By Caleph B. Wilson

Recently, I attended a career/job event with an evangelist!  SLOW DOWN, it is not what you think.  The speaker was John Hill, LinkedIn‘s Higher Education Evangelist.  Okay, the title “Higher Education Evangelist” might seem a bit much, however, there were a few things to learn.

Admittedly, the program’s title “How LinkedIn Can Advance Your Career:  Special Guest John Hill, LinkedIn’s Higher Education Evangelist” sparked my interest to attend.  It has been over five years since my LinkedIn account was created, and my list of connections have grown greatly in that time.  So, my first thoughts were: 1.) I pretty much know all there is to know about using LinkedIn; 2.) this guy is likely to be crazy or creepy; and 3.) why not try to learn something new about getting jobs or advancing my career.  (Yes, numbers 1 and 3 could be construed as contradictions.)

Needless-to-say, I do not know everything about utilizing LinkedIn, but it was good to know that my skills at the site were on track.  Used correctly/effectively the professional networks at LinkedIn can be a great tool to tap into the “hidden” job market.  For example, do you anyone at the company that you are applying to?  If not, it is likely that you can find someone that you are connected to, i.e. college, past/current employer, organizations, with a search on LinkedIn.  Can you say internal referral!

Lastly, John Hill was a great promoter of the power of LinkedIn.  Great energy!  He even convinced a friend of mine that is diametrically opposed to online social networking to join.  The best part of the event was when he did a search of for an audience member, and it turned out to be a “drop the mic” moment!  Time well spent!