LinkedIn tips to get your next job
Don't underestimate LinkedIn as a great tool to find your next job. Check out a few useful tips to help you optimize your presence on it.
It’s no secret that LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers. But many people don’t know how to use it effectively. In fact, many people don't even have a LinkedIn profile or realize its importance.
In this article, I will share some tips on using LinkedIn to find your next job. I will also share some tips on making the most of your LinkedIn profile.
You'd be surprised at how valuable LinkedIn can be. Let's get started.
Why leverage LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers because:
All in all, LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help you find your next job. But how do you use it effectively? We'll explore the answer to this question next.
How to make the best use of LinkedIn
There are several ways you can work with LinkedIn. Here's how you can get started:
Maximize your LinkedIn profile.
The first step is to create a profile that showcases your professional brand.
Your profile should include:
An essential tip is to use keywords relevant to your industry and to people who might look for you. For example, if you want to be a content writer, naturally include keywords like 'content creator' or 'blog writer' throughout your profile.
Use LinkedIn’s Jobs feature.
The next step is to use LinkedIn’s Jobs feature to find openings that are a good match for your skills and experience.
To do this, go to the Jobs tab and enter relevant keywords in the search bar. Then, filter the results by location, job type, or other criteria. When you find an interesting job listing, save it or apply for it.
However, this isn't the only way to find jobs with LinkedIn. Business owners and employees often state that they're hiring in their profile headlines and posts.
Using LinkedIn's search bar, type in 'we're hiring' and sort the results by People, Companies, and Posts. You'll get many opportunities that might not be visible otherwise.
Share your availability with a post.
When you’re job-seeking, it can be helpful to let your network know that you’re open to new opportunities. Create a post and include relevant hashtags, such as #jobsearch or #hiring.
You can also include a link to your resume or portfolio in the post. This way, people who see your post can easily learn more about your skills and experience.
You'll be surprised by how helpful the LinkedIn community can be. People may reply with opportunities or they'll mention people and brands who are hiring. In this way, you'll get a lot of leads for your job search.
Use LinkedIn's Premium Features.
While 'normal' LinkedIn is free and incredible as is, it's also severely limited compared to its premium tools.
LinkedIn has offerings like 'Job Seeker' and 'Sales Navigator' that you should find helpful. These tools are great because you'll be able to do things like:
- Add a badge to your image showing that you're available for work
- Provide insights into salary, the profiles of other job applicants, and details about the company
- Identify companies based on industry, revenue, and more
- Find key people in the company without limitations
- Send direct InMails to key people and more
While Job Seeker and Sales Navigator are for different purposes and offer different features, they're both powerful options because you can do more research and send InMails.
If you're willing to take a subscription, you can leverage these tools to find a job. But LinkedIn does give you a free trial for 30 days and if you decide to leave early, you might get surprised by a steep discount.
You don't have to buy a subscription forever, only until you find a job. So, consider investing in a premium feature.
Reach out to your network.
Your next step is to reach out to your network and let them know you’re looking for a job. This can be done with a personal message or by commenting on one of their posts.
This way, you'll get the attention of your connections, and they'll be more likely to help you with your job search.
Moreover, don't forget that LinkedIn is a two-way street. So, if you see someone in your network who's also looking for a job, offer to help them. This way, you can create a mutual support relationship that can benefit both sides.
Join LinkedIn Groups related to your field or industry.
This is a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and learn about new job openings. You can also use groups to build relationships with other professionals and expand your network.
When you join a group, make sure to introduce yourself in the introduction thread. This way, people will get to know you, and they'll be more likely to help you with your job search.
Moreover, don't forget to participate in group discussions actively. This way, you can show your expertise and build your credibility.
Customize your URL.
This is a small tip, but it's essential. Customizing your URL will make your profile more professional and easier to find.
To do this, go to your profile and click on the 'Edit public profile & URL' button. From there, you can change your URL to something that's easy to remember and contains your name.
You might even use a keyword in your URL. This may seem small, but it's important because it makes your profile look more professional.
Moreover, it's also easier for people to find you if they know your name or the keywords you're trying to rank for.
Add a header image to your profile.
Another great way to make your profile more eye-catching is to add a header image. This is the big banner at the top of your profile, and it's a great way to show off your personality.
To add a header image, go to your profile and click on the 'Edit' pencil button in the top right corner of the banner. From there, you can upload an image from your computer.
Make sure to choose an image that's high quality and represents you well. This is your chance to make a great first impression, so use it wisely.
Here's a pro-tip: use Canva to make killer graphics. Canva has several pre-made LinkedIn banner templates that you can use for free.
Just sign up for a free account, select the 'LinkedIn Banners' option, and choose from various templates.
Conclusion
These are some of the best LinkedIn tips to help you find your next job. By using these tips, you'll be able to expand your network, connect with like-minded professionals, and learn about new job openings.
About the Creator
Syed Balkhi
Syed Balkhi is the founder of WPBeginner, the largest free WordPress resource site. You can learn more about Syed and his portfolio of companies by following him on his social media networks.
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