By Sarah Smith, Senior Recruiter
In today’s unpredictable job market where many layoffs are happening left and right, it is important to expand your resources, especially when job hunting. As a job seeker, applying for jobs is overwhelming in itself as it is a highly competitive pool that you are up against. In most cases, you have to be willing to step outside of the box and get a little creative with your job search, as opposed to just applying directly to jobs in hopes of hearing back. LinkedIn is a very powerful, professional platform for job searching as well as networking. Many employers and recruiters use this platform, and it is an excellent tool for job seekers if utilized to its full capacity. Here are a few ways to effectively use LinkedIn for your job search:
Optimize your profile: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Include a professional photo (and perhaps add the #OpenToWork banner), write a compelling headline, and provide a short summary that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals.
Build your network: Connect with professionals in your industry, colleagues, classmates, and other relevant contacts. Engage with their posts, and join relevant LinkedIn groups to expand your network.
Engage with content: Regularly engage with relevant content by commenting, liking, or sharing posts. This will help establish your presence, build relationships, and increase visibility among professionals in your field.
Request recommendations and endorsements: Reach out to direct managers/supervisors, mentors, and colleagues to request recommendations/endorsements that highlight your skills and expertise. These testimonials can strengthen your profile and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Utilize the “Jobs” tab: Use this tab on LinkedIn to search for job opportunities. You can save jobs, set up alerts, and apply directly.
Research job companies and job postings: Follow companies you’re interested in and stay up-to-date on their activities. You can also use the job search feature to find relevant job postings, which you can filter based on location, industry, experience level, etc.
Engage with recruiters: Many recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find candidates. Keep an eye out on recruiters’ profiles and connect/follow them. Many recruiters will post jobs on their own page but consider following the recruiters’ company page to stay updated on all job openings.
Stay active and consistent: Update your profile regularly, share relevant content, and engage with others to maintain an active presence. Also, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. LinkedIn is all about making connections and a simple post you share about your job search can possibly land you a connection/referral that can help bypass multiple steps in the interview process!