Job Search Using LinkedIn

Hidden Job MarketUsing LinkedIn as a part of your job search can involve way more than just perusing the opening listings on the site’s jobs page. Your existing LinkedIn network also serves as a valuable resource to help you find a job when you’re unemployed or looking to leave your current position.

To maximize on your LinkedIn contacts, just follow these easy tips.

  • Update your profile. If you recently lost your job, make sure you change your profile to reflect this. When LinkedIn sends out its contact update email that week, your network will be informed about your change in job status. As a result, colleagues and friends may contact you with opportunities.
  • Ask for introductions. Take a look at the networks for each of your contacts and see whom they know. Look for recruiters, HR personnel and business owners and executives at companies in fields related to your occupation. When you spot people whom you want to meet, message your contact and ask them to send an introduction on your behalf. Then, follow up by messaging the person and requesting a meeting.
  • Find connections. If there’s a company that you’d love to get an interview at, conduct a search for its name and look at the company page. You’ll be able to see the employees of the company with whom you have connections. By using your network for introductions, you can meet these individuals and get your foot in the door.

If you’ve never used LinkedIn before, don’t fret. The social media site has search tools to help you quickly locate people you know and start forming a network.

You can even link your other social media accounts and email address to LinkedIn to spot people that you know, meaning you’ll quickly be ready to put your network to use for finding a job.

For more information on using Linked In for Job Search, download the Gateway Guide.

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