How LinkedIn Helped My Husband Get A Job

Amazingly enough, right after I posted last, my husband got a job. How? Through someone I knew from LinkedIn. Yes, he's over 50. Yes, he's been unemployed for nearly 2 years. Finally, finally and at last, a job.

Yes, it's not the job of his dreams.(He's not getting to beta test all the new computers and televisions or building media rooms--every man's dream job!) No, he's not making more money than at his last job. But he's very happy with the opportunity to show what he can do. He is thrilled to be back in the job force. Thank you Linked In! Without it he might never have found this opportunity.  And that's what it's all about. Finding an opportunity. Finding the right opportunity. For YOU!

So I am here to tell you, "IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!" You don't have to be a blogger. But you do need to have a presence online.

And what's the old saw? "It's not what you know, it's who you know?" So true! So get out there. LinkedIn can be your best friend!

What's LinkedIn? LinkedIn "helps you find past and present colleagues and classmates quickly. LinkedIn makes staying in touch simple. Discover inside connections when you're looking for a job or new business opportunity." Set up a profile and be active on LinkedIn. It could net you a new job or just a great new professional connection.

Also sites like Meetup can help you network and re-work you resume. Meetup lets you put in your city or zip code and look for other groups of people who have similar interests. Whether you network with a group of others people who are searching for a new job or get together for tennis to socially expand your network, meetups are fun and often free! Meetup challenges you to "Do Something, Learn Something, Share Something, Change Something." I love the concept!

One of the things that happen to the long term unemployed is they lose hope. But by taking action you are generating 'hope.' That's why being and staying active is critical.

And frankly, there is no guarantee this will be the last time he's unemployed. Companies change. Their personnel needs change. The best you can do is stay prepared. Keep your resume updated. Keep in touch with people you used to work with.

Whether you use Facebook or LinkedIn, or any of the other social media sites (there's a new one every day!) stay active and involved.

Does this mean I'll stop writing this blog? No way! The problem of being over 50 and unemployed is still out there. It affects thousands of my friends and neighbors. It could affect you.