LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network on the internet. You can use LinkedIn to find a job, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. You can access LinkedIn from a desktop, LinkedIn mobile app, mobile web experience, or the LinkedIn Lite Android mobile app.
A complete LinkedIn profile can help you connect with opportunities by showcasing your unique professional story through experience, skills, and education.
In this article, I’ll show you how to use LinkedIn effectively to get more job offers.
If you are not already registered on LinkedIn, you can register here
The first thing you will need to do is create your LinkedIn profile, including, uploading a great headshot. Your headshot is one of the first things employers and recruiters see, so if you want to use LinkedIn to land a job, make sure your profile photo is giving off the right impression. It doesn’t need to be of you in a suit and tie, but you probably shouldn’t choose a photo where you’re drinking beer from a keg.
Next, you’ll need a great LinkedIn headline. This is essential for using LinkedIn to get a job because it’s the first thing recruiters see when you apply for a job. For example, you could say, “Experienced sales executive”
Recruiters are constantly searching LinkedIn using skills as keywords from your profile, which means they help you appear in more searches. Make sure you’re using all 50 skill slots that LinkedIn allows. For example, if a recruiter searches for “customer service” and you’ve listed “customer service” as a skill, it’ll make your profile show in their results.
Next, make sure your work experience is in bullet format and easy to read.
We’re almost done setting up your LinkedIn profile to job search effectively. The next step is to ask one or two colleagues to write an endorsement for you.
Before I go any further, allow me to explain LinkedIn endorsement if you’re unfamiliar. It’s pretty simple.
Endorsements are a LinkedIn feature that allows others to verify your skills with a single click. Endorsements are a simple way to prove you are not a charlatan—you’re genuinely experienced at the skills you list on your profile. The more endorsements you have, the more legit you appear. Ideally, you’ll want to reach 99+ but even one or two recommendations will help your profile stand out from all the competition when you’re trying to use LinkedIn to land a job.
Now start networking, it is by far the fastest way to find a job, if done right.
First, reconnect with past colleagues and tell them you’re job searching. Start to build new connections. You can reach out to new people at companies you want to work for. Complimenting someone on their career and asking one single question is a good way to open the door to a conversation. After a few messages, you could then ask if their company is hiring.
You can search and apply for jobs on LinkedIn via their Easy Apply feature. Some other job boards such as Jobibo.co.uk allow you to register using your LinkedIn account. If a job offers “Easy Apply”, you can submit your details and attach a CV in just a few clicks without ever leaving LinkedIn.
Finally, put a link to your LinkedIn profile in the header of your CV (right after your phone number and email address). This will show employers you’re modern and up-to-date and will get them to click over to your LinkedIn and see all the great content you’ve added.
If you follow the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to using LinkedIn to get a great job. You’ll have an effective profile that impresses employers and gets you more interviews.