By: Kaitlyn Neese

Like a resume, your LinkedIn page has the power to make or break a job opportunity. Everyone has different views and opinions on LinkedIn, but there are several concepts that you can use TODAY to make your LinkedIn profile the best it can be.

The Basics

Your LinkedIn profile is a marketing tool that allows you to sell yourself to prospective employers. When employers search your name, they will see a shortened version of your profile. Usually this shortened version contains your name, industry, job title, and picture. Therefore, make sure that you are making the statement that you intend to make with your shortened version. Your picture should be professional and your information should be clear, correct, and concise.

Your Summary

The Summary section is arguably the most important part of a LinkedIn profile because it allows you to explain who you are and why people should be interested in you. You should use as much of the allotted space as possible to make a great first impression. Try to include as much tangible data as possible in this section. For example, instead of writing that you have experience with customer service, write that you answered an average of 10 calls per hour and received so many employee of the month awards for your attentiveness to customers. Set yourself up in a way that potential employers will be interested in you; this is your chance to shine!

Endorsements

Endorsements are a key element of a LinkedIn Profile because they allow you to back up your skills with people who have seen your skillset. Because of this, your endorsements should be primarily be authored by managers, leadership, and coworkers, not friends or relatives. A few endorsements from these people are okay, but it will look suspicious if there are too many endorsements from those out of your industry.

Your Connections

While it is good to have a large amount of connections on LinkedIn in order to increase your visibility, too many connections can be suspicious. You should not add people that you do not know or have nothing in common with just for the connection. However, it is recommended to list all schools you have attended including your high school. This is an opportunity to connect with old classmates and expand your reach of people who you may actually benefit from on LinkedIn.

Computer Plus Staffing Solutions was pleased to accept Buffalo Business First’s 2014 award as one of WNY’s “Most Admired Companies”.

CPSS was one of 18 companies awarded. Organizations are chosen each year based on industry innovation, community involvement, employee satisfaction and civic giveback.

Some highlights from the article include our success in bringing individuals back to Buffalo for employment opportunities as well as our contribution to Dreams to Memories, a family wish-granting charity.

Check out the full article on Business First’s website!

Cindy Neese

President of Computer Plus Staffing Solutions 

I recently read a book called Love Works by Joel Manby.  This book shares the seven timeless principles for effective leaders. Many leaders could never imagine leading a company with Love – the verb not the emotion.  I am talking about actions, not feelings.  The set of behaviors that people use to build a healthy relationship with someone regardless of how they feel.

After reading this book, I discovered that this is the way I have managed my staff through the years at Computer Plus Staffing Solutions.  Patience, kindness, trustworthiness, unselfishness, truthfulness, forgiveness and dedication are the key principles of leading with Love.  When you care about the people that work for you, and lead with Love, you might be surprised with the results.

I would recommend this book to all leaders. It will definitely give you a different perspective on management and you may start earning the support of your team in ways you have only dreamed of!

Check out Joel’s website for more information on Love Works.

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Cindy is the President/COO of Computer Plus Staffing Solutions. She has 30 years of staffing experience focused on Information Technology. Computer Plus Staffing Solutions has been recognized as a leader in Western New York’s staffing industry for the past 40 years. 

By: Faith Drew

Sweaty palms, churning stomach, bated breath – these are just a few of the symptoms resulting from IAC: Interview Anxiety Complex.

Good news is, there’s a cure!

If you’ve got the interview blues here is what I would suggest:

1) Prior to the day of your interview, write down a minimum of three “success stories”. These could be achievements in your current or previous job, or successes in school or athletics. Having these on hand will not only give you confidence, it will allow you to quickly answer your interviewer’s questions with specific examples.

2) “Dress for success” is an old cliche, but holds much truth. Dressing differently than you regularly would triggers your mind that something special is happening, which inevitably effects your behavior. The way you dress depends on the role you are interviewing for, but generally speaking, for men: a long-sleeve, button-down shirt and tie, tucked into slacks with a belt is the minimum dress requirement acceptable for an interview. For women: a long-sleeve tucked into slacks or a skirt no shorter than three inches above the knee is appropriate. Be sure that the neck line is no lower than four finger-widths below the collar bone. For both men and women: minimal accessories! No more than two rings (one on each hand), one bracelet or watch, etc. This may seem excessive, but the more conservative you dress, the more YOU will stand out as opposed to your distracting style of dress.

3) Sit or stand up straight. Slouching triggers relaxation which is not what you want to portray to your potential employer. Sitting up will give you confidence, similar to the way your dress will.

4) Think of some things you are thankful for. This may seem odd, but it was my biggest interview anxiety cure. Being reminded of the people and gifts in my life that were more valuable than any interview could be, put it into perspective. While I still recognized the importance of the interview, this act helped calm my nerves by laying out the bigger picture.

So, if you or someone you know is suffering from IAC, try these four holistic cures before seeing a doctor.