8 Ways to Use LinkedIN for Job-Hunting

In every job-hunting books that I have read, it is always mentioned that networking have the highest chance of getting a job. And it makes perfect sense since recruiter will most likely want to hire someone with a good recommendation.

LinkedIN embrace networking

And in sure bad times, recruiters have limited budget to hire and they will be very careful to make sure that they hire the best. Furthermore, you will have fierce competition with only a few opening out there and high umemployment rate.

You will need to stand out among the crowd and I believe that with LinkedIN’s features, you may be able to do that.

1. Update our profile

Your profile must be 100% complete since it’s like a resume, which will influence the recruiter to give you the interview that you want.

2. Make full use of “What are you working on?”

Tell everyone in your network that you are looking for a job or anything that is related to the kind of work that you want to do. And with the effect of networking, your friends will keep a lookout for any opportunities that suit you.

3. Getting recruiter into your network

There are many recruiters in LinkedIN and most of them are opennetworker (LION).  This means that they will accept invitation to join anyone’s network. Once they are in your network, email them to check if they have any opportunities,  which you can explore.

4. Getting recommendation

Get your friends or ex-colleagues to write a recommendation for you. But be sure to let them know that you will understand if they decline to write any for you. One of the better ways to get recommendation is to write for others first. Your friends will most likely return your kind words with a recommendation. But be sincere.

5. Using referral

If you find a job that you are interested in LinkedIN and if the recruiter knew someone in your network, don’t be afraid to ask your friend for referral.

6. Answer questions

LinkedIN has an answer section which user will ask questions regarding the industry they are in or the work that they are doing. Answer as many as you can. And if the user finds your answer good, they will rank it as a best answer.

Your answer will establish you as an expert in your field and this will help you in letting the recruiter know how good you are. But for this to work, you have to put some effort in answering the question.

7. Company research

You can research about the company that you wish to go in.  Under ‘Company’ section, it will show you who are working for that company.

Look for the hiring manager, and if you have a business account with LinkedIN (monthly subscription required), you can email them through ‘InMail’ to express your interest.

8. LinkedIN Groups

Join those LinkedIN Groups, which are specified to your industry. Widen your network and your chance of finding someone with a job for you are higher. But do participate actively in the groups, group members will then know you better and when they have any opportunities, they will think of you first.

Summary

With job seekers far more than job offers, your chance of getting a job will be a lot higher if you come up with creative ideas to showcase your capabilities and talent. So don’t just stop at LinkedIN. Try out social site like Facebook and Myspace as well. Or even set up a blog to show the world how good you are. You might be surprised at the opportunities that you get.

My LinkedIN profile is at the sidebar. Feel free to send me an invite for networking.

Related posts:

1. Top 5 Resources on Using LinkedIN
2. Best Answer in LinkedIN Answers
3. Using twitter to find a job

Tagged as: career, Career planning, career promotion, employment, self improvement, Using LinkedIN, work, working