Did you know job seekers with a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview? Is your LinkedIn profile up to date, and are you using LinkedIn’s features to help you land that dream job?
According to Omnicore, LinkedIn is rated the most trusted social media platform. LinkedIn has 900 million users and 57 million companies searching for employees. The numbers continue to increase each year. Statistics show that approximately 49 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs weekly, and three people are hired on LinkedIn every minute.
If LinkedIn is not a part of your strategy in your search for the best job in your dream company, you may be missing out on opportunities. According to LinkedIn, the overwhelming majority (87%) of recruiters find LinkedIn most effective when vetting candidates during the hiring process. So, it is essential to stay up to date on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn can give you an edge when it comes to landing that perfect job opportunity if used in a savvy way. This blog post will discuss some actionable tips for standing out from other applicants and leveraging LinkedIn to find better employment leads.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile To Be Competitive
Finding a job on LinkedIn can be incredibly intimidating, and many people feel lost when they first start navigating this process. However, with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. Completing your LinkedIn profile with relevant information, including education, work experience, and skills, is crucial.
A complete LinkedIn profile will get you twenty-one times more profile views and thirty-six times more messages. So here are some tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile.
Your Photo
A picture is worth a thousand words; it could be a thousand profile views on LinkedIn. Having a quality, front-facing photo in your profile is a must-have. Did you know you are seven times more likely to be found if you have a profile picture on LinkedIn?
Summary
What you do NOT want is a duplicate of your resume. The purpose of your LinkedIn profile is to complement your resume. A more social first-person approach to your LinkedIn summary will make a positive digital first impression for recruiters.
Include your passion for your industry, and give examples of how you have made a difference.
If you are actively looking for employment, mention it in the summary. Keep your paragraphs short to break up the text and make it easy to read and scan.
Keywords
Using accurate keywords allows recruiters and hiring managers to actively find you as a potential employee before they post a job opportunity. So, using the right keywords in your summary and throughout your profile is important. For example, if you are a banker, recruiters might use the keywords “retail banking” and “corporate finance.”
So, make a list of ten keywords or phrases for use in your LinkedIn summary and key skills listing. If you can think of more to add, that is even better.
Past Work Experience
Don’t skip out on this part. Be sure to include several past work experiences, even if you were volunteering. Statistics show you are twelve times more likely to be found on LinkedIn if you have at least two past working experiences.
Update Skills Regularly
Updating the skills section regularly helps ensure the most current skills are listed front and center, making it easy for recruiters to quickly identify whether a candidate would fit the open position without reading through the entire profile.
Take advantage of the “Skills & Endorsements” section to showcase your expertise and experience.
Utilize Your Endorsements
Utilizing endorsements from past employers or colleagues is another great way to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs on LinkedIn. Endorsements prove that others have seen value in your work, which could make employers more likely to consider hiring you over other applicants who don’t have endorsements on their profiles.
Build Your Network
The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the more opportunities you have to network with people who may be able to refer you to a job opportunity. You can build your network by connecting with colleagues, alums from your school, industry peers, and other professionals in your field.
When connecting with people, personalize your invitation message and explain why you want to connect.
Join LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn groups allow you to connect with other professionals in your field who share similar interests and passions. You can participate in discussions and share ideas with other professionals by joining groups.
Groups can also provide job opportunities since employers sometimes post job openings on LinkedIn groups.
Use LinkedIn Job Search
LinkedIn also provides a job search tool that allows you to search for jobs based on your preferred industry, function, and location. When using LinkedIn’s job search, it is best to search for jobs that match your qualifications and experience. Applying through LinkedIn can also provide a great platform to showcase your work experience, education, and achievements.
Set Job Alerts
Setting up job alerts on LinkedIn allows you to stay up-to-date with any new openings related to specific keywords or companies to take advantage of all opportunities that may be perfect for you but were posted before anyone else had seen them.
It also makes it easier for recruiters or hiring managers to search through hundreds of applications daily because they won’t need to figure out if someone meets their criteria since they already know from their alert settings.
Stay Active on LinkedIn
Once your profile is complete, you should stay active on LinkedIn by posting and engaging with content. Posting relevant articles and insights can help establish you as a thought leader in your field, thus making it easier to connect with recruiters, companies, and industry peers.
Build Your Personal Brand
The final tip for finding a job on LinkedIn is to build your personal brand. Your personal brand is your reputation and how you present yourself online. This includes your profile, content, and interactions with others on the platform.
Create a consistent brand image across all your social media profiles to build your personal brand. Share content that aligns with your values and interests, and engage with others in a positive and helpful way. This will help you build a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional, making you more attractive to recruiters.
LinkedIn provides vast opportunities for job seekers to find their dream job; however, it is essential to use LinkedIn optimally. As mentioned above, completing your profile, building your network, using LinkedIn job search, joining groups, and staying active can increase your chances of finding your next job. So, follow these tips to use LinkedIn to help you find the job you’ve always wanted.
I Am Here To Help
I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals. If you need guidance on your career, I am here to help. If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice or support and want to talk about planning for your future, reach out to me, Rachel Schneider, at Career Find, for a free Intro Call.