How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job: Tips to Get You Hired
This article was written by Jeremy Sherin, Recruiting Training Manager for Mondo. Jeremy has helped hundreds of candidates find jobs they love. With nearly a decade in the staffing industry, Jeremy has become an expert on how to leverage LinkedIn to find a job.
If you are looking for a job, I’ve learned that LinkedIn is the place to be.
In my years working in the staffing and recruitment industry, I’ve watched LinkedIn become a go-to source for finding employment opportunities.
With millions of users, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers to find new opportunities, expand their professional network, and stay in the know with industry trends.
Over the years, as LinkedIn has evolved, I’ve seen hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people find their dream jobs through LinkedIn using some simple strategies.
Why you should use LinkedIn for your job search
When used correctly LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool to help you get in front of employers and hiring managers to find a job that fits your unique experience and skills.
Currently, LinkedIn consists of 830 million members and 58 million registered companies.
Not to mention, almost 60% of Millennials are using this platform, and 87% of Recruiters use Linkedin Recruiter weekly!
And if that’s not enough to convince you:
- 50 million people start a NEW job search every week
- 95 job applications are submitted each second
- 3 people are hired every minute
- and 35 million leveraged a connection on Linkedin to get hired
How to use LinkedIn to find a job & get hired:
Leverage LinkedIn’s large networking pool
Using LinkedIn is a great way to establish connections with verified companies and networks.
To keep your account streamlined, eliminate the individuals in your network not posting or reaching out with qualified information.
Another way to leverage LinkedIn networks is to join groups.
Not only will this give you insight from individuals that are “hands-on” with experience with tools or techniques that you are passionate about.
Stand out from the competition on LinkedIn
The benefits are almost endless with no downside to having a LinkedIn profile.
Job seeking is a tough business and applying for online jobs each and every day is a job in itself!
Be sure to update your profile regularly and especially if you are about to jump into the marketplace.
So many times recruiters use your profile to identify current skills or responsibilities and match them to their job opportunities.
Complete accredited courses through LinkedIn
This is a new update to the LinkedIn experience and something that will set you apart from other candidates.
Candidates can use free resource tools as well as LinkedIn Learning to further their knowledge.
These accredited courses show recruiters and hiring managers that you have a higher level of knowledge in your discipline and that you’re committed to growth.
Highlight your results-oriented career history on LinkedIn
I always tell the candidates I am working with to highlight their last 8-10 years of experience.
LinkedIn has a fantastic way of showing the most relevant current work experience. Use that to your advantage and really be honest about all of the amazing things you were a part of.
As a recruiter, I want to know the ins and outs of your past experience to better assist you in finding your dream job!
Stay in front of exciting applications
Your “Profile Cover” says a lot about who you are and who you want to engage with.
Speak through your relevant work experience. Do not be afraid to “show and tell” when it comes to your career.
Your experience is what makes you stand out from all of the other applicants. If you have accredited certs or licenses, put them front and center!
Drop a comment on LinkedIn
Leaving comments on LinkedIn can be such an easy way to show your interest and it takes almost no time.
This will engage the algorithm to not only allow you to be seen by your network but also help the individual you are communicating with.
Ask questions in your LinkedIn network!
There is no such thing as a silly question. We ask questions to gain further understanding of a topic or situation.
Using your network allows you to leverage a collective of thousands of years of experience and critical thinking in your favor.
Stay relevant on LinkedIn
If you are looking to be very active on Linkedin, engage with trending topics to keep your content relevant.
Podcast: Jeremy Sherin – Tips on leveraging LinkedIn to get hired
Things to avoid when using LinkedIn to find a job
Don’t think you’re invisible on LinkedIn
Do not think that individuals are not looking at your LinkedIn profile.
Just as you would look at my profile if I reached out to you about an amazing opportunity, people are looking at your profile when they see you engage.
Keep your profile updated because hiring managers and recruiters alike are viewing your profile when you submit to opportunities.
Don’t be a downer on LinkedIn
Do your best to forgo negative comments. I have always been a huge proponent of Karma, so kindness wins overall!
Inside the tech world (while it is global) remember, seven degrees of separation is a real thing. You never know who you will meet or who you have in common.
Don’t skip spellcheck on LinkedIn
Always spell check and grammar check your resume or posts. While it may seem like an innocent thing, some people can be downright mean and write you off completely for a misplaced comma.
Don’t let the cat out of the box on LinkedIn
If you are currently employed, DO NOT post your job search.
If you are searching for a new role outside of your company, reach out to a recruiter like myself to help you consult on the best way to start your search or possible opportunities we already have available.
Leveraging LinkedIn to find a job
Using LinkedIn to find a job can be very beneficial if done correctly.
By following these tips and tricks I’ve seen work over my years in the recruitment industry, you will be on your way to nailing your next job search.
Just remember to be genuine, be honest about your experience and skills, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
Looking for your next gig? Let us help.
Every year, Mondo helps over 2,000 candidates find jobs they love.
More articles about job searching and industry trends:
- 7 Things to Never Say to a Recruiter When Looking for a Job
- How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” During an Interview
- How to Answer “What Is Your Biggest Weakness?” in an Interview with Examples
- Best Skills to List on Your Resume with Examples
- The 9 Workplace Soft Skills Most Valued By Employers
- Best Questions to Ask to Impress Hiring Managers
