Many people upload their resumes to LinkedIn and then forget about the site, only logging on to update their information after they have a career change. But, in fact, LinkedIn is a valuable resource you should be using in your professional toolbox when you are scouting for new opportunities.
Top strategies on how to use LinkedIn to generate job leads:
- Keep your profile fresh and up to date. Ensure it is accurate, complete, and free of typos. The experts recommend filling out every section of the profile and not skipping anything.
- Avoid using buzzwords and stick to professional, natural writing.
- Make sure to have a professional profile photo. There’s no reason not to and employers will wonder why you don’t if it’s empty.
- Investigate the suggested connections and add anyone appropriate. You never know who might be looking for someone with your skill set.
- Keep building your network. This is a continual process as new names come on board when people transition out of various positions and educational programs.
- Let people know you’re available for a new opportunity. Be present. Congratulate others on their successes.
- LinkedIn has a newsfeed—don’t be afraid to interact. But be professional, not casual. Potential employers may be reading what you write. Like and comment on items, and share them in your own feed. Stay away from anything political or controversial. Keep your eye on the prize: this is your way to make a personal, yet professional impression on a possible contact at a company for which you may interview at some point.
- Discover and get involved with professional groups in your area, which will also expand your network. One of these members may be able to help you in your job search, or vice versa.
- Are you a member of alumni and/or other groups? Connect with those members too!
- LinkedIn now has “hashtags,” the same as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Add relevant ones to your content to attract notice from employers with whom you’d like to connect.
- Search by hashtag to more efficiently find employers that suit your needs.
- Research the companies you’re interested in. This could be a great chance to find out about their structure and organization. You might also stumble upon job openings you didn’t get notified about because they weren’t in your specs.
- Check LinkedIn daily for updates and messages. Enable notifications. You don’t want to be the 250th person to send in a resume for a new job that would have been perfect for you because you didn’t find out about the listing until a week after it was posted.
Recap
These tips should give you some idea of the breadth of opportunities a job-seeker can find at LinkedIn. It’s not simply a static site to drop a resume. It’s a vibrant, active community that changes every day, and it would be a shame not to avail oneself of its potential.
If you need help in getting your resume in great shape before uploading it to LinkedIn, contact Resume Advisor today.