How to Leverage LinkedIn as Part of an Effective Job Search & Networking Plan

In this article I’m sharing with you how to maximise your time on LinkedIn to help you achieve the success you deserve in your job search and networking efforts.

As the largest professional networking platform, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in your job search. You need to be proactive and strategic in your use of the platform to make the most of it. Here are four tips to help you use LinkedIn proactively when networking for job search.

1. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

The first step in using LinkedIn proactively for job search is to optimise your profile. Your profile is your online professional identity and the first thing recruiters and hiring managers will see when they search for potential candidates. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, complete, and showcases your skills and experience.

Your headline and summary should accurately reflect your professional background and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your industry or job target to help recruiters find you easily. Highlight your achievements and skills, and include a professional-looking headshot.

Activate the ‘open to work’ feature and detail the types of roles you are looking for and the geographic locations where you’re available to work. Also add endorsements for your skills by asking former colleagues or connections to endorse you for skills that you want to showcase. This can help boost your credibility and increase your visibility in LinkedIn searches.

2. Reach Out to Colleagues, Potential Employers and Recruiters

The second step to using LinkedIn proactively is to build a targeted network. Focus on connecting with people who can help you achieve your career goals. This includes colleagues, alumni, mentors, industry professionals, and recruiters.

You can ask someone to join your professional network by sending them an invitation to connect. If they accept your invitation, they’ll become a 1st-degree connection. When inviting members to connect, I generally always recommend you send a personalised note to introduce yourself or add context to your relationship. When sending connection requests to people you know, use a familiar tone and reference mutual work or social experiences.

Before reaching out to potential employers, or recruiters, make sure you have a clear goal in mind. Having a clear goal will help you focus your message and make it easier for the person you are reaching out to respond. This could be to learn more about a specific company or role, to request an informational interview, or to ask about potential job openings.

LinkedIn reports that some LinkedIn members have conveyed that they don’t like receiving invitations from people they don’t know, and that they will often ignore or mark those invitations as spam. It’s therefore essential that when reaching out to potential employers and recruiters, you personalise your message and explain why you are interested in the company or role. Don’t just copy and paste a generic message to every connection or potential employer you come across. Take the time to research their background and understand their professional goals and interests. This will help you tailor your message to their specific needs and interests.

Be professional and polite, using proper grammar and spelling, addressing the person by name, and avoiding slang or informal language. Avoid using a pushy tone in your message. Instead, focus on building a genuine connection and expressing your interest in their organisation or role. Remember, your goal is to build a relationship and not to come across as desperate!

When crafting your message, make sure you are clear and concise about why you are reaching out. Explain who you are and why you are interested in connecting with them. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, and how you can add value to their organisation. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for their time and consideration.

3. Alternatives to Sending Invitations to Connect

If you do not feel comfortable sending invitations to connect to people you do not know, or you have a free LinkedIn membership and there are some restrictions on the invites you can send, there are other actions you can take. Here are two alternative and free ways to network with others, rather than inviting someone to connect:

• Follow someone to see the updates and new content that they share in your feed, and establish familiarity by interacting with their posts.
• Find and join a group that’s relevant to you, so you can meet other professionals with similar interests.

4. Engage with Your Network

As you build a targeted network, it’s essential to engage with them regularly. This means liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content related to your industry. If you feel nervous about posting your own content, that’s okay. Instead, clean up your newsfeed by following relevant industry leaders and organisations and re-post their updates with your thoughts, or comment on their updates.

This activity is visible to your connections and hiring managers and recruiters who may be viewing your profile and helps you stay top of mind with potential employers and recruiters. It also allows you to build relationships with other professionals in your industry and can lead to valuable connections and opportunities down the line.

Keep in mind that while LinkedIn is a valuable tool, it’s not a magic bullet and relationships are built over time. Be patient and remember that networking takes time and effort. With a curious nature and a proactive and strategic approach, you can use LinkedIn to make valuable connections and take your job search to the next level.