[OSL]

If you are not already, I strongly suggest you get a profile up on Linkedin.com

This is kind of like facebook for professionals and businesspeople.

It has been immeasurably priceless in my own career search, the career search of my consultees, and in various ways in business and networking.

[pitt]

for real? aight im joining it

[Ami5]

I am already there and pretty active. Though I have a Basic account.

YMG - do you have a Basic or an Upgraded account? What are the advantages of an Upgraded account?

[OSL]

I switch between basic and upgraded depending on my needs at the time.

If I need to send "inmails" to strangers, then I'll compile a list of contacts I need to get in touch with and buy one month's worth. Consider it like paying 3-5 bucks for a formal introduction to someone important - this has proven to be a very good investment on many different occasions - particularly in the context of the job hunt.

You can get better search results and track who has been looking at your profile.

There is a range of other goodies, but I mostly do it so that I can send cold inmails to decision makers or snoop around and research professional networks in Asia.

[pitt]

YMG are most people on this site legit? I see some groups where guys say that their company is recruiting and whoever is interested to send him his cv. Are they for real most of time?

[OSL]

I don't know. I never deal with recruiters, human resources, or middle men of any kind.

I think that there is an inherent conflict of interest. They get a commission when they hook you up with a job. Any job. Not a good one, not one you want, not one that is aligned with your personal goals and aspirations.....they just want you to ink that paper.

An international career search should be conducted directly between you and the decision maker with whom you will be working directly.

[OSL]

Double post.

[ModernRUBIROSA]

I agree with YMG on this, I have cultivated some business of of this website. Sure beats going to a "Chamber of Commerce" meeting ha.

[OSL]

That's right, Rubirosa.

You can even connect to Chamber of Commerce people on Linkedin too - no point in even physically showing up. There is the added advantage that people on Linkedin can look at all of your credentials on their own time.

Always try to add value - get involved in forums, groups, and discussions.

[Ami5]

YMG, would you mind elaborating on this particular point?
"Always try to add value - get involved in forums, groups, and discussions"

How does it adds value?
I have been an active LI user, and make use of all other aspects except taking part in groups, discussions etc. I am willing to know some of the perks, as in why should one do it? (apart from making new contacts though I am not sure if it's one of the best ways on LI to do so)

[OSL]

The same way you would add value to Rooshvforum. If someone started a thread asking about the short term and medium term risks to the Chinese shipbuilding industry, you would write up a concise and detailed post, with sources, providing useful information for the OP.

You can also start interesting threads of your own. I've met various guys on this forum in person, and because I've seen their opinions and arguments over the course of months or years, I feel like I've known them for ages - even though I've never met them before.

You can build trust and working relationships with people you have never met before by getting involved in the conversations.