How to use LinkedIn for Networking & Job Search?

Elevate your job search with LinkedIn’s strategic networking and profile optimization.

In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to utilize all available resources to increase your chances of landing your dream job. Indeed there are quite a few job portals out there. But one often overlooked resource is LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform. With over 600 million users in more than 200 countries, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for job seekers.

According to Statista, a data outfit, as of April last year LinkedIn had a staggering 21.9m users in Canada with half of those between the ages of 25 and 34 years. 

LinkedIn allows you to create a professional online presence that can attract the attention of recruiters and potential employers. Your LinkedIn profile serves as an online resume, showcasing your skills, work experience, and accomplishments in a visually appealing and easily accessible format.

Additionally, LinkedIn provides a platform for networking with professionals in your field. By connecting with colleagues, industry leaders, and alumni from your university, you can expand your professional network and gain access to valuable job opportunities. Many companies use LinkedIn to post job openings and seek out potential candidates, so having a strong network can help you stay informed about the latest job postings and increase your visibility to hiring managers.

Furthermore, LinkedIn offers a range of tools and features specifically designed to support job seekers. 

• Search: The platform’s job search function allows you to filter and search for job opportunities based on criteria such as location, industry, and company size. 
• Job alerts: You can also set up job alerts to receive notifications when new positions that match your preferences are posted. 
• Open to work: LinkedIn offers a feature called “Open to Work” that allows you to indicate to recruiters and potential employers that you are actively seeking new job opportunities.

How to Build a Strong Linkedin Profile?

First, start by having a LinkedIn profile. Do not worry about how it might read or how long it might take to edit your first draft. Choose a profile picture that goes well to showcase you in a professional setting and get started by enumerating your educational background and work experience.

1. Add skills to your profile

In today’s competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to continuously add new skills to your professional profile. One of the best ways to add new skills to your profile is through continued education and training. This could involve taking courses or workshops related to your current job, or branching out and learning something completely new. Many online platforms offer affordable and flexible options for learning, making it easier than ever to acquire new skills in your spare time.

Additionally, seeking out mentorship or networking opportunities can be incredibly beneficial in enhancing your skill set. Connecting with industry professionals or joining relevant associations can provide valuable insight and knowledge that can’t be gained through formal education alone.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of hands-on experience. Volunteering or taking on side projects can be a great way to gain new skills while also making a positive impact in your community. These experiences can also be a great talking point in interviews, showing your willingness to go above and beyond in seeking out new opportunities for growth.

2. Follow the companies where you’d like to work 

One way to do this is by following these companies on social media and subscribing to their newsletters. By staying connected, you’ll be the first to know about job openings, company news, and industry trends.

Following companies on social media can provide valuable insight into their company culture, values, and current projects. It also allows you to engage with their content, which can demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Additionally, many companies use their social media platforms to post job openings and recruitment events, providing you with an inside track to potential opportunities.

Subscribing to a company’s newsletter is another effective way to stay informed. These newsletters often contain updates on company news, industry trends, and upcoming events. 

3. Add a professional profile photo.

Adding a professional profile photo to your online presence is crucial in today’s digital world. A professional profile photo can help you make a strong first impression. It shows that you take your professional image seriously and that you are invested in presenting yourself in the best light possible. It can also help you stand out from the crowd and make you more memorable to potential employers, clients, or collaborators.

When choosing a professional profile photo, it’s important to consider a few key factors. 

• Firstly, it should be a headshot that is well-lit and in focus. 
• Avoid using casual or cropped photos, as these can come across as unprofessional. 
• Additionally, your photo should be recent and accurately represent your current appearance.

It’s also important to dress appropriately for your industry. If you work in a more conservative field, such as finance or law, a professional suit or business attire is a good choice. For more creative or casual industries, you may have a bit more flexibility in your wardrobe, but still aim for a polished and put-together look.

Finally, consider the background of your photo. It should be simple and uncluttered, with the focus remaining on you. Choose a backdrop that doesn’t distract from your image and doesn’t compete for attention.

4. Keep adding new connections.

It is said that your net-worth is your network. To continue growing and expanding your network, it’s important to keep adding new connections. 

Networking is not a one-time activity, but an ongoing process that requires consistent effort. By continually seeking out and building new connections, you can keep your network fresh and vibrant, and open up new opportunities for collaboration and support.

One way to add new connections is to attend networking events and industry conferences. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people and to expand your network beyond your current circle of contacts. Be proactive in introducing yourself to others and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers. You never know where these new connections may lead.

Another way to add new connections is through social media and online networking platforms. LinkedIn, for example, provides a powerful tool for finding and connecting with professionals in your industry or field of interest. Joining relevant groups and participating in discussions can help you connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network in a virtual setting.

When adding new connections, it’s important to be strategic and intentional. Seek out individuals who can bring value to your network, whether through their expertise, experience, or connections of their own. Look for opportunities to add diversity to your network, including individuals from different industries, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Finally, be sure to follow up and nurture your new connections. Building a strong network is not just about adding names to a list, but about developing meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. Take the time to engage with your new connections, offer assistance or support where you can, and look for ways to collaborate or share resources.

5. Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups

LinkedIn is not just a platform for connecting with professionals and finding job opportunities; it’s also a great place to expand your knowledge and network within your specific industry. One way to do this is by joining LinkedIn groups that are related to your field.

By joining industry-specific LinkedIn groups, you can connect with like-minded professionals who share your interests and challenges. You can also stay updated on the latest trends, news, and discussions within your industry.

These groups also offer a space for networking, where you can ask questions, seek advice, and share your own expertise. Engaging in these discussions can help you build valuable relationships with other professionals and potential collaborators.

6. Seek endorsements and write a few for your colleagues.

One of the best ways to showcase your skills and expertise in your professional network is to get endorsed for these skills on platforms like LinkedIn. Having endorsements from colleagues, managers, and clients can serve as valuable social proof of your abilities and can help you stand out as a credible and capable professional.

To get endorsed for your skills, it’s important to first build strong relationships with your coworkers and professional connections. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate and showcase your skills in the workplace. When others see the value you bring to the table, they will be more likely to endorse you for those skills on your professional profiles.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for endorsements from those who have seen firsthand the impact of your work. Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, and clients and kindly request them to endorse you for specific skills that they have witnessed you excel in.

It’s also important to be strategic in the skills you showcase on your profile. Make sure the skills you want to be endorsed for are relevant to your goals and are backed up by your actual expertise. Highlighting these skills in your work and in your interactions with others can increase the likelihood of receiving endorsements for them.

7. Broaden your professional horizons.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to continually broaden your professional horizons. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or have been in the workforce for years, expanding your skill set and knowledge base can open doors to new opportunities and help you stay ahead of the curve.

One way to broaden your professional horizons is to seek out learning opportunities outside of your current job. This could mean taking on new projects or responsibilities in your current role, or pursuing additional education or training in a related field. By continuously learning and growing, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to your current employer and increase your marketability to potential future employers.

It’s also important to consider exploring opportunities outside of your current industry or job role. This could involve taking on a side project or freelance work in a different area of interest, or seeking out volunteer opportunities that allow you to gain experience and make connections in a new field. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things, you can gain valuable insights and skills that can be applied to your professional life.

8. Do write content

In addition to having a LinkedIn page with all your accomplishments, proactively plan what you’d like to write on, say, a weekly or a fortnightly basis. If you have something new to say about your industry, say it. Keep it professional. Write full sentences, preferably without any emojis. If your point of view polarises people, so be it, as long as you have been respectful. 

These days you can write a first draft of the post and LinkedIn offers you an option to write the same text with AI. You can play around with this option as long as it helps you convey what you had in mind in a manner that is better than what you had envisaged. 

9. Turn on the “#OpenToWork” badge

Are you looking for a new job opportunity? LinkedIn has a feature called the “#OpenToWork” badge, which allows you to let recruiters and hiring managers know that you are actively seeking new employment.

By turning on the #OpenToWork badge on your LinkedIn profile, you can signal to potential employers that you are available for new opportunities. This feature can be particularly helpful if you are currently employed and looking for a new job discreetly, as it allows you to indicate your job search status without broadcasting it to your entire network.

According to LinkedIn, members who have the #OpenToWork badge on their profiles are more likely to receive messages from recruiters and are more likely to be found in searches by hiring managers. This means that by turning on the badge, you can increase your visibility to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your next job.

To turn on the #OpenToWork badge, simply go to your LinkedIn profile and click on the “Add profile section” button. From there, you can select “Intro” and then click on “Looking for jobs.” You can then turn on the #OpenToWork badge and specify the types of job opportunities you are interested in.

It’s important to note that turning on the #OpenToWork badge will not affect your current employer if you are discreetly looking for a new job while still employed. LinkedIn has privacy settings in place to ensure that your job search status is not visible to anyone at your current company.

10. Engage. Like & comment intelligently

Engaging with other people’s content on social media and other platforms can be a great way to build connections, establish your presence, and learn from others. It’s a powerful networking tool that can help you connect with like-minded individuals, spark meaningful conversations, and even discover new opportunities.

One of the key benefits of engaging with other people’s content is that it allows you to show support and appreciation for their work. Whether it’s liking a post, sharing it with your followers, or leaving a thoughtful comment, these actions not only help boost the visibility of the original content but also demonstrate your interest and engagement in the topic.

Engaging with other people’s content also provides an opportunity to learn from others. By reading and engaging with the posts, articles, and videos shared by others, you can gain new perspectives, insights, and knowledge that can be beneficial to your personal and professional growth. Additionally, engaging with content from a diverse range of creators can help you expand your network and build connections with individuals from different backgrounds and industries.

Moreover, actively engaging with other people’s content can help you establish and grow your presence within your community or industry. By consistently engaging with others’ content, you can increase your visibility, build relationships, and establish yourself as a valuable and active member of the community. This can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships in the future.

How should you find and apply for a job on Linkedin?

In today’s digital age, finding and applying for jobs has become easier than ever with the help of LinkedIn. With over 700 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers to connect with potential employers and network with professionals in their industry. If you’re looking for a new job opportunity, here are some tips on how to find and apply for jobs on LinkedIn.

1. Create a strong and professional LinkedIn profile. Your profile should include a professional headshot, a compelling headline, a detailed work history, and a summary of your skills and experiences. Make sure to also include keywords related to your industry to help recruiters and hiring managers find you on the platform.
2. Start building your network. Connect with former colleagues, classmates, and professionals in your industry. Engage with their posts, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to increase your visibility and network opportunities.
3. Look for new job opportunities: Once your profile is complete and your network is established, it’s time to start looking for job opportunities. You can use the LinkedIn job search feature to filter jobs by location, industry, job function, and more. 

You can also set up job alerts to receive notifications when new jobs that match your preferences are posted. LinkedIn also has an “Easy Apply” feature that allows you to apply for some job openings with a couple of clicks without having to fill in a long form on the company’s website.

1. Research: When you find a job that interests you, thoroughly research the company and the job requirements. Tailor your resume and cover letter to align with the job posting, and then apply directly through LinkedIn. Many companies have pre-filled application forms on the platform, making the application process quick and easy.
2. Follow up: After applying, don’t forget to follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager. You can send them a personalized message expressing your interest in the role and your qualifications, or you can request to connect with them on LinkedIn.

What is the best way to network on LinkedIn?

Connection requests

Connection requests are the initial step in building a professional network on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. When sending a connection request, it is important to customize the message and explain why you would like to connect with the recipient. This personalized approach can significantly increase the likelihood of the recipient accepting your request.

While it may be tempting to send connection requests to as many people as possible in the hopes of expanding your network, it is important to be selective. Sending connection requests to individuals with whom you have a genuine professional connection or shared interests will result in a more meaningful and valuable network.

Additionally, it is important to follow up on connection requests. If your request is accepted, take the time to thank the individual for connecting with you and perhaps even suggest a conversation or meeting to further discuss shared professional interests.

Overall, connection requests are the first step in building a robust professional network, and taking a personalized and strategic approach can result in a more valuable and meaningful network.

LinkedIn searches

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professionals looking to connect with others in their industry and expand their network. One of the key features of LinkedIn is the search function, which allows users to find and connect with people, companies, and groups that align with their professional goals and interests.

There are two main types of searches on LinkedIn: people and jobs. When searching for people, users can filter their results by location, industry, company, and more. This can be incredibly useful for finding potential mentors, clients, or industry peers. Users can also see how they are connected to the person they are searching for, making it easy to request an introduction or reach out directly.

LinkedIn’s job search feature is also a valuable tool for professionals looking for new opportunities. Users can search for jobs by keyword, location, company, and industry, and can set up alerts for new job postings that match their criteria. This makes it easy to stay up to date on relevant job opportunities and be one of the first to apply.

Both types of searches on LinkedIn can be powerful tools for professionals looking to expand their network, find new opportunities, and advance their career. By utilizing the search function on LinkedIn, users can take control of their professional development and connect with the people and opportunities that can help them achieve their goals.

‘People you may know’ section

The ‘People you may know’ section on social media platforms has become a common feature that aims to connect users with others in their network. This section suggests potential connections based on mutual friends, shared interests, and other factors, allowing users to expand their social circle and professional network.

One of the key benefits of the ‘People you may know’ section is its ability to help users reconnect with old friends or colleagues. By suggesting people who share mutual connections, users are able to rediscover relationships that may have faded over time. This can be especially meaningful for individuals who have moved to new cities or lost touch with key figures in their lives.

Additionally, the section plays a crucial role in expanding a user’s network by introducing them to individuals with similar interests or professional backgrounds. By suggesting potential connections based on shared interests or mutual connections, the ‘People you may know’ section facilitates the growth of a user’s social and professional circle. This can be particularly valuable for individuals looking to expand their professional network and connect with like-minded individuals.

However, the ‘People you may know’ section has also been subject to criticism, particularly around privacy concerns and the potential for unwanted connections. Some users have expressed discomfort at the platform’s ability to suggest connections based on their activity and information, raising questions about the boundaries of privacy and consent. Use the ‘People you may know’ discreetly. 

LinkedIn events

LinkedIn has become more than just a platform for professionals to connect and network. With the introduction of LinkedIn events, the platform has become a versatile tool for organizing and promoting professional gatherings and networking opportunities.

LinkedIn events allow users to create and manage events directly on the platform, making it easy to reach a targeted audience of professionals. Whether it’s a virtual webinar, a networking meetup, or a conference, LinkedIn events provide a centralized hub for event information, registration, and communication.

One of the key benefits of using LinkedIn events is the ability to leverage the platform’s vast network of professionals. By creating an event on LinkedIn, organizers can tap into their existing connections and reach a wider audience through shared connections and recommendations. This can help drive attendance and create a buzz around the event within the professional community.

LinkedIn events also provide a seamless registration process for attendees, making it easier for organizers to manage RSVPs and track attendance. With the ability to send personalized invites and reminders, organizers can ensure a high turnout for their events.

LinkedIn groups

LinkedIn groups are a valuable resource for professionals looking to connect with like-minded individuals, share industry insights, and expand their professional network. With thousands of groups covering a wide range of topics and industries, there is something for everyone on LinkedIn.

One of the biggest benefits of joining a LinkedIn group is the ability to engage in meaningful discussions with peers who have similar interests and experiences. These groups provide a platform for members to share their expertise, ask questions, and seek advice from others in their field. This can be extremely helpful for professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in their industry.

Members can connect with other professionals in their field, potentially leading to new partnerships, business opportunities, or even job offers. Being active in a LinkedIn group can help professionals establish themselves as thought leaders and experts in their industry, increasing their visibility and credibility among their peers.