For job seekers, LinkedIn is not just your online resume. LinkedIn is also a powerful research tool that can connect you to groups, companies, and most importantly, employers.

I receive a lot of questions about how to use LinkedIn and your profile to the best of its ability. LinkedIn is essential to reach decision makers and employers. That said, it’s important your profile is compelling and tells your story.

If you ask an HR manager or recruiter what they’ve found to be the most effective way to find qualified candidates, I bet they’ll tell you through referrals. In fact, that's what they tell me.

Last week I discussed steps 1-3 of the 5 steps to communicating your “one big thing”. When you’re talking to employers, recruiters or anyone you’re networking with, these 5 steps will help you actively communicate the benefits you will bring to a company from hiring you.

When having networking conversations, informational interviews, phone interviews and face-to-face interviews, you are given a chance to do some personal marketing. During your personal marketing communication, you have the opportunity to pitch your “One Big Thing.”