When used properly, LinkedIn can be a job-seekers best friend. With an optimized profile, you can send a broader message of your skills and achievement to gain an endless amount of connections. Making LinkedIn Your #1 Job Search Site.
However, LinkedIn profiles are not to be used as a copy and paste of your resume. Remember, this is a networking tool. The aim is to showcase more than your resume can while still using mandatory keywords and SEO optimization
1. Make Your Headline Count
Your LinkedIn headline is your online brand. Along with the profile picture, the name and headline are what impact those who view the profile. Keep that headline tidy and on-point to stand out from the crowd. Consider how these 2 headlines sound:
“Marketer seeking next opportunity”
or
“Consumer Products Marketer Looking for Small Brand to Make Big”
No brainer, right? Make your headline count!
2. Follow Your Target Companies
First off, if you haven’t already, create a list of ideal companies that align with your interests and skills. Use this list as your go-to for snooping around LinkedIn with intent.
Now, go follow those specific companies.
This way, you’ll hear about anything new they’ve got happening. from a new branch office opening to a new product release or possibly even a hiring push.
3. Broaden Your Network
If you haven’t been meticulous about inviting new networking contacts and old colleagues to join your LinkedIn network, get caught up now! You can download your address books from any webmail application or Outlook contacts.
Consider this, one new first-degree contact with 100 connections of their own can expand your first-second-and-third-degree network by tens of thousands of people.
That’s good at any point, but especially in a job search where you’re looking for as much visibility into your professional ecosystem as you can get.
4. Get That Intro!
If your first-degree connection knows someone you’d like to talk to, ask for an introduction.
Just browse to your target person’s LinkedIn profile, look for the blue link that says “Send a Message” and click on the arrow on the right of the link. If you and your target person have a common connection, you’ll see a “Get an Introduction” pull-down menu. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeazy.
5. Find Your Hiring Manager
You can use the Advanced People Search to find hiring managers in most companies. Click ‘Advanced’ next to the search bar at the top of the page. Then enter your target company name with the most likely title for your hiring manager as a second search term.
For instance, if you’re a Marketing person, your hiring manager could be Marketing Director or Marketing VP. Use your instinct and search around a bit. You’ll likely find the connection you need in no time!
6. Your Network Is A Fountain of Wisdom
Go back to the Advanced Search page and conduct a search using just your target company’s name as a search term. Who in your network is connected to that company, and how? Those folks can do more than just make introductions. They can offer insight into the company and also who they may know directly.
Remember that a job search is not just about being noticed and making connections. It’s also about learning enough to decide whether a company can use your talents plus grow your skills. A little research can show whether it’s worth your time to pursue opportunities with your target company.
7. Stay In It!
Patience and persistence are the names of the game now. It may take longer than you anticipated, or you could find the ideal fit quite quickly. Stay with it to step up to your next opportunity!
We want to see all or clients operating at top value when it comes to using LinkedIn for job search purposes. Whether you’re needing a Resume update, Cover Letter, Recruitment Services or LinkedIn Profile Optimization, our team at PWU has what you need.
Follow the link for a free resume review and consultation. https://calendly.com/powerwritersusa-ca