LinkedIn is one of the best ways for business professionals to network and learn about new job opportunities. In our current tight job market, those on the hunt for a new role need to utilize every tool at their disposal. LinkedIn can be a key tool in this process. In an article published in The Muse, they write, “LinkedIn allows you to share your experience, skills, and qualifications with future employers, while also allowing you to build and interact with your network and grow your brand as a professional. It can be as crucial to a job seeker as a well-written resume. “ Here are some ways to utilize LinkedIn to optimize your job search…
Start with the Basics
Before searching for jobs and engaging with your network on LinkedIn, first focus on your profile. Apart from the LinkedIn profile basics most already know (having a flattering and professional headshot, compelling headline, quality recommendations, and summary of your skills and experience) there are other ways to make your profile more captivating. In an article on Purdue University, they have a few tips including showing your achievements saying, “Recruiters spend countless hours scouring LinkedIn in search of the high performers. And when they find them, they contact said high performers. Knowing this, you’ll serve yourself well to market yourself as a high performer in your summary and experience section (think action words, accomplishments, talking about times you’ve been promoted or hand-picked for projects).” They also recommend adding in projects, volunteer experience, and languages you speak, “Do you speak Mandarin? Have a project management certification? Volunteer for Dress for Success every weekend? Adding these “additional” profile features is a great way to showcase your unique skills and experiences and stand out from the crowd.”
Post Relevant Information
While having a stellar profile and a large professional network is a great start, if you really want to take your job search to the next level think about posting and writing articles on LinkedIn. In an article on Forbes, they write, “Creating and sharing content on LinkedIn is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise and keep your profile active. Consider writing articles or posting updates on trends within your industry, which can establish you as a thought leader. For instance, if your field is going through a digital transformation, share insights or experiences on managing change effectively. LinkedIn’s native publishing platform allows you to write in-depth articles that showcase your knowledge, and these can be seen by both your network and a broader audience. Additionally, short-form updates, like commenting on recent industry news or sharing reflections on a recent project, can be equally powerful. By producing quality content regularly, you demonstrate not only your expertise but also a proactive approach to staying current—an attractive quality to potential employers.”
Follow Companies You Are Interested In
If there are companies you are interested in working at, follow them on LinkedIn. Not only will this be helpful to stay up to date on open opportunities, but will also help you learn more about their company culture and stay informed about any company news. In an article on Business News Daily, they write, “Stay up to date on industry news, participate in conversations and learn about new job opportunities. Among the people who found jobs in three months or less, 91 percent used LinkedIn company pages for research. It could also help to follow key people from these companies, as they might post updates or blogs pertaining to the company.”