LinkedIn is a powerful tool, but as we approach 2022, is it still the best way to find a job?
Your LinkedIn profile is like your resume when a recruiter finds you in the search results for a particular profile. It takes time to optimize it but believe me that time is worth it.
1. TIPS FOR USING YOUR PROFILE
i) Make your headline do some heavy lifting
Your headline is the second thing everyone will see, so make it search optimized and include your expertise and interests.
ii) Link your creative portfolio
Creatives need to show their best work front and center. You should probably prioritize this and create a great personal website.
iii) Update your skills and descriptions
Max out the number of skills you can possibly add to Linkedin (50) and revise all your descriptions to focus on the value you bring, rather than listing duties performed at each job.
2. TIPS FOR USING IN MESSAGE
i) Message your connections
When you notice that you have a direct connection to your ideal company, message the person! Referrals are how 50% of people land their jobs, so definitely take this advice and reach out.
ii) Talk with recruiters, always
The next time you get a random message from a recruiter, don’t ignore it. Recruiters are real people doing very hard jobs, and you might be the rare gem they’re looking for.
iii) Reach out to hiring managers
Visit the company’s LinkedIn profile, find the hiring manager and have a short script that includes: who you are, your title, and be sure to make it personal.
3. TIPS FOR USING BOARDS
i) Interact and follow
Yes, there are LinkedIn influencers, and some of them will provide incredible career advice. But we’re also talking about keeping up with your peers and people you look up to, making an effort to interact with them whenever they post about something close to your heart.
ii) Post worthwhile content
Reciprocate others’ giving by posting about cool jobs, great advice, personal success, and career-changing news. Posting also helps to remind people about your interests and, just maybe, they’ll think of you when your interests align with a job posting they see.
4. TIPS FOR USING LINKEDIN GROUPS
i) Join groups to expand your interest
Groups can help you meet others from a variety of companies and help you form new connections around the things you love.
ii) Use groups to connect with leaders
There’s no shame in scoping out and joining the same groups as potential mentors or influencers. Introduce yourself and engage in the discussions. You’ll learn more about the niche and maybe forge new connections with future collaborators.
5. TIPS FOR USING NOTIFICATIONS
i) Enroll in job alerts at your favorite companies
You’ll get all the jobs you’re looking for straight to your inbox. Reevaluate as you gain interest in different companies and jobs.
ii) Send congrats to coworkers
It’s as simple as writing “congrats!” on a job update. It’ll show how supportive you are, remind them you’re a genuine team player who gets psyched when others win, and it’ll help you stay in touch.
iii) Set boundaries
If there are connections you’d rather not make, it’s ok to ignore any notifications that pertain to strangers or former coworkers you’d no longer like to associate with.
6. TIPS FOR JOB SEARCH IN LINKEDIN
Instead of searching and applying on the job section, use a hashtag
Go to search the section in LinkedIn and type #hiring to look for openings posted by staff and employees who are willing to refer candidature.
An employee referral has a higher chance of being considered for an interview.
7. AND DON’TS?
i) Steer clear of using EasyApply
EasyApply won’t always hold the formatting of your resume. It dumps all applications on the virtual desk of recruiters, who really don’t have the time to review them all. If the job is very important to you, take the time and do it right on the company’s website.
ii) Don’t entirely limit yourself to LinkedIn
We know, we said it’s the best way to find a job, don’t discount other methods of landing that next gig. Emailing, using social media and good-old-fashioned IRL coffee meet-ups are still great ways to make connections that stick.
The 5 main reasons people start looking for a new job…
There are lots of different reasons why you might want to start looking for a new job and from experience in recruitment, they usually fall into one of these categories.
- Higher salary
- They have no further progression
- They don’t feel appreciated
- Company benifits / Flexibility
- Personal change in circumstances
Before starting your job search, ask yourself this:
Can your current employer change your mind if they made changes?
If they increased your salary would you stay?
Would you stay if they offered you a promotion or more opportunities?
If they changed the company benefits would you stay?
If your answer is no, then you are about to start the exciting journey of finding a new opportunity!
Don’t Do These On Linkedin
- Tag loads of people in your posts/comments
- Send your post to strangers asking for comments
- Use automation for messages/connections
- Send a sales pitch immediately after connecting
- Send over 100 connection requests per week
- Post over 2 x per day – quality over quantity
- Use it like a dating app “eye rolls”
- Forget your clints/colleagues can see everything
Why LinkedIn?
- 740 Million Users
- Goldmine for B2B leads.
- Access to decisionmakers of any company
- Get Leads with out paid ads
- Organic Reach is very high
- Use LinkedIn as your Virtual Resume
- No 1 Professional Platform
Is LinkedIn Still The Best Way To Find A Job? Did you find this helpful?
Conclusion
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