Losing your job can be a difficult and challenging experience, but with the right strategy, you can bounce back and land a new role. In this article, I've outlined a 3-month marketing strategy to help laid-off workers market themselves to potential employers, including social media strategies from LinkedIn.
Month 1: Self-Assessment and Branding
According to a recent survey by LinkedIn, 92% of recruiters use social media to find high-quality candidates. That's why it's important to start by conducting a self-assessment, identifying your skills, experiences, and career goals, and then building a personal brand that aligns with them.
LinkedIn profile optimization: An optimized LinkedIn profile is crucial to attracting recruiters and potential employers. According to LinkedIn, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn than those with incomplete profiles. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-acquisition/linkedin-stats)
Engage with content: Engaging with content on LinkedIn is a great way to build your network and establish yourself as an engaged professional in your industry. According to LinkedIn, users who engage with posts are 5 times more likely to have someone view their profile. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/blog/linkedin-company-pages/2017/17-must-know-stats-for-content-marketing-on-linkedin)
Month 2: Networking and Building Relationships
Networking is the most effective way to land a new job. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Start by identifying companies and industries you're interested in, and reach out to former colleagues, alumni, and industry contacts for informational interviews and job leads.
Connect with industry professionals: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking. According to LinkedIn, users with more than 500 connections are 20 times more likely to be contacted by recruiters and potential employers. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-acquisition/linkedin-stats)
Join groups: LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. According to LinkedIn, users who join groups are 5 times more likely to have their profile viewed by someone outside their network. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/blog/linkedin-company-pages/2017/17-must-know-stats-for-content-marketing-on-linkedin)
Month 3: Applying and Follow-Up
After building your personal brand and expanding your network, it's time to start applying to relevant job postings and using your network to identify positions that may not be advertised publicly. Customize your resume and cover letter for each position, highlighting your relevant experiences and skills.
Research the company and hiring manager: Before applying to a job, research the company and the hiring manager on LinkedIn. According to LinkedIn, users who view the profiles of hiring managers are 4 times more likely to be contacted by that company. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-acquisition/linkedin-stats)
Share relevant content: Sharing relevant articles or updates related to your industry or the company you are interested in is a great way to show your knowledge and interest in the field. According to LinkedIn, users who share content are 10 times more likely to receive a referral for a job than those who don't. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/blog/linkedin-company-pages/2017/17-must-know-stats-for-content-marketing-on-linkedin)
In addition to the above strategies, remember to stay persistent and follow up after submitting applications or attending interviews. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 48% of job seekers don't follow up with employers after submitting their applications. By following up, you can demonstrate your interest in the position and stand out from other candidates.
Follow-up after applications and interviews: After submitting an application or attending an interview, send a follow-up email or message to thank the employer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. According to LinkedIn, users who follow up after an interview are 22% more likely to land the job. (Source: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-acquisition/linkedin-stats)
Remember, the key to landing a new job is a comprehensive and persistent marketing strategy that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the industry. By following these tips and utilizing LinkedIn's powerful networking and branding tools, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and land the job of your dreams.
If you're a laid-off worker looking to market yourself to a potential employer, I can help build a personal brand, expand your network, and hopefully, a new job. Sign-up today for a free consultation.