Looking for a new role but not sure how to use LinkedIn for job search? In this post, we share some quick and easy ways to get the maximum returns from the world’s most popular professional networking site when you’re job hunting.
Add a professional profile picture
According to LinkedIn, adding a profile picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others (including potential employers). And you want to make a good first impression.
Choose or take a professional photo, showing you dressed in the type of clothes you’d wear for work and looking friendly. For best results, your face should take up at least 60% of the frame. Try to take the photo standing in front of a plain background, so the focus in on you not what’s behind you.
To add a profile picture, click ‘Edit Profile’ under the navigation option at the top, then click the camera icon to the left of your name.
Fill out the summary section
Use the Summary section of your LinkedIn profile to market yourself to recruiters.
According to LinkedIn, if your summary is at least 40 words or more you’ll increase your chances of appearing in someone’s search.
Include your title, role, skills, experience and achievements, and incorporate keywords such as words and phrases used in job descriptions in your field.
Upload rich media to make your profile stand out
Upload rich media to make your LinkedIn profile more compelling and make a feature your work.
To add images, videos, presentations and documents to your profile, select ‘Edit Profile’ from the menu at the top.
Get recommendations from your LinkedIn contacts
To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is a reference in advance and can help you secure an interview.
The best way to get recommendations is to give them as people will often feel obliged to reciprocate. Search LinkedIn for colleagues, clients and other professional contacts with whom you have collaborated and who also might be in position to recommend you.
Go to ‘Profile’, select ‘Edit Profile’, scroll down to the ‘Recommendations’ box and click the ‘Edit’ icon. Write the recommendation then ask if they might consider writing a recommendation for you.
Use LinkedIn to search for job openings
You can use LinkedIn to identify job openings.Click on the link ‘Jobs’, then ‘Find Jobs’.
Add keywords related to the jobs you are interested in and click ‘Search’.The advanced search function provides more search options.
You can also view and contact your LinkedIn connections who may be able to refer you for the job.
Click on your connection’s name to send them a message asking if they can help you connect with a decision maker at the organisation.
Jobs are also posted on company pages: click on ‘Interests’, then ‘Companies’ to search by company name, keyword and industry.
Career coaching can help if you’d like more information on using LinkedIn for job searching. If you have access to outplacement services, ask your consultant for advice on how to write an eye-catching profile.