I’ve talked about the value of LinkedIn pretty regularly here on
HCI.
What it is, how to
make connections and even
how to be polite about the whole networking with strangers thing. As someone who works with both Healthcare IT candidates and employers, I hear LinkedIn success stories daily from both sides, and
actually have one myself, since a LinkedIn connection is what initially diverted my career path to this fine industry. So when it comes to the importance of maximizing the resources of LinkedIn, I get it. However, since I have added C-Level sourcing to my list of services, now I REALLY get it. How about you? Maybe I’ve convinced with you with my oh-so-tactful prodding, perhaps you got on the ball after a colleague sent you an invitation to connect, or it’s very likely that you’re just brilliant all on your own, but at this point, I’m guessing by now you probably have a LinkedIn profile. That’s fabulous, truly it is. But here’s the thing. If you haven’t taken the time to build out your profile, and taken advantage of all the very cool bells and whistles that LinkedIn provides, you’re missing the boat. And most likely you’re missing many lucrative career opportunities, as well. Here’s how it typically goes down. Say XYZ Hospital has an exciting new opportunity for a new CIO or
CMIO. The hospital retains an executive search firm that specializes in Healthcare IT, and gives them a very thorough ideal candidate profile and job description. At that point, the sourcing begins. Experienced firms draw upon their own existing networks, contacts, and connections, but they also look for fresh faces and perspectives to add to the pool of possibilities. Enter LinkedIn. Sourcing experts will turn to this comprehensive resource to identify strong candidates to add to the mix. You’ve got CIO in your title, and you’ve indicated that you’re a part of the Hospital and Health Care industry – you’re golden, right? Well, maybe not. Here’s where you may be getting left behind. Let’s say XYZ Hospital is looking for someone with a strong McKesson background who has significant supervisory and leadership experience in, at the minimum, a 400-bed hospital. You may have all of those credentials and more, but if your profile looks like this, it would require a psychic, not a
sourcer, to find you:
