7 LinkedIn Tips for Finance Executives

7 LinkedIn Tips for Finance Executives7 LinkedIn Tips for Finance ExecutivesUsing LinkedIn is a highly effective way for senior-level finance and accounting professionals to enhance their reputation as experts in the field and build business relationships. But maximizing the benefits of this tool requires more than just logging in every now and then.Here are seven tips for getting the most out of LinkedIns offerings and developing an executive presence.1. Brand your profileThe headline that appears under your name is prime LinkedIn real estate. Its the first thing both people and search engines will see. By default, LinkedIn inserts your current job title, but you can customize it to anything you like. Write something that sums up your personal branding statement - something powerful, catchy and appealing to hiring managers.Also, be sure to personalize your URL to reflect more about you than the generic URL youre assigned when you set up your profile, and include an appropriate phot o.2. Make the connection with keywordsThink about adding keywords to your profile that can make it easier for people to connect with you. For example, if youre a business analyst, you might use Oracle ERP deployment or data-driven conclusions. Mine accounting and finance job listings that suit you to keep up to date with the kind of keywords employers are using.Watch out for these 4 Networking No-Nos for Finance Consultants.3. Minimize to maximize impactFocus on quality over quantity when making connections. Also, rather than engaging in surface-level commenting, concentrate on regularly contributing thoughtful and engaging responses to articles and posts related to your field. You want to be known as an industry expert, not a hyper-networker.4. Initiate communicationsEndorse your connections and give wholehearted recommendations to colleagues and previous employees. Most of the time, they will reciprocate your generosity without you having to ask.5. Get a range of recommendationsRe member that theres value in receiving recommendations from below as well as above. Testimonials from direct reports show youre a respected manager and leader.6. Contribute your expertiseLinkedIn features a professional publishing platform. Your articles are distributed to your network and may even be featured in other LinkedIn channels. Not only can you boost your profile and build a good reputation as an expert, but you might also attract the attention of hiring managers recruiting for accounting and finance jobs.7. Follow to leadEnhance your LinkedIn persona by carefully choosing a group of thought leaders to follow. These could include CFOs of companies you admire or financial powerhouses with a strong social media presence. Also, be sure to connect with professional groups featuring insights on industry trends, job ads and career advice.Developing an effective LinkedIn presence takes time, but it can go a long way toward advancing your career and reputation. Start by making sure your profile is complete and up to date. Then at least once a week, try to add a new contact and find a company or leader to follow. If you decide to make a career change at some point, your efforts could very well help you find new opportunities that match your skills and interests.Want more insights on how to succeed in your finance career, and build and manage a winning team? Subscribe to the Robert Half newsletterSUBSCRIBE NOW

Cover Letters for First-Time Job Seekers

Cover Letters for First-Time Job Seekers Cover Letters for First-Time Job Seekers You know cover letters are important, but as a first-time job seeker, you may be scratching your head as to what to write about. Especially given that you have less experience than many other job seekers, you may feel youre at a disadvantage.However, as a first-time job seeker you should really consider yourself lucky when it comes to writing cover letters. Youre free from the burden of wrestling with your past achievements, professional goals, and your value proposition. What you have on your side is excitement, enthusiasm, and opennessHere are a few key things to remember about cover letters and some advice on how to personalize them as a first-time job seeker1. Tell a StoryYou want to convey something personal about why you want to work at the company or enter a particular profession. Did you first fall in love with advertising when you finally understood that commercials play into our basic desire s as humans, driving you to create your own with your friends? Is there one particular commercial youll never forget? Whatever it is, you have a story to tell that is uniquely yours. Share this with the reader to grab their attention and offer something memorable.2. Play Up Your StrengthsWhile you may not have had a chance to let them shine in a professional setting, your strengths have certainly become evident in other ways. Are you a great public speaker? Do you think quickly on your feet? Maybe you learned you had these skills during the 8th grade play when the lead froze and you shocked yourself and your class by improvising to save the show. Maybe this moment was a defining one for you, one that made it clear you wanted to further develop your public speaking skills.3. Be AuthenticRecruiters are used to reading cover letters of more experienced candidates. Usually, these letters all sound relatively the same Im writing to submit my resume for your account director role. I have been a sales leader at every organization Ive worked for, and Im koranvers to bring the same success to your firm. Blah, blah, blah.Dont feel compelled to sound too formal. While you want to remain professional, that doesnt mean your cover letters should lack personality.4. Never Use the Same Cover Letter TwiceThere are a few exceptions, but remember The jobs may be the same, but the companies are different. Each employer hastheir own mission and culture.Think of your cover letter like a message to someoneon a dating site. Do you think youd have more success by sending the same blanket email to all your potential dates, or by personalizing each note to show youve taken the time to really understand what theyre about?Show the employer youve done your research Why do you want to work for advertising agency X as opposed to agency Y? Theyre both ad agencies, but they have different clients, put out different commercials, and have different creative styles. Being able to articulate why y oure specifically interested in one company over others will make all the difference.A version of this article originally appeared on theAtrium Staffing blog.Michele Mavi isAtrium Staffings nicht auslagerbar career expert.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.

Maximizing Time Spent on Social Networks

Maximizing Time Spent on Social NetworksMaximizing Time Spent on Social NetworksDo you need to spend hours a day on some social networks channel or bopping from Facebook and LinkedIn to Twitter? Do you need to tweet? About what do you tweet?