LinkedIn is the most popular social media platform for professionals, and with over 850 million members across 200 countries, it makes sense to integrate it into your job search efforts. However, LinkedIn can seem like a bit of a minefield if you have never used it before. First, you create a profile and connect with relevant people, but what happens next, and can it help you secure a job?
The answer is yes, it can help you in your efforts to find a job, and these are just some ways to use it as part of your job search.
Enhance Your Profile
Recruiters use LinkedIn daily to find candidates. They do this by searching for specific skills, job titles, and locations, so you must ensure your profile is full of information and up to date. The profile should contain information on what you can do and what you are looking for; be as detailed as possible.
Professional Photo
You should always have a photo on your profile, as it makes people feel like they can engage and relate better to you. Remember that this is a professional platform. A finance director sitting on the couch with his dog does not scream professionalism (that is more suited to Facebook.) You are there to do business, whether finding a job or building your network, so ensure your photo reflects this.
Make Connections
With LinkedIn, it is not about connecting with as many people as possible for the sake of it; it is about finding the right connections. For example, those hiring within your field or perhaps employees of a firm you'd like to work for. The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can get directly to the source. You can connect with Directors, hiring managers, and recruiters, without having to go through numerous other avenues first.
Get Recommendations
Recruiters will often check the profile of suitable candidates to see if they have any recommendations. These are basically like references and show that people regard you highly. Reach out to previous employers, university tutors, clients, etc. If you scroll down on the profile page of your LinkedIn, you will see a recommendation section. You can click on the + sign and 'ask for recommendations,' select the relevant person and how you know them. Most people will be happy to provide this (if you can have good relations, that is!)
Highlight Availability
You might have noticed that some users of LinkedIn have 'open to work' on their LinkedIn profile, which is used to help notify recruiters that they are interested in hearing about opportunities. In some cases, recruiters will search for those with 'open to work' on their profile, so it is worth considering on your own. To access this, go to your profile, click on the button entitled ‘open to’ and choose ‘finding a new job.’
Be Active
You need to be active if you want to get noticed in a sea of over 850 million people. Share posts you like, comment on other people's posts that interest you, and share your views. People are always looking for like-minded connections, and the more active you are on LinkedIn, the more people will notice you.
Introduce Yourself
If you have connected with a Director from a company you'd love to work for, don't just sit back and wait for someone to reach out to you. It does not pay to be shy on LinkedIn, so get brave and reach out first. Don't just say 'hello, how are you,' as most people feel uncomfortable with this approach on a professional networking platform. Of course, saying hello, how are you is part of the conversation, but let them know what you want. Get to the point; they will appreciate it.
For example:
'Hi Simon, how are you? I have just noticed your post regarding a social media manager vacancy and wondered if we could have a chat about it. I have six years' experience, and I'm currently looking to move from my current employer.'
It is polite while also getting to the nuts and bolts of why you reached out. No one wants small talk on LinkedIn; they are there for a reason.
If you are looking for your LinkedIn profile to be created or enhanced, get in touch with us today, and our experienced writers will be happy to assist you.
