LinkedIn is a social networking site which is used for professionals to interact together and although it can be highly useful, many people don’t really know how to use it effectively. Most people will have some sort of presence on LinkedIn but that will often be as far as it goes. If you are currently looking for work and are tired of trawling through job sites, LinkedIn can be extremely beneficial, much more so than other social networking sites. Check out our top tips on using LinkedIn to get a job.
Tips on using Linkedin to get a job
Networking
LinkedIn is used for networking and you can easily use your contacts to your advantage when looking for work. Take some time to consider the companies you would like to work for or those you know are hiring when using LinkedIn to get a job. LinkedIn diminishes the need for phoning around HR departments, as you can usually find a way to link yourself to the right contact. If you find a link from one of your contacts to the person you are looking for, ask for an introduction (there is even a button to allow you to do this.)
LinkedIn Headline
Make it clear on your headline that you’re available for work, i.e. ‘currently seeking administration work’. If you are looking for freelance/contract work you can keep this running so you find something else before your next assignment ends. If you can think of a headline which is eye catching then all the better. As a Head hunter, I find it useful to know if someone is looking for work and this allows me to find that information quickly. It would definitely make me more likely to make contact, than making contact with someone who doesn’t look like they are on the job market. Don’t be afraid to use the comment box to let people know what you are looking for in terms of work, you never know who might notice it.
Follow Relevant Groups and Companies
If you are interested in working in a particular field or with a specific company, make sure you follow the relevant groups or companies. You never know what opportunities you might come across by doing this. Also, take the time to get involved in discussions, as it will make you more noticeable and may lead to interest from recruiters.
Build Network
The more people you have in your network, the more useful it will be for job opportunities. Make a list of friends, family, colleagues, ex-colleagues, acquaintances and anyone else you know who may be of interest and add them as a contact. It is also a good idea to add recruiters you may have met up with in the past.
Get Involved
As with any other social networking platform, you won’t get anything from it if you don’t get involved. LinkedIn may be for professionals but it is no different in this respect. Get involved in discussions, ‘like’ and ‘share’ things which are of interest to keep you active on the site.
Job Search
LinkedIn also has a job search function, so just like any other job sites, you can look for roles you might enjoy. Jobs are situated at the tab at the top beside connections.
Upload CV
You can upload your CV onto your LinkedIn profile, so that recruiters can find out more about your skills and experience, as soon as they visit your page.
Get Endorsements and Recommendations
Ask your contacts to provide some endorsements and recommendations, as these will help make your LinkedIn profile stand out. You will often find that contacts will add endorsements without you having to ask, but you may have to request a recommendation. You can access this by going to privacy and settings, ask for recommendations and select the job you want one for and the contact to give it. You can also recommend others and help them with using LinkedIn to get a job.
Add Skills
There is a section on your profile where you can add your skills, this is useful for recruiters who are looking for certain qualities for a role they are looking to fill.
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