How to use LinkedIn to help you find a job

LinkedIn is a professional social network that is free to join. Think Facebook but for work or business. When you sign up, you create your own profile – a sort of online CV.  You can then connect with old colleagues and other people you know to help build your network and follow companies and organisations which interest you. And you can post or comment on relevant subjects. Recruiters also use LinkedIn to help find job candidates, so having a profile can boost your job prospects.

Your profile picture on LinkedIn says a lot about you, so make sure you look professional and use a head and shoulders shot. Remember, your profile picture will be seen on your LinkedIn page and in Google search results.  So, remember:

• Don’t leave the section empty
• Avoid selfies, holiday pictures and filters
• Ensure the picture is high-resolution and in focus
• Don’t post group photos or family snaps

Invite people you know to connect with you on LinkedIn, especially those you know through work or education. If you meet someone at a networking event, sending them an invitation afterwards is a good way to stay connected. Developing your network makes it easier for recruiters to find you. You can also hear about vacancies through posts from your connections.

Recruiters sometimes use LinkedIn as a tool to check your CV, so make sure your details match. Double check dates and job roles to avoid mistakes. Be sure to include relevant skills that are suitable to the roles you are looking for. This helps recruiters to match you more easily to a vacancy.

Use the summary section on your LinkedIn profile to highlight your strengths. Keep it brief and to-the-point by using keywords relevant to your industry. This is often the main way to get noticed by talent hunters, so give it some thought.

The headline is also displayed in Google’s search results.  Create a solid headline by including your industry.

Don’t underestimate the power of recommendations as they are the best social proofs that you can have on this platform. Begin by recommending others and they’ll often return the favour. Alternatively, you can ask people you’ve worked with in the past to recommend you. It’s also an easy way to remind old contacts you’re out there.

Did you know it’s it is possible to personalize URLs on almost all social media channels, including LinkedIn? Customising your LinkedIN URL to include your name will make it easier for recruiters to visit your profile.

Fill out all the sections one by one with as much relevant information as possible. These sections will highlight your potential. There are lots of different things you can include to show you are serious about your career.

Publishing posts or sharing articles written by others can help boost your visibility and personal brand. This is also a great way to show you are engaged with your industry and understand current issues and developments.

Brian Zeng is the owner of Ponbee.com which offers ideas for self-improvement and ways to achieve success. 

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