Once Again, Don’t Assume when Names Sourcing! Instead, Try Such Tactics as Starting Broad and Looking for Clues for Further Specificity

I wrote a while back on the subject of thinking creatively when using LinkedIn (or any related resources) to attempt to exhaust most of the possible options when name sourcing by industry - “Think Big and Use the LinkedIn Dynamic Search Options When Selecting the Industry Classification to Source Names or Leads in LI: Name Sourcing Tips and Tricks” at http://www.thenamessourcer.com/2010/04/think-big-and-use-linkedin-dynamic.html 

But, based on a current search I’m working on, I wanted to again bring to attention this important issue.  In summary, when looking at searching by such key factors as what industry a type of professional is in, do not assume!  Instead, try such tactics as starting broad and looking for clues that can then be used for further specificity.

For example, one Hydrogeologist tagged himself as being in the industry of Civil Engineering, whereas another selected Environmental Services.  Adding to the confusing, yet another decided on Mining and Metals. 

Perhaps the most discrepancy can be found with consultants.  Many consultants specialize in an area of focus once they join a firm. For example, some firms have a strong focus in mining but with various subsectors such as Geology.  So, how would a geologist who joined such a firm “tag” themselves in LinkedIn?  One may choose Mining and Metals since they come from that focus.  Yet another may choose Building Materials as they are currently working on a project for a client in cement.  Still, another may go broad and choose Management Consulting to match the type of company they view their current employer to be.  What about the geologist who tags themselves as being in Real Estate?  After all, geologists do consult for home builders or even act as inspectors for home buyers!  So, even though they’re trained technically as geologists, they still may decide that it’s best (rightly or wrongly) to “tag” themselves based on the industry they are currently consulting in.

I think you get the point.  The main point here is that as name sourcers or internet recruiters or researches or whatever you’d like to be called, you’ll need to think beyond what YOU think someone should be tagged as and look for clues on how people ACTAULLY “tag” themselves.  Sometimes the easiest way to do this is to not choose an industry and instead use keywords in the Title box and/or in the Keywords box.  You’ll then need to take note from the results on just how people are tagging themselves.  This should provide clues on other ways to take the search which oftentimes will be in places you hadn’t thought of!

Good luck and have fun!