Job Search Tips – 4 Fool-proof Steps to Find a Job Using LinkedIn
With over 11 million users, LinkedIn is an ideal tool to create your online presence, build a professional network, and if done right, find a job.
According to a recent survey, 75% of job recruiters now use Linkedin to research prospects.
Translation: if you don’t have a LinkedIn account, you’ve already got one strike against you compared to applicants that do. If you aren’t already on LinkedIn or feel you aren’t fully taking advantage of it, here are a few tips to get started.
1. Create a compelling, differentiated profile
Your profile is NOT just your resume re-posted online. It should be an extension of your resume, a chance to say more than you otherwise could on a single sheet of paper.
On your LinkedIn profile:
- Upload a professional head shot. Social networking is all about connecting with real people. Your photo adds a welcome touch of personality. And it goes without saying: keep the picture professional and G-rated.
- Be personable, not just a robotic list of bullet points. Don’t merely rehash the qualifications and experience already on your resume. Include them, but use the summary section to add some color to your profile using your own voice. Note: do not try to be funny if there’s any chance a particular hiring manager doesn’t share your sense of humor – and that’s pretty much guaranteed.
- Post a few powerful recommendations. Linkedin allows you to post endorsements from other people. A nod from a former boss, professor or colleague may be just the edge you need. Social proof makes it easier to trust you.
- Incorporate free plug-ins to showcase your talent and personality. Applications like Slideshare and Google Presentation allow you to post projects and presentations that demonstrate your skills.
- Link to your personal website or blog. This gives a more well-rounded view of you, and helps your other pages come up higher in search results.
2. Build your online network
Creating a profile is just the first step. Now you need to connect with people. Just like in real life, social networking is all about building meaningful, mutually-beneficial relationships with people in your industry. In the end, it’s not what you know OR who you know. It’s about who knows you.
- Search people and groups for your school alumni, former bosses, peers, coworkers, etc. You know more people than you think. Use the search tool to find alumni and former colleagues and bosses. This is the easiest way to connect with a ton of people (if you do it right). You can use this directory to search Australian professionals.
- Ask for help and advice. Once you connect you can send them direct messages. DO NOT send out blanket messages asking for a job. Show them respect and do your homework. If you ask individuals specific, thoughtful questions they will be happy to help. Remember, they were once in your shoes too.
3. Add value to your community
Insightfully ask and answer questions on LinkedIn to stand out among other applicants. LinkedIn is not a one-way marketing tool. You need to add to the conversation:
- Join relevant groups and discussions. This is the best way to meet people in your industry and establish yourself as a player. Use the search tool to search for groups by industry. Join the groups relevant to you and start networking.
- Answer questions. Post interesting articles. Start discussions. Become an active, valuable member in the community. Remember, the group is not just about you. You can’t just log in and ask for a job. It’s all about career karma: give yourself to others, then reap the benefits when they get your foot in the door.
4. Find a job
After you create a strong profile and solid network, you may be surprised how many opportunities await you. Now you need to:
- Let your network know you are looking. Once you establish yourself as contributing, thoughtful member of your community, people will be more apt to lend a hand in your job search. Be specific about what type of work you are looking for, the skills you bring to the table, and the location you are looking to work in. Message people directly and set your LinkedIn status to reflect your search for a job.
- Use the Job Search function and sort results by “degrees away from you”. Chances are you will be connected to the job poster through someone in your network. Trace your connection and ask for a introduction.
Follow these guidelines and you will be on the right path. Remember, social networks do not replace traditional networking or job search techniques. They do, however, greatly extend them. As always, patience is key.
5. Manage Your LinkedIn Efforts at Brand-Yourself.com
Sound like a lot of work? Actually, it’s a lot of fun. And we’ve built a platform that analyzes your LinkedIn profile and suggests new people to connect to nearby in your field. Create your Brand-Yourself account today and see how our tools can help you effectively use LinkedIn to build your personal brand.
Great article Patrick. Nice Job!! Very useful for recent grad students.
I am totally convinced, if done right, LinkedIn can give you a job. But I have always been scared of the recommenations part. What do you think should be one’s approach regarding the recommenation? Should we ask for them from our co-workers or our managers or just wait for them to be kind enough and write us one??
Supriya,
Great question – check out one of our older blog posts to learn how to get strong references:
http://blog.brand-yourself.com/2008/top-5-articles-about-getting-stellar-references-for-your-job-search
If you think your work on the job is worthy of a recommendation, then don’t be afraid to ask for one as you prepare to move on to bigger and better things.
– Pete
I very much agree with your tips, and thank you for sharing with so many who are looking for social media marketing tips-LinkedIn included!
It great that you note that you need to also add value, not just take – it’s a two way street, and I love LinkedIn – I am sure it will be the key to finding a job real soon!
Thanks.
@vickie Thank you for the kind words. Adding value is the MOST important step of social networking. Good luck!
Having a great Linkedin profile is extremely important and if you are going to be uploading a picture of yourself on a professional social network make sure its not a picture from the party last night.
Patrick you say it yourself at the very beginning “Upload a professional head shot” this is key to making a first impression because that is sometimes all someone may see.
Generally we use these type of sites only for publicity or sharing, but as this post say we can also use it for jobs also. Thanks for such am informative post.
LinkedIn is definitely one of the best sites out there to connect with people and create a buzz for publicity. There are also a lot of features that most people don't know about, which are outlined in this article – one in particular is getting a job by being proactive.
There is actually a job search function that is underutilized. Also remember to use keywords on your profile that you want to be found for when professionals search as they are looking to make a hire.
Generally we use these type of sites only for publicity or sharing, but as this post say we can also use it for jobs also. Thanks for such am informative post.
LinkedIn is definitely one of the best sites out there to connect with people and create a buzz for publicity. There are also a lot of features that most people don't know about, which are outlined in this article – one in particular is getting a job by being proactive.
There is actually a job search function that is underutilized. Also remember to use keywords on your profile that you want to be found for when professionals search as they are looking to make a hire.