Leveraging LinkedIn for Your Job Search

RyanS_OP_Blog_LinkedIn Sept 2018

Do Recruiters look at your LinkedIn? Yes.

Recruiters are using LinkedIn on a daily basis to find and message you; not to annoy you, believe it or not. From keeping up-to-date with the whereabouts of former colleagues and classmates to accessing interesting articles and finding networking groups, LinkedIn offers a lot, but most importantly, you can leverage LinkedIn for your job search and you should.

Despite LinkedIn’s popularity and benefits, I often run into professionals who aren’t on or haven’t updated their profile in a while, and I get it.

What I don’t get is when you are actively looking for work and aren’t actively present on LinkedIn. Let’s get you there! I put together three simple steps you can do right now to narrow your search and stand out.

Tips for the LinkedIn Minimalist to get “Hire Me” Ready

1. Update that profile 

A comprehensive profile will help you get noticed.

Be sure that your current company and your current position are listed. Include details on your role to give an idea of what you’re doing on the day-to-day. This doesn’t have to be quite as detailed as your resume, but remember that this can help you get noticed just as much, so put the time in.

Work on your “skills” section. Recruiters use keywords to look for qualified individuals for jobs. The more keywords you have on your profile, the more likely you are to show up in these searches.

Change your profile setting to “open to new opportunities.” Don’t worry, people at your current company can’t see this, and LinkedIn will put you at the top of Recruiter’s searches, increasing the number of messages you’ll get about new opportunities.   

open to opps_LinkedIn_OP blog

Learn more about privately looking for a job on LinkedIn.

2. Find sweet jobs and send thoughtful messages

LinkedIn’s algorithms do a fairly good job of showing users jobs that would be a good fit for them.

Once you find a job that you think could be a good fit, it’s easy to apply on LinkedIn. Although this is a great start, you shouldn’t just stop once you click apply. Often times there is a profile that is associated with that job, either a Hiring Manager or Recruiter.

If that information is listed, feel free to connect and message that individual. Your message should be short, direct, and explain why you want the job and why you’re a good fit. This is a great way to set yourself apart and ensure that this person looks at your application.

LinkedIn RS OP blog_job poster

3. Build that network

At its core, LinkedIn is a social networking tool. Use it to look up former co-workers and classmates and stay in touch. If you meet someone in person, either at a meeting, or a networking event, or elsewhere, connect with them on LinkedIn.

Keeping relationships active on LinkedIn can be as easy as reading and liking or sharing a post of theirs.

Remember, it’s not always about what you know, but who you know. Mutual connections on LinkedIn could be the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon you need to get a warm introduction for a position you really want.

LinkedIn is a FREE and fantastic tool – use it during your job hunt and beyond.

Start making connections and unlock your full potential with minimal effort by following my three simple tips. Be sure to keep your profile updated and it can become your best friend during the job search.

Still don’t think you need to be on LinkedIn? Check out this report and fun LinkedIn facts from Omnicore. https://www.omnicoreagency.com/linkedin-statistics/


Ryan Swartzendruber, Technical Recruiter for Objective Paradigm’s Talution GroupRyan Swartzendruber, Technical Recruiter for Objective Paradigm’s Talution Group, recruits on both contract and direct hire positions in addition to his Account Manager responsibilities. Ryan’s focus is on the financial and software industries where he consistently meets clients needs by identifying and placing talent to help businesses scale. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.

Join the conversation!