In last week’s Get a Job! blog post, I shared with you ways to re-energize your job search. This week, I encourage you to strengthen your confidence by seeking and receiving positive feedback from your friends and past coworkers.

Request recommendations from LinkedIn connections … but take extra steps to get the best recommendations possible. To request a recommendation:
1. From the LinkedIn home page, click the ‘+’ next to ‘Profile’ in the left navigation bar. Select ‘Recommendations’.
2. Click the ‘Request Recommendations’ tab at the top of the Recommendations page.
3. Choose what area of your background you want to be recommended for (choose from the drop down list of jobs and educational experiences (the list is populated from your profile entries).
4. Click on the address book icon to ‘Decide who you’ll ask’.
5. Select the names of those you want the request to be sent to and click ‘Finished’ (This will take you back to the Recommendations page).
6. ‘Create your message’ for the recommendation request or use the message provided.
7. Click on the ‘Send’ button.
(Note: Each recipient will receive an individual email, not a group email).

To ensure you get more and better recommendations:
1. Send an email to the same people, letting them know you have asked them for a LinkedIn recommendation from them. If you notice (from viewing their LinkedIn profile) that they are LinkedIn novices, include basic instructions so that they will know how to give you a recommendation.
2. Attach your resume or include a list of attributes and experiences about yourself. Also tell them specifically what type of jobs you are seeking. Add your LinkedIn profile link to your email signature.
3. Encourage them to call you if they have questions … or job leads, for that matter!

Other Ways to Restore Your Confidence
Get together with unemployed friends. Arrange to meet at a coffee house or cafe to network and share job leads. Set aside time to remind each other how qualified you truly are. It’s easy to forget that when the phone isn’t ringing with job offers.

Send your unemployed friends job leads and words of encouragement in their job search. Most will respond in kind … and you will gain a closer connection with a comrade in the unemployment battle.

Re-energize your job search and restore your confidence … after all, it can help you Get a Job!

How do you keep your confidence up during your job search? Or, how do you maximize your LinkedIn recommendations? Please add your comments below. Forward this email to your job-seeking friends by clicking the envelope icon in the teal box at the bottom of the blog post. Receive this blog by email every Monday by adding your email address to the Subscribe box at the bottom of the blog post. Thanks!

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