As a professional social network for 
finding quality candidates, LinkedIn has secured its position as top dog. However, you may be using it wrong. With thousands of executive level candidates out there, and more and more joining every day, it can be hard to find an ideal candidate in a timely fashion. Here are some tips that can help you in your executive search.
#1 Be Personable. Talk Like a Human.
This is a must. No longer is it acceptable to send a potential candidate a bland, general, and impersonal automated email or message. If you’re simply copying and pasting the same message to every person you contact, you’re not going to have bland, general and terrible results. Sure, you can use some similar information, like your background, company history, etc. But, when it comes to reaching out to someone, send a personal message about how you found them or questions you want to ask them. The likelihood of a conversation sprouting from a personal message is exponentially greater than that of an automated and impersonal message.
#2 Be Active. Follow Up.
Don’t think you’re pestering someone if you follow up with him or her. It shows genuine interest, your proactive nature and your overall go-getter attitude. This tip is in direct congruence with #1. You have to be personal. Follow up with a sincere message of interest as to why you’re following up and what your purpose of following up is. Let them know you want to set up a teleconference, set up a face-to-face meeting, or simply set up a phone conversation. The more active you are at targeting candidates, the more active the candidates will be to follow up with you.
#3 Be Professional. 1st Impressions Matter.
Sounds cliché, but the outlandish and simply inappropriate messages that often get sent over LinkedIn is mind-boggling. It’s one thing to pick up on similar interests, collegiate background or career history. But, don’t lead with, “Hey man! Great Braves game last night. We really took it to Boston hey?!” And no, you don’t have to portray a posh tone, but use your head. Too casual of a disposition can come off as sophomoric, unprofessional and amateurish. Be yourself, maintain a professional demeanor and gauge your audience.
