Many people, who use LinkedIn to find work, will ONLY use the job search function. With a global reach of hundreds of millions (LinkedIn infographic by OnlineColleges.com), There’s no question that LinkedIn is the biggest and most popular professional network in the world.
When it comes to job searching on LinkedIn, many don’t realize that by using ONLY the job search function, you are severely limiting your opportunities and your ability to find your dream job.
Build Your Personal Brand
Your brand is what people think of when they think of you. When we think of someone such as Oprah Winfrey or Tiger Woods it is easy to recognize that their name has value. If Oprah for example recommends a particular product then hundreds of thousands of people will purchase it on this recommendation alone.
Unlike a traditional resume where you need to try and fit all of the information about yourself and your experience into a limited space, LinkedIn allows you the room to add whatever you want to your profile. You can include links to your personal website or blog or to your twitter account.
Also unlike a traditional resume, your LinkedIn brand is interactive and engaging. It develops over time through the way that you interact with other people in your network.
The first step to developing your brand should be too make sure that your profile is complete and as perfect as possible. That means removing any spelling mistakes or anything else that would make you look unprofessional. One of the best way to re-brand job prospect is by professionally restructuring your Resume. Discover the Secrets of Using LinkedIn to get a head start and find the Job opportunity you’ve always Wanted! For more information on the best resume that sky rockets your job success click here.
Target Companies
Most people have a company that they would love to work for. Luckily LinkedIn makes it much easier to find work at your dream company. The first step should be to perform an advanced search amongst your connections to see if they have this company in their profile.
You can then reach out to these connections and see if they know about any opportunities that maybe available at the company.
Even those who have worked for that company in the past can often provide an introduction to the right people. If you don’t have anyone amongst your own connections that has an association with your dream company then you can choose to follow it.
To do this simply click on the “search companies” tab and then once you have found the company that you want to work for click on follow. This will allow you to keep up with any news that is affecting that company and if there are any job opportunities available.
Use LinkedIn Answers
Another very good way to gain visibility amongst employers on LinkedIn is through LinkedIn Answers. This section of the site allows you to post questions and to answer other people’s questions. Answering questions well will establish you as a thought leader in your industry and demonstrate your expertise.
The person who posts a question will choose one of the answers as the best answer.
If you have your answer selected then it will be shown on your profile which will further help to demonstrate your expertise when someone visits. When answering questions it is better to answer fewer questions but to answer them in greater depth.
If you look at many of the answers you will notice that many of them are fairly superficial. If you provide a lengthier answer yours will stand out.
Leverage Your LinkedIn Groups
Groups are a great way to stand out and to attract potential employers. There are tens of thousands of different groups on LinkedIn focused on every kind of occupation and industry that you can imagine. And if you do not find a group which is catering to your own specific area you can always start your own.
As with LinkedIn answers when you provide valuable content which helps people you will stand out and attract potential employers.
Final LinkedIn Tips
1. Find which companies hire people like you. In order to find a job with the right company you first need to know who actually hires people like you. To do this use the advanced search to look for people in your locality that have the same qualifications as you do. Then see what companies they are currently working for and who they have worked for in the past.
2. Follow the company. Make a list of five to ten companies that you would love to work for. Then click on the company tab on the top toolbar. Use the company search to find the companies. Beneath the company description is a follow button. By following the company you will be updated whenever positions become available at this company.
3. Use Your Network. Search through your network to see if anybody has the name of the company that you want to work for in their profile. Even if they are no longer working there you can still ask them recommend you to someone who is currently working at the company.
4. Get Advice. Using your network find someone who has already had the job that you are hoping to do. Ask them what they needed to do to prepare themselves for the position. Did they need extra qualifications? How did they present themselves? This is invaluable information you can use to mold your own application for the job.
Take the time and explore LinkedIn, you’ll be surprised what you can find that could help you improve your personal brand and ultimately help you find your dream job.
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