You have a profile, you are following companies and have joined some groups, but how are you taking advantage of LinkedIn to engage your connections, expand your network, and create new professional relationships and opportunities? Through this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to maximize LinkedIn and develop social media engagement behaviors that will take their networking to the next level.

2. Why Leverage LinkedIn and Contacts?
 Instead of filling your days searching for job postings and applying (which is
boring and frustrating), fill your days with finding people, outreaching,
corresponding, exchange information, attending meetings and events.
 More effective: builds your network, knowledge in the field, contacts,
discover industry events and opportunities.
 How is this job searching? -> You can be qualified for a position, but who is
going to advocate for you? Who are your sponsors? Who knows you?
 Powerful research tool to learn about companies, people and positions
 Discover ways you can help others.
 Introverts? No problem! Find ways that work for you. Search “networking for
introverts”. Here’s a TED talk:
http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts

3. First, have a profile you’re proud of.
Profile
 Professional photo
 Headline – specific to industry
 Detailed profile and experience
 Skills and keywords
 Recommendations
 Projects, professional
development, awards
Activity
 Follow companies and industry leaders
(research)
 Connect with professionals and alumni
 Take conversations offline – meet
connections for coffee, conduct
informational interviews
 Join groups
 Participate in conversations, #tweetups,
comment on blog posts
 Post status updates – link articles
 Re-engage well established connections
 Job search via LinkedIn – see who in
your network is connected to the
opportunity

4. Find more people in your network
 Use advanced people
search.
 Use keywords like
“marketing” and zip code
to get started. You can also
use school like “Florida
International University

5. Reconnect with 1st connections, like
Rachel.

6. And outreach to 2nd connections, like Jeremy.

8. See how you’re connected:
Identify a first contact to
introduce you to Jeremy.

10. Request an intro
You can send a message
through LinkedIn, but
not everyone checks
LinkedIn every day.
Take conversations off
of LinkedIn: (call, text,
email, or chat)

11. Next, do your research on Jeremy, and his
current and past companies/involvement.

12. Ultimately, you are requesting a meeting
with Jeremy for an informational interview.
What are the goals of an informational interview?
 Meet a new contact in your industry
 Gain career advice and invaluable “takeaways” – insider industry
information
 Develop trust, rapport and the beginnings of a professional friendship
 Discovering ways how you can assist the contact
 Identifying additional contacts to outreach for informational
interviews
 There are articles everywhere on info interviews. Search Google for
more!

13. Next: Request a meeting
1. Be specific about what you are seeking
2. Be professional
3. Be patient – you are asking for the favor/their time
4. Be considerate; do not request for an evening or Friday
afternoon time (unless specified).
5. Be creative. How can you help this contact as well?

14. Subject: Simone’s Referral - info interview
Hi Jeremy,
My name is Maria and I was referred to you by Simone Worsdale. I’m very interested in
digital marketing and would love the opportunity to meet with you for a 20 minute
informational interview. I am interested in learning about your current role at
Ademeus IT Group, how you got to where you are, and any advice you have for
pursuing a career in the marketing/advertising field.
I am available next Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4pm for a phone call or coffee chat.
Looking forward to connecting and thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Maria
Maria Tomaino
305-348-3334
mltomain@fiu.edu
Linkedin.com/in/mltomaino

15. Meet Jeremy
 Schedule and meet Jeremy. Do your research on him and his
companies before your meeting. Be your own knowledge center. Use
your time wisely. Ask thoughtful, professional questions that you want
to know the answers to.
 Just like a regular interview, clarify time, date, and location. Arrive
10 minutes early. Dress business professional, or “smart casual”
depending on the industry.
 Always ask the contact what you can do for them. This is not a one-
way relationship. There are always ways that we can help one
another, even if the person is more experienced.

16. What questions to ask?
1. What’s a typical day like?
2. Why does this type of work interest you? How did you get started in the
industry?
3. What’s the best piece of advice that you received?
4. I’ve read that ___________ is a current trend/best practice in the industry.
Can you elaborate on it? How does your organization incorporate it?
5. What advice do you have for new professionals in the field?
6. ***(Google to find more informational interview questions. Create your own
and tailor them to the person you are speaking with. Ask questions that make
sense for your contact at the organization.)***

17. Next Steps
 Send thank you email to Jeremy expressing gratitude
 Add Jeremy on LinkedIn
 See who Jeremy is connected with
 Complete homework or follow up tasks the Jeremy recommended
 Thank Simone again for the introduction, and let her know you met with
Jeremy
 Outreach to contacts that he gave you to set up more informational
interviews.
 You are not job searching. You are interview searching. You are finding
professionals to meet with in person.

18. Questions and Discussion
Thank you!
----
Maria Tomaino
Associate Director, Alumni Career Services
mltomain@fiu.edu |@mtomain |305-348-3334
To schedule an appointment: FIUalumni.com/career