The Human Perspective

Connect!

Written by: Charles Chatelain

Many believe that all people in the world are connected through just a few degrees of separation.  While it used to sound like nothing short of a phenomenon, the odds are more in our favor as technology continues to simplify life.  For example, how might a Senior Accounting Clerk working for a moving and storage company in Poplar Bluff, Arkansas be so chummy with a Mechanical Engineer working in a private firm in Brooklyn, New York?  The two are not relatives, nor do they share any mutual friends.  One is not a client of the other, and the companies they each work for share no business relations – despite these factors, the two are “linked” to each other’s networks on LinkedIn.

While other social media hubs are driven by members’ personal enjoyment, LinkedIn (while entertaining at times) connects people to one another through a professional interest.  One might not see LinkedIn apps burning up smart phones in nightclubs and at sporting events, however, during business hours, people are most definitely connected.

In an effort to find out the effectiveness of connecting to folks on LinkedIn, Human Resources professionals were asked for input on how LinkedIn has made changes to workplace protocol and agendas.

According to data received from an Investment Firm with offices across the United States and several hundred employees, LinkedIn has contributed to over 60% of new hires since 2009.  “Most applicants use LinkedIn as a tool to apply for positions, connect with recruiters, and continue contact following interviews and sometimes further down the line, if follow up is necessary,” says the Director of Human Resources.  “It is also a great tool when sending correspondence such as thank you notes to address people correctly (name spelling and job titles),” she continues.

Though as another HR professional working for a giant retailer pointed out, there is also a catch.  “One should be very careful with what he or she puts on their LinkedIn accounts, as it can also hurt them,” he explained.  From his experience, “people might speak negatively about certain individuals, Organizations, or even lie about their job titles.  The information, when public, can become detrimental in job searches, or even after the individual is hired.”  Sometimes too much information is a bad thing.

As another HR Director pointed out, “Companies often support their employees’ having LinkedIn accounts, as it can be a great PR tool.  With positive vibes supporting the Organization’s name across multiple folks’ networks, what better way to get the word out without spending any money!  Again, positivity is necessary for this to work in the Company’s favor.”

“I do follow recommendations,” explains a recruiter in San Francisco.  “From my experience,” she continues, “people are not simply asking their friends to write things about someone’s skill level, just to build them up before an interview.  Should it not work out, the recommender’s name is on the line just as much as the recommended.”  Recommendations from other professionals are another tool which is becoming more and more exercised across accounts.

As with old school networking (when face to face communication was required), one should practice a good balance between discretion as well as being outgoing.  Still with today’s technological boost in terms of online social media, honesty remains the best policy when connecting across multiple, widespread circles.   

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