15 ways to use LinkedIn to find a job

Tired of applying for jobs and getting nowhere?

Well then LinkedIn can help you. In this article and in my webinar on April 29 I explain how.

• Related article: "The 10 types of job interviews"

15 ways to use LinkedIn to find your dream job

At first glance, LinkedIn may look like just an online CV, but it's actually a platform where dozens of employers are looking for candidates. every day; a crucial resource to have your resume. Also, 80% of jobs are not published but recruiters "search" for candidates on LinkedIn, so this is where your attention needs to be.

Not only is it a great way to network within your industry, but you can also use it to promote your achievements and build a professional presence online. Also, if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you can even start your own business there.

The key to using LinkedIn effectively is making sure we are "discoverable" to employers and agencies, as well as using our network of contacts. The big mistake that most people make is thinking that LinkedIn is there to show their experience in a reactive way.

, when the magic of LinkedIn arises when we use it proactively.

1. The first step, of course, is to create your LinkedIn profile.

You can change and update your profile as many times as necessary, so keep adjusting any parts that don't work, or add them as you go.

The more changes and additions you make, the more "active" your profile will appear in the system, which increases your chances of being seen by potential employers.

2. Choose the perfect LinkedIn profile picture

Profiles without a photo appear inactive and are unimpressive in search results, so make sure you find a photo of yourself that is high resolution and suitable for the job.

Avoid super obvious selfies or group photos (even if you've cut out everyone else). Make sure to smile and appear approachable! You are trying to sell yourself as someone good to work with, remember.

Obviously, Avoid silly Snapchat filters, but LinkedIn now has a filter feature that will allow you to adjust the colors of your photo. for optimal effect.

You will also notice the option to upload a background or cover photo. This is less important, but if you have something that you think will be relevant, use it. A photo of some work you have created, or "in action" related to the job you are looking for is suitable.

Even you can use your photo as an opportunity to sell any relevant skills (For example, think of hand-drawn portraits, your face as an app logo, or a chance to show off your photography skills.) The photo can tell a lot about you.

3. Write a LinkedIn headline that makes you stand out

The headline is the first thing any potential employer will see, so make sure it stands out and portray what you have to offer.

Avoid something boring and don't mention the company you are currently working for. They will see that in your professional experience.

I always suggest that you seek inspiration on LinkedIn from other people who have a similar position or the one you want to achieve and be inspired by both their title and their description.

Remember that LinkedIn is a search engine, and therefore, although it is beautiful to inspire, you have to make sure they can find you by keywords. If you want to be found as a photographer, you should definitely put this word not only in the title but in your description and in the more places the better.

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4. Include a professional summary in your profile

Use the summary chart to show your achievements and aspirations or to present an aspirational tone if you are an entrepreneur. You only have 50-100 words, so make it count.

Try to include keywords that are likely to be searched by recruiters or others (and don't forget that your profile could also show up in internet searches).

Include contact details in your summary if you want people to get in touch, but don't use a personal email address unless you like spam. Link to your website instead.

5. Promote your work experience on LinkedIn

Follow the prompts to list your work experience, any courses you have taken, the volunteer work and exam results: there is quite a considerable list of things to choose. You don't have to add them all: pick and choose the ones that add value to your profile, of which you are proud or of which you would like to appear in the searches.

Use the Media section to link to their works in progress or achievements. Include blog posts, magazine articles, your photography / artwork, a business you created, videos, or social media accounts you've helped with. If there's something you're proud of, put it in here and show it off! What's more, When you upload them, remember to use the keywords also in the URLs, as they will help you to get up in the search engines.

Something important, and that should be the same in your resume, is not to say what you did, but to show your contribution and how it made a difference.

6. Get recommendations and endorsements for job skills

Ask current or former employers and colleagues to post testimonials on your profile page to add credibility to any skills or projects you have listed (once you receive it you can decide whether to accept it so that it will be displayed on your profile). This makes it much more credible, since it is not you who is speaking wonders about you but someone else.

7. Use LinkedIn's job search feature

It sounds super obvious, but don't forget that there are a ton of jobs listed on LinkedIn. It still amazes me how many job seekers don't have alerts posted on LinkedIn.

Use the search function and subscribe to job alerts. Alerts are your best allies as they are doing the work for you!

Follow the companies you want to work with to learn about any job opportunities, graduate programs, or expansion plans first.

8. Share your successes in LinkedIn posts

It may not be natural for you to show off your successes, but LinkedIn is about selling itself. If you don't know how to do it, how are you going to convince them in an interview?

If you accomplish something, be it an award, a successful project, or high marks on a particular assignment, write a note and share it with the world. Not only do you have to focus on the good, you can also talk about the challenges and failures that you have overcome along the way.

You can also post on topics relevant to your industry, as that will make you position yourself as a expert in the field and will be able to expand your network of contacts and potentially attract the attention of recruiters.

9. Use LinkedIn for networking

LinkedIn, as the name suggests, is about connecting with people in your industry or field of expertise. Make sure to connect with anyone you've worked or studied with, and ask them to introduce you to their connections as well..

Sometimes adding people you don't know on LinkedIn is considered bad etiquette, but it's usually okay if The other person can quickly see from your profile that you have similar shared interests or connections.

LinkedIn can also be a useful way to stay in touch with interviewers after a meeting. interview, or anyone with whom you have been in contact on professional or personal experiences in the past.

If you are concerned that they will not recognize you, write a short message to help them remember and always, always, write a message when you contact someone to explain why you are contacting. This is where the magic on LinkedIn begins. LinkedIn will help you if you use it to proactively contact recruiters instead of waiting for them to come visit you.

One thing I advise is that you look at how other people in your field are creating their profiles; Take note of what career paths they took and, more specifically, which companies were willing to employ them when they were starting out.

10. Optimize your LinkedIn privacy settings

Privacy settings on LinkedIn are very different from other social networks, so you need to be careful to make sure you are only showing people what you want.

First of all, when updating your profile you will notice a "Notify your network" button; if this is selected then all of your followers will see your updates in their newsfeed as well that maybe it is better to deactivate it so that they receive notifications when you have to share news more large.

It may sound like a nightmare, but people will be notified if you visit their profile, and in the same way, you will be notified of who visits yours. I always recommend having this active since you want to know who has reviewed your profile and simply answer something like "Thanks for looking at my profile", let's get in touch. Above all, you have to be sociable in networks.

12. Customize your URL

Take a personal (free) URL for your profile. You can use their name, job title, or other keywords, and you can change it later if necessary. This it will help you to be more discoverable in search engines if you also use keywords here. Don't leave that URL with numbers. Go to Contact and customize it.

13. Join LinkedIn groups

JOIN AND CONTRIBUTE TO GROUPS RELATED TO YOUR INDUSTRY. Enter the information and learn how your sector works from the inside out, become known for having an opinion or specialty, or find people who can tell you more about their career path to see if you are interested.

Once you've joined a few key groups, you can message other group members to introduce yourself or your services (but avoid be seen as a spammer, be sure to send relevant emails to the right people, ask questions, or offer to help with their Projects).

14. Share articles on LinkedIn and write your own

People often share interesting articles on LinkedIn - texts written by oneself or obtained from elsewhere.

In this sense, having a solid understanding of the latest developments in your industry will pay off in interviews. You can also follow the blogs of the companies that interest you to keep up to date with their latest news.

But if you have something to say that doesn't fit in a quick status update, write a blog post instead. Just hit the "Write an article" button on the home page and write.

Sharing your own opinions and knowledge on a topic will seriously impress employers and help show your name more. You can even add videos and images for added impact.

15. Use LinkedIn for interview preparation

LinkedIn will be your number one source of information when preparing for an interview. Find out who will interview you and watch him on LinkedIn - examine his career path, his specific interests, and any current projects he's working on. Use it to your advantage and tailor your responses to appeal to them!

You'll also get a great insight into the company by looking at their blog, and you'll be able to keep track of industry developments that you can discuss in the interview.

You want to know more?

As you may have seen, LinkedIn is a world, but it is where your focus should be, especially contacting recruiters and Human Resources directors of the companies where you want to work or for which you have postulate. That will help you stand out from other candidates. But always having your profile presentable!

I invite you to register for my webinar on April 29 through the page that you will find a little further down in the link of my signature.