How to use LinkedIn Effectively for Job Search: Top 10 Ways

According to a report, 61 million people search for jobs on LinkedIn Weekly.

And this number is rapidly increasing.

Now is the time for you to leverage LinkedIn for your job search.

Welcome to part 3 of our LinkedIn guides, where we'll delve into the secrets of how to get a job through LinkedIn. 

But before we jump in, I highly suggest you check out the first two parts of the LinkedIn series. 

👉 Part 1 - How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out: With Examples

👉 Part 2 - 9 Ways to Increase Visibility to Recruiters on LinkedIn

In the first part, we give you an in-depth guide on how to create a LinkedIn profile that truly stands out. 

And in the second part, we share some fantastic tips to boost your visibility to recruiters.

Now that you have set up your LinkedIn profile, it's time to learn how to use LinkedIn effectively for job search.

We'll also explore its many features including hidden gems like the "Alumni tool" and "Open to Work". 

Looking to boost your LinkedIn presence for a successful job search? Find a mentor and start with a free session! 🚀

1. Optimise your LinkedIn profile

The first step in your job search is to have an optimised LinkedIn profile.

Here are some good practices for profile optimisation:

• Use a professional profile picture
• Add a catchy headline that tells people what you do and what you're looking for 
• Make the most of the About section by highlighting your strengths
• List work experience with roles and responsibilities, and use numbers and metrics wherever applicable
• Complete the profile by filling out all the relevant sections like education, skills, certifications, etc.

Don’t forget to use keywords throughout your profile.

Why? 

Because many recruiters search for candidates using specific keywords related to the job they're trying to fill. 

If you include those keywords in your profile, you're more likely to show up in their search results. 

So, think about the skills, tools, and industry-specific terms that are important for the job you want, and add them strategically. Make it easy for employers to see why you're the perfect fit for their team.

With an optimised profile and the right keywords, you'll increase your chances of landing that dream job. 🌟

2. Build and expand your network

You can connect with colleagues, classmates, friends, and even professionals you meet at events or conferences. 

When you send a connection request, you don't have to be too formal! 

Keep it friendly and straightforward.

The key is to personalise your connection requests.  

Instead of using the default message, include a brief note reminding the person where you met or mentioning common interests. 

It shows that you genuinely want to connect and not just randomly adding contacts.

Expanding your network on LinkedIn opens up new opportunities for you. 

When you connect with someone, you can see their updates and posts, and they can see yours. 

💡 This means that when you share valuable content or insights, your network can engage with it, giving you more visibility.

Also, when you have a robust network, you increase your chances of coming across job openings and career opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. 

Sometimes, a connection might share a job posting on their feed, and you could be the first to know about it!

Lastly, building relationships with people in your industry or desired field can lead to referrals. 

Let's say you're searching for a job in software development, and one of your connections works at a company that's hiring. 

If they know you well and think you'd be a good fit, they might refer you for the position, giving you an advantage over other applicants.

Recommended Reading: Unlocking Career Success: The Power of Your Mentor's Network

3. Follow companies of interest

When you "follow" a company's LinkedIn page, it means you'll receive updates, news, and even job postings from that company in your feed.

To find and follow a company on LinkedIn, simply

• Type the company's name in the search bar
• Select their official page from the results
• Click the "Follow" button

For example, if you are targeting Google, you can visit their LinkedIn company page and follow them. 

Now, whenever Google posts something new – whether it's a new product launch, a company event, or a job opening – you'll see it in your LinkedIn feed.

Following companies of interest is beneficial for a few reasons:

✅ Stay Informed: 

By following companies you like, you'll be up-to-date with their latest happenings. 

This can be crucial when you're applying for a job at the company, as you'll have relevant knowledge to discuss during interviews.

✅ Job Postings: 

Many companies use their LinkedIn pages to post job openings.

Following their page ensures you won't miss out on any job opportunities they announce.

✅ Company Culture: 

Following a company on LinkedIn can give you insights into its culture, values, and employee engagement. 

This knowledge can help you tailor your applications and interviews to align with the company's ethos.

4. Utilise the LinkedIn job search feature

The "Jobs" feature on LinkedIn is a powerful tool that helps you find job opportunities tailored to your interests and qualifications. 

It's a job search engine but with the added advantage of connecting you directly to potential employers and companies.

The main function of the "Jobs" feature is to help you search for job openings based on your preferences. 

You can access it by clicking on the "Jobs" tab in the top navigation bar on the LinkedIn website or mobile app.

Example: Let's say you're a software engineer looking for a remote position in web development. 

You can use the "Jobs" feature to search for "Web Developer" jobs and apply location filters to find remote opportunities.

💡 LinkedIn allows you to use various filters to refine your job search even further. 

Advanced Search Filters: 

You can specify the job title, location, company, industry, experience level, and even the date the job was posted. 

These filters help you find the most relevant job listings quickly.

Example: You want to find entry-level developer positions in Mumbai. You can use the advanced search filters to look for "Web developer" or "Software Developer" roles in the "Mumbai Area."

You can also turn on LinkedIn job alerts to get notified of jobs matching your preferences.

Job Recommendations: 

LinkedIn also provides personalised job recommendations based on your profile information, connections, and job search history. 

These recommendations can be found on the "Jobs" homepage.

Example: If you've worked as a Digital Marketer in the past and have relevant skills listed on your profile, LinkedIn may suggest similar positions at companies you might be interested in.

You can also save jobs if you want to apply later. 

Now how to check applied and saved jobs on LinkedIn? 🤔

Simply click on the Jobs icon and you’ll be able to see the option “My Jobs” on the left-hand side.

Here you can find all your saved and applied jobs.

5. Use LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" feature

This feature streamlines the job application process. 

You can apply quickly and conveniently to job openings directly through LinkedIn.

Suppose, you come across a job listing that interests you while scrolling through LinkedIn. 

Instead of clicking on the job posting and being redirected to an external website, you may see an "Easy Apply" button right there on the job post. 

Here's how this feature works:

🎯 One-Click Application: 

With "Easy Apply," you can submit your application with just a few clicks, saving you time and effort. 

When you click on the "Easy Apply" button, a small window or pop-up will appear.

It will prompt you to review your profile and make any necessary updates before applying.

🎯 Pre-Filled Information: 

The application form will be automatically filled with the relevant information from your LinkedIn profile.

You may need to fill in additional questions or provide a brief cover letter, depending on the employer's requirements.

🎯 Resume Upload: 

You'll have the option to upload your resume if it's not already available on your LinkedIn profile. 

Ensure your resume is up-to-date and customised for the job you want.

Remember, while "Easy Apply" is a fantastic feature for efficiency, it's still important to tailor your application. 

6. Monitor your profile visibility

Monitoring your profile visibility is an important step to using LinkedIn effectively for job search. 

Using this, you are letting recruiters and hiring managers know you're open to new opportunities discreetly. 

You can signal your interest through LinkedIn's "Open to" section.

Here's how you can do it:

⭐ Go to your LinkedIn profile: Log in to your LinkedIn account and click on your profile picture to access your profile.

⭐ Click on "Open to": Scroll down your profile page and click on the blue button that says "Open to."

⭐ Choose "Finding a new job": From the dropdown menu, select "Finding a new job" and LinkedIn will take you to a new section.

⭐ Update your preferences: Specify your job preferences, such as the type of roles you're interested in, your preferred locations, and your availability.

Example: Let's say you're a graphic designer based in Mumbai, and you're open to remote opportunities or jobs in this area. 

You can set your preferences to "Graphic Designer" as the job title and choose both "Remote" and "Mumbai" as your location preferences.

⭐ Let recruiters know you're open: Scroll down, you’ll see two options. Click on “Recruiters only”.

This feature privately alerts recruiters that you're open to new job opportunities. 

They can reach out to you with relevant job offers.

⭐ Save your settings: Once you've set your preferences, click the "Save" button to update your profile.

Rest assured that this information is not shared with your current employer or anyone outside of LinkedIn.

Remember that being open to new opportunities can lead to increased interest from recruiters. 

So make sure your profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills and experiences effectively.

👀 Want to maximise your job-hunting potential on LinkedIn? Try out a FREE 1:1 call with an industry mentor!

7. Utilise the Alumni tool

This tool helps you connect with people who have graduated from the same educational institution as you.

It's a fantastic way to tap into a network of like-minded professionals who share a common background.

Here’s how to use the Alumni Tool for your LinkedIn job search:

Step 1: Access the Alumni Tool 

Go to your LinkedIn homepage and search for your school/college/university.

Open the page and click on the Alumni option.

Step 2: Explore Your Alumni Network 

Once you're on the Alumni page, you'll see a list of people who attended the same school as you did.

You can filter the results based on where they live, where they work, what they do, and what they studied.

Step 3: Connect and Engage 

Browse through the profiles of fellow alumni to find those who are working in industries or companies you're interested in. 

Look for individuals with roles you aspire to or who can provide helpful career advice.

Don't hesitate to reach out and connect with them!

Remember, alumni connections often have a unique bond and are more likely to help fellow graduates. 

So, don't miss out on this fantastic feature to boost your career prospects!

8. Be consistent and active

Being consistent and active on LinkedIn means regularly engaging with the platform.

💡 This means posting updates, sharing content, and interacting with others to stay visible. 

It's like staying in the loop and making sure you're visible to potential employers and your network.

Here's how you can do it:

💡 Post Updates: 

Share updates on your LinkedIn feed to let your network know what you're up to professionally. 

It could be a recent project you worked on, a new skill you've acquired, or a milestone you've achieved. 

Posting updates helps keep your network informed about your expertise and accomplishments.

Example: If you're a graphic designer, you could showcase your latest design work and ask for feedback from your connections.

💡 Share Industry Insights: 

Demonstrate your knowledge and passion for your field by sharing interesting articles, trends, or industry news. 

This shows that you're engaged and informed about the latest happenings in your industry.

💡 Engage with Others: 

Don't be a wallflower; engage with other people's content by liking, commenting, or sharing. 

When you come across a post that resonates with you, leave a thoughtful comment or ask a question to spark a discussion.

Example: If a connection shares a post about their promotion, congratulate them.

💡 Join and Participate in Groups: 

Being part of LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or interests allows you to connect with like-minded professionals. 

Engage in discussions and share your expertise to establish yourself as an active member of the community.

Example: If you're a software developer, join groups focused on specific programming languages or software development best practices. Contribute to discussions by offering solutions to common coding challenges.

By being consistent and active on LinkedIn, you stay on the radar of your connections and potential employers. 

It shows that you're enthusiastic about your field and open to networking and collaboration. 

Plus, the more you engage, the more likely your content will be visible to a wider audience. 🌟

This increases your chances of making valuable connections and getting a job using LinkedIn. 

9. Leverage LinkedIn's “Open to Work” feature

The "Open to Work" feature on LinkedIn is like wearing a badge that says, "Hey, I'm looking for job opportunities!"

It's a visual signal that tells anyone who visits your profile that you're currently seeking job opportunities.

You just need to the "Open to Work" frame to your profile picture.

Here's how you can do it:

• Go to the “Open to” option in your profile 
• Select “Finding a new job” from the drop-down list
• Scroll down on the pop-up and select “All LinkedIn Members”

You can also mention the same in your headline. 

It is the short blurb right under your name on your profile.

It's the first thing people see when visiting your LinkedIn profile.

Example: If you're an accountant seeking a job, you can write something like, "Experienced Accountant | Open to New Opportunities."

By using the "Open to Work" feature, you let recruiters and your network know that you're actively on the lookout for a new job. 

Remember, using the "Open to Work" feature doesn't guarantee you'll get job offers left and right.

But it does increase your visibility to the recruiters and puts you on the radar.

10. Follow recruiters and HR professionals

Recruiters and HR professionals play a crucial role in the hiring process. 

They are the ones who search for candidates, review resumes, and conduct interviews. 

So, connecting with them on LinkedIn can be a smart move to get a job through LinkedIn.

Now, why is this important?

When you follow them, you get to know what companies they represent and the kind of positions they hire for. 

Plus, you'll stay updated on job openings and company updates they might share on their LinkedIn profiles.

Start by identifying the companies you want to work for or the industries you're interested in.

Then, search for recruiters and HR professionals working in those companies or industries on LinkedIn.

Example: Let's say you're keen on landing a job in the tech industry. 

Look up related companies and search for their HR managers or recruiters on LinkedIn. 

You might find someone like "Elton Smith - HR Manager at XYZ."

Once you find them, click on their profiles and hit the "Follow" button to stay connected with their updates.

💡 When you see their posts or articles related to job hunting tips, company news, or industry trends, engage with the content. 

You can do this by liking, commenting, or sharing their posts.

If you feel confident, you can also send a personalised message to the recruiter or HR.

You can express your interest in their company and your desire to work there. 

Be genuine and polite in your message.

Example:

"Hi Elton, I hope this message finds you well.

I've been following your updates on XYZ, and I'm really impressed with the work the company is doing in the tech industry.

I'm actively seeking opportunities in this field, and I'd be thrilled to be considered for any relevant openings. Thank you for your time! - Your Name"

📌 Don't be pushy or overly aggressive. 

Building a positive and professional online presence is key. 

Recruiters and HR professionals appreciate genuine connections and enthusiasm. 🌟

Wrapping it up

Using LinkedIn effectively for job search goes beyond having a great profile.

With a whopping 930 million users, you have to plan carefully and invest some time on the app to get noticed.

To increase your chances, dedicate time and effort to building meaningful connections with professionals in your industry. 

At the end of the day, it's also a social media platform. 

And just like any other, being social and spending time on the app is crucial to making the most of it.

However, don’t feel bad if you are not seeing the results right away. 

The LinkedIn algorithm might take a little while to catch up with your changes.

But once you follow the above LinkedIn job search tips, you're on the right track to improving your LinkedIn presence and maximising your job search potential.

So, keep networking, engaging, and refining your profile. 🙌

Utilise all the features LinkedIn offers. 

Stay proactive, and before you know it, you may find exciting new job opportunities coming your way. 🚀

🌟 ‍Elevate your LinkedIn presence with personalised mentorship. Get Started Today with a FREE Call!

Recommended Readings:

How Can a Mentor Help You Get Placed in Your Dream Company?

How a mentor can help you with your job search?