Networking Tips for LinkedIn

Dear WCF

Dear WCF, I work for a Fortune 500 company and joined LinkedIn about six months ago to increase my circle of industry contacts. Recently I attended a networking event and had a pleasant conversation with “Joe” who is in the same field. Joe is currently unemployed, about ten years older than I am, and looking for connections too. So when I got home I e-mailed him saying that it was nice to meet him and while I didn't have any contacts for him right now, I'd like to stay in touch via LinkedIn in case I run across any in the future. To my surprise he responded that he didn’t feel he knew me well enough to recommend me and refused my invitation. Was I out of line?

Exit Interview Protocol

Dear WCF

Dear WCF, I’ve just accepted a new job and gave my old company two weeks notice. They’ve scheduled an exit interview for me at the end of my second week. Although my new job is a step up from my present position, I’m leaving the company primarily because I just couldn’t stand working for my manager any longer.  I’m not the only one.  She’s disliked by just about everyone in the department.  I’ve nothing against my old company but feel they would be better off without this manager.  Should I share these feelings during the exit interview?

How to Use Social Networking to Find a Job

Dear WCF

Dear WCF,

I know that connecting with as many people as possible is important in my job search. I’ve joined LinkedIn to expand my contacts, but I’m still not sure how to use social networking in terms of finding a job. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help, Job Seeker

Job References

Dear WCF

Dear WCF, I graduated in June of this year and am now starting my job search in earnest. (I took the summer off to relax and reconnect with friends back home.) I have a resume but know I may be asked for job application references and have no idea who to use. For one thing I’ve never worked in the field I want to break into – Marketing. However I did work part time at Starbucks for three years and was even promoted to assistant manager last winter. Should I get a reference from my previous employer? I think she’d be willing.  -New to the Job Market.

Got a Question?

Dear WCF

You remember flipping through the Sunday paper to check out "Dear Abby", right? Our column called "Dear WCF" is a new spin on this old school hit.  Send us any question you've been been grappling with in the post-college world, and we'll work hard to get you an answer. Wendy Lalli is our resident columnist with experience answering many questions about professional and personal development. She'll post responses to as many of your questions as possible.