Current Events > How to use and leverage LinkedIn

(+) Yeah! (+)

I see a lot of people here say they dont use their LinkedIn or it doesnt seem useful. So here are some tips Ive learned in my latest job hunt. Of course, this advice is probably most beneficial to professionals but still might help people starting out their careers too.

First: Update your profile. Fill out everything as if it were a resume. Add a picture. Add relevant skills. Look at job postings that youd want to apply to, or that are similar to your role, and add any relevant keywords you see listed there, as many as you can. This lets recruiters find you more easily.

Second: Follow companies you like. It might seem pointless but it helps to get knowledge on what they are posting about, including any job opportunities.

Third: Build your network. LinkedIn allows you to send dozens of connection invites every day. You can search and use filters. Add people who have similar jobs. Add people in positions you wish to have in the future. Add recruiters who work for companies you want to work for, or who recruit people in your field. Add hiring managers. Add folks in your city or cities you want to move to. The advantage of being a first connection is that you can message that person for free. You can message hiring managers or recruiters directly and avoid your resume getting lost in the void. Also helps you get on top of the stack so to speak.

Fourth: Join groups relevant to your interests/experience. They might post about upcoming meetups that you want to attend/jobs and it allows you to network with people with similar interests/background

For job hunting specifically:

Turn on the notification to let people know youre open to opportunities. Be specific about any titles or locations. It wont stop recruiters from ignoring that but may reduce some of the messages with crap opportunities in Saudi Arabia or whatever.

Then go through your first connections. Filter down to managers or recruiters you can reach out to immediately. If you see a posting, then try to find who that manager or recruiter is and add them. It helps to look at their companys career page and pick an actual job youre interested and let them know how you are qualified. If youre messaging a recruiter, dont just send your resume and ask if they have anything. Do your homework. They are busy and wont do it for you. Try not to message the wrong person either. Dont message a university recruiter if youre not looking for intern or new grad roles for example. Similarly, if you are in a specific kind of group, like student or veteran, try to find those specific recruiters.

Another thing you can do is run a search through posts using the Content tab. Look up how to use Booleans. Example job title AND (looking for OR seeking OR hiring). This will give you posts from people who are actively recruiting for the jobs youre looking for. Of course you can also use LinkedIn to simply find postings as well but not every company will post it there since its expensive.

Hope that helps some people. I know it doesnt work for every job out there but maybe for others.

tag
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JustMyOpinion posted...

If I turn on the notification that I'm open for job opportunities won't my boss see? Doesn't sound like something I wanna advertise.

Nope. Its only visible outside the company. LinkedIn makes sure of that. And people have to have a LinkedIn Recruiter account to even see it. Which a lot of managers dont have.

I see a lot of people here say they dont use their LinkedIn or it doesnt seem useful.

That, and it's totally a bad idea to put your name, location and job history on a website that anyone can look at. I can't believe how many folks offer all that info out for free. People are so trusting of an internet that has not earned the right to be trusted.

Also, what the heck is this? This reads like an ad. Does Cleo work for LinkedIn?

but this wont work because Im not female
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Of course, this advice is probably most beneficial to professionals

Absolutely sick burn Cleo I see this topic isnt for CE then

*ejectx*
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JustMyOpinion posted...

Is this a different feature than the one that lists interests and one of them is "career opportunities"? Because I see those sometimes.

I think youre referring to the Interested In box where you could list if you just wanted to connect or were open to hearing about opportunities. This was a feature that was disabled a while back.

What Im referring to is an actual button you can toggle on your dashboard or settings that allows recruiters to know you are open. When they run a search, they will hit up those people first so it gives them more visibility of you.

Hotel_Security posted...

Also, what the heck is this? This reads like an ad. Does Cleo work for LinkedIn?

Nope but Ive had interviews and soon a job offer doing this. Figured Id share. If its not relevant to you then thats ok. No need to get all butthurt lmao

dartman posted...

Absolutely sick burn Cleo I see this topic isnt for CE then

*ejectx*

Not at all. Just figured there would be the inevitable posts of how it doesnt apply to them.

good shit, thanks

So how do I message people.

Like for Example I want to move to Michigan. Do I just start messaging people in Michigan I don't know looking for work ?
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cjsdowg posted...

So how do I message people.

Like for Example I want to move to Michigan. Do I just start messaging people in Michigan I don't know looking for work ?

You cant message someone unless they are a first connection, unless you have a premium account which is expensive af.

What I would do is first Google search what companies I like or job postings in Michigan. Then you use the search function on LinkedIn. You can do a search for manager for example and use the filter tool to add the company and location. Then send a connection invite to the manager you think would be hiring for that job. If they accept it, then you message them. Thank them for accepting and let them know youre moving to Michigan, you saw their posting, and how youre a fit. Attach your resume and bam. Maybe they wont respond but its worth a shot.

You can do the same search for finding the recruiter. And if you cant find either then you can connect with someone who works there and ask them about it.

Do you think not having a picture hurts or doesn't matter?
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emblem boy posted...

Do you think not having a picture hurts or doesn't matter?

I dont think it actively hurts you it just doesnt help. If you have a good picture where you look professional and approachable, people are more likely to want to reach out to you versus not.

Cleo_II posted...

cjsdowg posted...

So how do I message people.

Like for Example I want to move to Michigan. Do I just start messaging people in Michigan I don't know looking for work ?

You cant message someone unless they are a first connection, unless you have a premium account which is expensive af.

What I would do is first Google search what companies I like or job postings in Michigan. Then you use the search function on LinkedIn. You can do a search for manager for example and use the filter tool to add the company and location. Then send a connection invite to the manager you think would be hiring for that job. If they accept it, then you message them. Thank them for accepting and let them know youre moving to Michigan, you saw their posting, and how youre a fit. Attach your resume and bam. Maybe they wont respond but its worth a shot.

You can do the same search for finding the recruiter. And if you cant find either then you can connect with someone who works there and ask them about it.

Thank you, I am going to try this. I hope to god that it works. I am at wits end on this job hunt.
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cjsdowg posted...

Thank you, I am going to try this. I hope to god that it works. I am at wits end on this job hunt.

Good luck! Another thing you can do is go in the settings and toggle the feature that lets recruiters know youre looking. There is a field where you can add the location youre looking for and you can put Michigan.

If youre dont care about getting relocation assistance, you can also add a line on your resume/cover letter about how youre already moving there and wont require any assistance. Some companies dont offer anything.