How to use Linkedin to support your job search

Take care of your profile

Your LinkedIn profile could be considered your online visible and searchable CV, so you need to make sure it is well written and accurate to ensure that you come across well. It needs to advertise you at your best. Make sure you use the right language and key words for your industry or skill set as employers and recruitment agents search on these words just like they do in Google. It can help  you to raise your profile and showcase your skills and experience – and potentially result in your being headhunted.

Regularly update your profile

It is really important to keep your profile up to date – adding any new skills and experience as you obtain it. There are great options to add for skills, endorsements and projects and these will all appear in your connection’s news feed – keeping  you front of mind and encouraging new people to connect with you.

Ask for recommendations

Recommendations are a great way to raise your profile and add credibility. It will help enhance your chances of success with recruiters or head hunters. You can request recommendations from former colleagues, employers or even associates and suppliers you have worked with on projects.

Follow the right companies

Employers are increasingly using LinkedIn for advertising so follow the companies you might be interested in working for so you know straight away when a position becomes available.

Join the right groups

You should try to join groups relating to your industry so you are up to date with any changes or talking points which will be beneficial in interviews. It is also a great way to network and raise your profile in your industry.

Connect with people on web browser

If you want to make new connections, try to do this via a web browser not your phone or tablet – as this allows you to write a short message when making the connection such as: ‘it was great meeting with you the other day‘. The standard invite makes it look like you have not really made an effort to connect with someone and they are less likely to remember you.

Comments make you visible

Become active in your network by making comments on posts which will get you noticed within your field.

Consistency, with personality

Being consistent with your CV and LinkedIn profile is important as employers will check your profile to see what you are like. However, a LinkedIn profile is not a carbon copy and should be presented differently with the same substance. It should show your personality but be professional at all times.

Your status

If appropriate to do so i.e. you have already handed in your notice or you are on garden leave update your status to ‘currently seeking new opportunities’ so your connections know you are looking and employers can search for you this way under your industry.

We hope that helps and good luck!

The CV Guru is a leading service provider of professionally written CVs, LinkedIn Profiles, cover letters and they also provide specialist consultancy services.  The CV Guru has over 10 years’ experience in recruitment and employment-related services covering a wealth of industries.  Having been a professional employment consultant for several years, the CV Guru has provided professional advice covering everything from professional CV/LinkedIn writing, effective job searching, interview skills and preparation, presentation techniques, and general professional coaching.

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