How TO: Searching Job Search Using LinkedIn

Recently, LinkedIn introduced LinkedIn Skills to help users searching for specific skill. LinkedIn is undoubtedly the leader for professional networking, though Facebook and Twitter are not lagging behind. For recruiters globally, social network recruiting has become a mainstream channel for employers who need access to talent. If you want to optimize your LinkedIn profile for job searching, WITS ZEN re-visit the “How To” job search process in Linkedin.

You can download an ebook on “Leveraging Social Networking Sites for Job Opportunities.

How to Use LinkedIn for Job Search

• Create a Profile. Create a detailed profile on LinkedIn, including employment (current and past), education, industry, and web sites. Be sure that your profile is up-to-date with your latest work information and you have a well-written summary that touches on your experience, interests, and where you’d like to go.
  • Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
  • Users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn!

• Consider a Photo. You can add a photo (a headshot is recommended or upload a larger photo and edit it) to your LinkedIn profile.
• Keywords and Skills. Include all your resume keywords and skills in your profile, so your profile will be found. One of the most common ways that recruiters and hiring managers search for job candidates is by entering relevant keywords into LinkedIn’s search engine. In order to show up in these searches, your profile has to contain the right keywords for the position you want.
  • How to find these keywords: To find these magic words, research the profiles of people who have the job you want as well as the job listings for the positions you desire. What words show up the most frequently in both places? These are probably some of the keywords recruiters are using.
  • For example, if you are interested in a job selling advertising for websites, look at the LinkedIn profiles of people who have job titles such as “online advertising manager” or “director of interactive sales.” Then, find the words that appear commonly in these profiles, such as “digital ad sales,” “online advertising,” “new media” or “web sales.”
  • Smart job seekers then sprinkle these words throughout their own profiles (assuming they accurately reflect your skills and experience, of course). Good places to include keywords in your LinkedIn profile are in your profile title, the Summary section, the Specialties area and throughout the descriptions beneath each position you list in your Experience section.
• Build Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have. Your first step is to Import your address book and add those trusted connections who are already on LinkedIn. To complete your network, invite the contacts that are not on LinkedIn to join.
• Join Groups. LinkedIn has some 500,000 Groups, all of which can be found in the Groups section of the site, and you can join one or several to network with folks who share your professional interests.
• Get Recommendations. Recommendations from people you have worked with carry a lot of weight. When you’re a Group member, you can participate in online discussions, contact other group members for one-on-one conversation, and expand your LinkedIn network. Once again, be careful not to invite people to join your network willy-nilly. Soliciting strangers can get you in the LinkedIn doghouse. Make invitations thoughtfully.
• Search Jobs. Use the job search section to find job listings. LinkedIn Jobs has thousands of job listings for each category. You can search using keywords, title, company, and location to find the perfect opportunity for you.
  • Filter thousands of job postings by location, company, date posted and more.
  • See who posted the job and how you’re connected to them or others at the company.
  • Apply for many jobs directly through LinkedIn with just your profile.
• Use Answers. The Answers section of LinkedIn is a good way to increase your visibility and to share business knowledge. Respond to questions, and ask a question if you need information or assistance.
  • Ask your question and get fast, accurate answers from your network and other experts worldwide
  • Showcase your knowledge, expertise, and interests by answering questions
  • Stay up on the latest in your industry and functional area

Stand Out Among Job Seekers. Stay Ahead of Competitive Job Market.