Did you know that eight people are hired every minute on LinkedIn?
With 49 million people using LinkedIn to search for jobs each week, there’s no doubt that the social media platform is one of the top resources for connecting candidates with jobs.
So how can you use LinkedIn to find your dream job? We detail five tried-and-true strategies below.
1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
It may seem obvious, but if you have the skills, show them off. Your LinkedIn profile is an excellent avenue for employers to view your previous work experience and related skills. Plus, you can often automatically fill out a job application using your LinkedIn information, saving you time and energy.
Some key ways to customize your LinkedIn profile include:
- Add a professional headshot.
- Choose a relevant banner image.
- Create a custom profile URL.
- Write a unique summary about yourself.
- Be creative with your LinkedIn headline.
- Add relevant volunteer experience.
- Incorporate keywords throughout your profile.
- Take skill assessments to earn skill badges.
In short, don’t be afraid to highlight your expertise. Treat your LinkedIn profile like a job application: Be thorough, accurate, and descriptive.
>>> Related Resource: How To Get the Job: An Exclusive Guide to Candidate Success
2. Connect With Job Posters and Recruiters
Standing out among other candidates is key to securing an interview, especially for a job with hundreds of applicants. So how can you put yourself front and center?
If a job listing has been posted or shared by a recruiter or employee, connect with them. Don’t forget to include a personalized message in your connection request. In it, introduce yourself, ask questions about the position and their thoughts on the company, or even share your resume. This approach can help increase the likelihood of them accepting your request and building a long-lasting first impression.
Some questions that you can ask that may not be listed in the job description include:
- Is this position remote, hybrid, or in-office?
- What do you like most about working at the company?
- What’s the interview process like?
Not only will you learn more about the position, but you’ll also expand your network with meaningful connections.
3. Share Compelling Content
Did you know that whenever an individual interacts with a post you share, your post will be shared with their network? Once you connect with a job poster or recruiter, a reaction from one of them could expose you to others working at their company. Overall, it’s a simple way to get noticed and establish yourself as an expert in your respective industry.
Key types of content to share with your network can include:
- Thought leadership pieces.
- Polls or questions.
- Industry news and/or newsletters.
- Visuals, such as photos or videos, from a conference.
- Blog posts.
- E-books, whitepapers, and how-to guides.
While these are only a small sample of the items you can share, remember that not all posts need to be attached to a piece of content. Your posts could simply detail your favorite takeaways from a recent webinar or podcast or describe the job you’re looking for and why you’re the right fit. No matter the information you share, make sure it’s thoughtful, grammatically correct, and relevant to the job you’re pursuing.
4. Interact With Your Connections’ Posts
Likewise, interacting with your connections’ posts shows your interest in learning more and participating in professional discussions. It can also help you expand your network, share your content and expertise, and facilitate industry conversations.
If you’re struggling to build your network or find posts that intrigue you, request to join LinkedIn Groups that pique your interest. LinkedIn Groups allow like-minded individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and knowledge across specific industries or topics. You can discover LinkedIn Groups by using the search bar at the top of LinkedIn, typing a topic, and selecting the “Groups” option across the top of the page (see screenshot below).
5. Follow and Engage With Company Pages
Employers want to see your interest in their company. A simple way to do this is by following that company’s page and engaging with its posts. In doing so, you’ll regularly receive company updates on new developments and job opportunities.
Following your dream company can also open the door to new connections who work there. For example, if a recruiter posts a job opportunity on their page and tags the company, you may see the post in your feed.
While creating these connections may seem intimidating, keep in mind that building a strong network will better position you as a thought leader—and increase your chances of snagging the job of a lifetime.
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