Tips For Finding A Job On LinkedIn

Sites include LinkedIn.com . Published on September 22nd, 2011. Written by Tony Smith.

With an average of over 25 million visitors per month, the potential job opportunities on LinkedIn are too numerous to ignore. However, finding a job on LinkedIn isn’t a passive process. You can’t just upload your resume and hope employers find you. Like any social media website, you have to actively network on LinkedIn.

Profile

Your profile should be 100% complete. And, yes, that includes your photo too. Don’t just fill out your employment information. Fill out your summary, education, and personal information as well. Include a link to your website or blog if it’s relevant to the type of job you’re seeking. If not, skip the link. The single biggest problem LinkedIn job searchers have is that their profile isn’t complete enough to pique employers’ interest. Stand out from the crowd and make your profile as interesting as possible.

Connections

Find as many connections on LinkedIn as you possibly can. The best choices are people you’ve worked with previously or currently work with, but even friends and family make good connections too. The more connections you have, the more visible your profile will be to potential employers. Almost every connection you can make is a good one unless there is the likelihood that the person will say something negative about you. If you suspect you’re on shaky ground with someone, it’s best not to connect with them on LinkedIn.

Recommendations

The easiest way to get glowing recommendations from other LinkedIn users is to write one for them first. People, more often than not, will respond by writing a recommendation for you. If after a week or so, someone you wrote a recommendation for hasn’t written one back, simply click the “Ask for recommendations” link and ask for one. Many people get busy with their own routine, or don’t check LinkedIn that often, and forget to write a recommendation back. It never hurts to ask as long as you are polite about it.

Groups

Find groups that are related to your field or the field you’re pursuing a job in. Join the groups and participate in discussions. At first it may seem frustrating that many of the people and job opportunities you see are in other parts of the country, but you never know when you might encounter someone who knows someone that can help you out in your area. Always be professional and courteous in group discussion. Answer questions and don’t be afraid to show off your expertise. Someone who likes your answers may contact you out of the blue about a job opportunity.

The most important thing to remember about LinkedIn is that it is a professional network. Don’t treat it like Facebook or Twitter. Sharing too much personal information isn’t necessary or appropriate. You should always conduct yourself on LinkedIn just as you would if you were standing in front of your supervisor. LinkedIn is a great resource for job seekers, but you have to enthusiastically participate and draw the right kind of attention to yourself.