette Tips for Interviews – Dan Miller’s tips are good not just for interviews but for life. His book 48 Days to the Work You Love is also on my recommended short list for job seekers.
- How to Rock the First 90 Days of a Job – Guy Kawasaki offers some sage advice for starting that job in the right way.
- My Advice to 22-Year-Olds – A few more suggestions from our friend Guy. Careful listeners will have heard Mr. Teoro and me say many of these things in the classroom. Not because we’re buds with Guy Kawasaki; because they’re true.
And here are some resources I’ve mentioned before to help you with your internship/job search.