How to use LinkedIn effectively?

The basics of LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a popular, professional social networking site. More and more businesses & recruiters are using LinkedIn to screen and recruit potential employees, but also it allows candidates to build up a network of professionals, expanding your reach and visibility for potential job opportunities.

How should I use LinkedIn?

• Keep Your Profile Up to Date - Regularly update your profile with a professional photo, current skills, and objectives. This makes your profile searchable for recruiters and hiring managers. Treat your LinkedIn profile as a dynamic CV.
• Networking - Reconnect with former colleagues and start building new connections. Make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date. Recruiters may want to reach out via email, text, or even call you in person to discuss potential job opportunities.
• Set Privacy Settings for Public Visibility - If you want your profile to be found, set your privacy settings to be open to the public.
• Use LinkedIn as a Job Search Tool – Build up your network, make connections and reach out to professionals that can support you.
• Announce Your Availability – Update your headline status, flick the switch on your ‘Open to Work’ so recruiters and hiring managers notice you, however it may be best directly selecting recruiters to reach out to as you can get deluged with messages.
• Follow Companies - Research and follow companies you're interested in.
• Use Advanced Search - Utilise LinkedIn's Advanced Search feature to find connections associated with your ideal job opportunities.
• Replying to Messages – It maybe that you get messaged daily from recruiters. Most of these are targeting from your skillset, even if it is a simple “no” ensuring your get back to them is imperative, as you never know you might want to use them longer-term.
• Research Your Future Boss and Executive Team - Before interviews, use LinkedIn to learn about the hiring managers and interviewers.
• Ask for Recommendations - Recommendations and endorsements are key to making your LinkedIn profile stand out. Employers want to know that others have approved of your work. Providing recommendations to others first can increase the chances of getting them for yourself.

LinkedIn has revolutionised the way professionals approach a job search, network with fellow professionals and offering professional development opportunities. Whether you are actively seeking a new job now or not, the platform can unlock your full potential and seize future career opportunities.

How do recruiters use LinkedIn?

It is often believed recruiters spend all their working days on LinkedIn, which for some maybe true! Recruiters have access to different tools to identify and engage with candidates.

• LinkedIn Profiles - Recruiters look for candidates with well-optimised LinkedIn profiles that clearly showcase their skills, experience, and professional network. A strong profile can significantly enhance a candidate's visibility and chances of being noticed.
• LinkedIn Recruiter - LinkedIn Recruiter is a premium service that provides advanced search features, candidate insights, and messaging tools. It allows recruiters to save searches, track candidates, and send personalised messages directly through the platform, making it easier to engaged with potential candidates
• Engaging with Potential Candidates - Recruiters actively engage with potential candidates on LinkedIn. This includes responding promptly to messages and connection requests, which can make a positive impression and increase the chances of being considered for a position.
• Using Keywords and Filters - Recruiters use specific keywords related to the job they are trying to fill, such as job titles, skills, industry keywords, and location.
• Leveraging "Open to Work" Profiles and Social Profile Tags - The #OpenToWork feature and "Open to New Opportunities" icon on LinkedIn profiles help recruiters find candidates who are actively looking for new job opportunities. This feature allows recruiters to discover potential candidates based on their interests, job preferences, and willingness to relocate.
• Developing a Keyword-Rich LinkedIn Profile - Recruiters also look for profiles with keyword-rich LinkedIn profiles. Like a CV, it is crucial to incorporate relevant key words into your profile to maximise the reach and visibility.
• Reaching out to Recruiters – A recruiter’s inbox is always open, whether it be a general question, or you want to have a chat to understand more about the process of a potential job search. We are always open to help and support any candidates in any way possible.

Concluding Thoughts…

LinkedIn has revolutionised the way working professionals approach job searching, networking and career development. By maximising your presence on LinkedIn, you open up opportunities to expand your network, showcase your skillset, access job vacancies and engage with recruiters.  Seize the potential of LinkedIn.

If you would like a free, LinkedIn profile audit, with one of our team then please request a call using the button below.