10 Steps to Land Your Next Job Using LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, and you can harness that power to find your next job.
Here's how to use LinkedIn during your job hunt, plus tips on how to write an attention-grabbing profile.
1. Set a solid foundation
Before you start applying to jobs, you need the perfect LinkedIn profile.
Once you’ve implemented the tips that are outlined in How to Write a Great (And Effective) LinkedIn Profile, move onto the next step.
2. Add 50 skills to your profile
Every LinkedIn user should list skills on their profile, but this section is especially useful for job hunters.
Think of each skill as a keyword. When a company or recruiter searches for potential candidates, they’ll use those keywords to find the right fit.
You can add up to 50 skills to your profile, so be sure to use that to your advantage. If you aren’t sure what to list, check out other profiles for inspiration.
3. Take LinkedIn’s Skill Assessment quizzes
These quick assessments are available in three categories (technical skills, business skills and design skills). Each one takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Once you pass an assessment, a badge will be added to the Skills section of your profile.
4. Follow companies you’d love to work for
When you follow a company or organization’s profile, you’ll get updates on any news that the page shares. This can be a great way to learn more about a company you’ve always dreamed of working with.
When it comes time for an interview, you’ll already know helpful tidbits of insider information that can help you land the job.
5. Search for jobs (and then search some more)
When it comes to finding a new job, consistency is key. Plan to spend some time searching for positions each day, because new opportunities are posted all of the time.
LinkedIn’s Jobs feature has tons of great filters, which makes it easy to narrow down your search to find the perfect position for your skills and aspirations. The site even has time-saving tools that you can use to streamline your search.
6. Set up job alerts
LinkedIn also allows users to set up job alerts based on previous searches, preferred location and more.
Alerts help you save time because you’ll receive relevant suggestions via email or through LinkedIn’s notifications. You can even save jobs to apply for.
7. Apply using the Easy Apply feature
Apply for open jobs directly using the Easy Apply feature, which allows you to submit details and attach a resume with a few quick clicks.
Here’s another perk of the Easy Apply feature — you don’t need to attach a cover letter.
8. Upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn allows users to save up to five resumes on their profile. When you apply for a job, whether it’s via Easy Apply or not, you can attach a resume for employers to review.
For example, you could have a default resume plus four additional resumes that can be used for specific types of positions.
9. Consider using LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn is free to use, but the paid version (called LinkedIn Premium) does have additional insights that can help job seekers.
Learn about potential salary, the company’s growth, how you stack up to other applicants and more. These important details can help you decide whether a company is a good fit.
10. Never stop networking on LinkedIn
Job hunting can be a long and difficult process, but the right network can make a huge difference in how your search plays out.
If you aren’t sure how to network effectively on LinkedIn, don’t miss this helpful article: How to Network on LinkedIn.
