by
EMSBLOG Editor
April 19, 2012
LinkedIn profiles are free and provide vital information including career history, experience, recommendations and references and even the option of posting a professional photo. But nurses using this job-seeking tool should take care to maintain professionalism and avoid potential pitfalls.
Veronica Lopez, a senior nurse recruiter for Continuum Health Partners, said she recalls one mistake made by an employee as a result of not properly managing the powers and potential of LinkedIn as a networking and resume resource.
"I have my contact information on LinkedIn for connecting with potential hires and also use the website as a tool for researching candidates for our nursing positions," said Lopez, who is responsible for hiring for Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and other hospitals. "I’ll never forget one day, not too long ago, I received what was basically a blanket outreach resume and hiring inquiry about possible positions, and it was from someone who was already working for us at one of our hospitals," Lopez said. "And that someone was in a position which happens to be one that’s very difficult for us to recruit for and fill. So to get this sent to me did not sit well. In talking to this person, I was told that the individual had no idea this information was being sent out by a third party via LinkedIn. Whether it was or was not, the lesson is, know how to make LinkedIn work for you in the best possible way."
Tips for linking
Launched in May 2003, LinkedIn has become a go-to website for "professional networking," with the now-publicly traded company boasting more than 150 million registered users spanning 200 countries as of February.
All of LinkedIn.com’s features are accessible with just a few key strokes and mouse clicks.
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