Time to Read: 6 minutes
LinkedIn Job Search Tips Summary:
- LinkedIn is the top professional social networking platform with 610 million members.
- There is more to LinkedIn for job seekers than crafting posts and applying to jobs.
- Balanced persistence is key in today’s job search. Additional tried and true job search tips to apply.
Profiles is here with job search tips for LinkedIn and beyond to propel your job search, whether you have been laid off, furloughed, or simply, interested in a new position.
Enhancing Your LinkedIn Activity in Your Job Search
LinkedIn can help any job seeker or career changer find the job of their dreams in many ways. The general public understands the importance of LinkedIn. We do not have to tell you “you need to be on LinkedIn to stand out.” In fact, it is only getting harder to stand out among the crowd. LinkedIn currently has over 610 million members with 92% of companies using LinkedIn. The numbers are overwhelming, but the good news, you do not have to reach all 610 million members to get hired, just the ones that matter.
So, what more can you do to get the most out of LinkedIn in your job search?
First, invest in LinkedIn Premium. Companies and recruiters are active on LinkedIn, and with a LinkedIn Premium subscription, your profile signifies you are on the search for a new job. The premium subscription costs a job seeker $29.99 per month ($239.88 annually) and unlocks free InMails, profile views, job and application intel, and application status.
Next, especially if you have subscribed to a premium account, begin expanding your network and check-in with your connections. Reach out past professors, mentors, colleagues to have conversations around the industry and trends. Have conversations. Again, always be learning. With that said, be active on the platform – whether you have a premium subscription or not. All profiles have the ability to create posts, write articles, and engage with other members. Establish thought leadership through crafting your own posts, liking other’s updates, and commenting on other posts.
–>Pro Tip: When crafting posts regarding or about a company, tag the company in your post to extend your post’s reach. Tagging the company not only might grab the attention of said company, but it will also increase exposure and offer more opportunities for engagement.
Lastly, when it comes to your actual profile, tailor your page to the job you want. Much like how search engine optimization works, the same goes for LinkedIn and LinkedIn profiles. Ensure you have the right keywords and job titles throughout your profile page. In doing this, you are optimizing your profile for hiring managers and recruiters to be served your page in a candidate search. Freshen up these parts of your LinkedIn profile to ensure you are represented well.
Actively or passively, let Profiles in on your job search, and we will do the rest. Search all opportunities in creative and marketing here.
Enhanced LinkedIn Job Search Tips Outside of Continuously Submitting Resumes
Update Your Personal Brand or Rebrand Yourself
One of the most important job search tips: Take time to review your job search materials and reevaluate your personal brand. Ensure the image you are promoting still aligns with your goals. Include the appropriate keywords and job titles for the positon you want to land. This is super important if you are making a career change. If your profile is already aligned, that’s great, but do not be discouraged if your personal brand needs an update. Here is a guide to enhancing your personal brands to attract job offers.
Research the Companies
Research the companies of the jobs you are applying to. Most advise job seekers to do the company research before the interview. Why wait? Make time in your application process to learn about the company and showcase that initiative and skill early on in your application process.
Follow-up Your Application with LinkedIn InMails
Some positions you just feel you are right for. Above we explained the importance of LinkedIn as well as the benefits of LinkedIn Premium. Take the unlimited InMail messages and follow-up with job post contacts on your application. Shoot a message over shortly after submitting your resume for the position and take this opportunity to give a snapshot as to why you think you are a fit for the position. Think of this as the new CV.
Reach Out to a Mentor
Not sure there is anyone out there who enjoys job searching. Job searching alone feels like a full-time job itself and can also feel isolating at times. Consulting with a mentor gives you a soundboard as you go through your job search. It is always nice to have someone in your corner.
Improve Your Skillset
Are you making a career change? Is your next position the next step in your career ladder? If you are unemployed while job searching, prioritize time for skill-building. Take courses. Get certified. From there, find ways to showcase these skills and/or accomplishments. Always be learning and improving.
Set up LinkedIn Job Alerts
One of the more tactical (and maybe obvious) of the job search tips – set up job alerts. In doing so, you have the opportunity to apply early on in the company’s candidate search. As for job posts 30 days or older, it might be best to steer clear.
Practice Self-Care
Throwing in a curveball here. Take time away from the search and regroup. This is particularly important if you are job searching full-time. Listen to your body and your mind. If you are not fully invested one day, that is OK. So many factors within the job search can contribute to burning out. Have compassion and patience, and take care of yourself.
In Conclusion
Between the pressure of finding a new opportunity and the number of avenues for job seekers, the job search in an undertaking to say the least. However, there are steps to take and strategies to set in place to make resources you are already familiar with work for you. LinkedIn is not the top professional social network for nothing. LinkedIn gives everyone access to everyone. Take a chance, and send an InMail to the CEO of your dream company or at least, follow up on your application with a message to the hiring manager. Scope out all the platform has to offer for job seekers. Work smarter, not harder.
