LinkedIn is where companies want to be when they are hiring. Hundreds of companies are using LinkedIn's Corporate Solutions and many more hiring managers and recruiters are using LinkedIn to post jobs and source candidates for employment. That's good news for Job Hunters, because you can use your LinkedIn connections to find your next job!
How can you ensure that you're using the full power of LinkedIn to assist with your search for a new job? Well, fist of all, stick to the basics - Build Your Profile, Build your Connections and Search Your Network!
It's important to take the time to build your LinkedIn Profile, to add to your connections, and to effectively use your connections to help with your job search. It's also important to help your connections, too, when you can - pay it forward - as it works both ways.
Here are some tips to Use LinkedIn to discover and get your next job.
1. Complete and update Your LinkedIn Profile
The more complete your LinkedIn Profile, the more chances you will have to be found and to be contacted. Use your LinkedIn profile like a resume and provide employers with detailed information on your skills and experience. Heck, I even suggest adding your email address and phone number multiple times in your profile to make it as easy as possible for the recruiter to pick you out and contact you.
2. Get and Use Connections
The more connections you have, the better your chances of having a connection who can help with your job search. When you're applying for jobs, be sure to use the connections you have. Someone who is employed by the company or has connections there will be able to help you apply and get through the company's hiring process. On the other hand, be willing to help your connections when they need your advice and referrals. Connect with a number of "open networkers" with large networks to expand your reach quicker.
3. Use the LinkedIn "JobsInsider" Tool.
JobsInsider is a tool you can download that will inform you how you are connected at jobs listed on Monster, CareerBuilder, Jobing, HotJobs, Craigslist, SimplyHired, Dice and Vault. You can see who you are connected with at the company and request an introduction to the hiring manager. Find the tool under the Jobs tab on the main page.
4. Types of Jobs on LinkedIn
There are jobs posted directly on LinkedIn by employers that are only available to people on LinkedIn. There is a complete process that let's you provide the employer with your resume, link to your LinkedIn profile, recommendations, and much more. There are other jobs from the web provide by SimplyHired. Search on line and discover an entire new world of jobs available through LinkedIn.
5. Job Search Options
You can search for jobs on LinkedIn by keyword, country, and postal code. Use the Advanced Search Option to refine your search and to search by location, miles from a location, experience level, company, job title, job function, industry, and date posted.
6. Use Recommendations and Referrals
If the job is listed directly on LinkedIn, you'll see how you're connected to the hiring manager and you can apply online and/or request a referral from a contact. If you request a referral, LinkedIn will provide you with a template you can use for your message. You can edit the message so it's personalized.
Some employers prefer candidates have LinkedIn recommendations (LinkedIn will display the number of recommendations you have below the requirements). Employers may also prefer referrals through the LinkedIn network. Follow the instructions in the job posting to optimize your chances of securing an interview.
7. LinkedIn Company Profiles
LinkedIn company profiles are a good way to find, at a glance, more information on a company you're interested in. You'll be able to see your connections at the company, new hires, promotions, jobs posted, related companies, and company statistics.
8. Search on the people you are connected to at the companies.
Find out which LinkedIn groups they belong to and find out as much about the companies that you can uncover. Put on your detective's hat and start connecting the dots.
That's all my tips for now. I'll have more soon. Stay tuned and I will share some more Job Hunting tips using LinkedIn. I'm discovering some great ways to utilize LinkedIn to quicken my approach and shorten my length of time job searching. Happy Hunting!
Remember what I like to say, "Keep Working LinkedIn, and LinkedIn will Work for You!"
Alan Case
AlanDCase@gmail.com
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