10 Ways to Use Linkedin for Your Job Search

How can Linkedin be used in your job search and career transition? There are numerous ways the largest professional network can be utilized, but to keep this article concise I’ve narrowed it to a top 10 list:

1. Use your Linkedin profile to give you a professional presence on the Internet. Recruiters are using Linkedin to search for job candidates – and you want them to find YOU! The best way to be found is to fill out your Linkedin profile completely using keywords to describe your skills and training. See this article for more tips on How to Build an Effective Linkedin Profile.

2. Ask for recommendations from people in your Linkedin network. It’s good to have at least 3 recommendations from managers, supervisors, colleagues, people you’ve done volunteer work for, etc. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one recommendation from each job listed in the employment section of your profile. Also, give recommendations to colleagues or classmates that you’ve worked with and respect. From their profile you can write a recommendation for a job where you worked together or a school you attended together. Being the first to give goes a long way toward building relationships.

3. Find connections and build your network. The more contacts you have, the more likely your profile will come up at the top of search results. You can find people to connect with by searching your email addresses, or you can add connections through your present/past employers and education. Linkedin will help you find these connections based on your profile information (another reason to fill out your profile completely). Make it a goal to invite new connections to join your network every time you visit Linkedin.

4. Join groups on Linkedin to connect with other veterans and individuals in your career field. Find veterans and groups in your industry by doing a group search on keywords like, “military veterans,” “hiring veterans,” or keywords relevant to your industry. Listen, learn and contribute to group discussions. If you’re new to a group, read what others are discussing to get a feel for it. When you have something to contribute, add a comment to a discussion. Share relevant discussions with others on Linkedin. Start your own discussions, ask questions, offer advice, etc. to establish your presence and expertise. This will help you make valuable connections while you build your personal brand.

5. Research companies on Linkedin that you are targeting. You can do this in several ways. Follow the company on Linkedin to receive their updates on your home page. Go to their Linkedin company page to get information and insightful statistics about the company and its employees. Also, see who you are connected to that works there. Study these employees’ profiles to see what skills and education they possess and what positions they hold. This will help you determine if you are qualified for the same or similar positions at that company.

6. Research recruiters or hiring managers who will be interviewing you. Check out their Linkedin profile to learn about their background and see if you have anything in common (school, interests, connections, etc.). This is a great way to establish rapport, and it also shows them you did your homework.

7. Search for jobs on Linkedin using the search box, or do an advanced search to include more filters and narrow it down. You can also apply for jobs through Linkedin, save or share jobs, and see who you’re connected to at that company. Some job postings will list the recruiters who posted them, giving you someone to connect with about the job.

8. Once you’ve applied for a job, make connections with employees at that company who are in your Linkedin network. If they are a 1st connection, send them a message letting them know you applied for a job (be specific) and ask they’re advice or how they like working at the company. If they are a 2nd connection, invite them to join your network, and in the invitation mention the job you applied for, etc. If they are a 3rd connection, request an introduction by someone you have in common. Remember, when connecting with someone at the company, do not ask them to hire you or help you get the job, simply ask them for advice on your job search or any questions you might have about their company. You want to build a relationship with them before seeking their assistance in getting a job.

9. Research your career field and its skill requirements. Use Linkedin’s skills section (under the ‘More’ menu tab) to search for skills and expertise. It gives you related terms, people and groups who best match the skill, and related companies and jobs. Also search for people on Linkedin who have the same type of job you’re hoping to land. Study their profiles to see what education, certification, training, and skills they possess. This will give you a good indication of what is required for that position. Also, when studying these profiles, take note of what keywords they use to describe their skills and accomplishments. Use this information to improve your own profile.

10. Consider trying Linkedin’s Job Seeker account upgrade just for the duration of your job search. This upgrade has features that improve your Linkedin profile’s visibility, like adding a Job Seeker Badge to your profile and making you a Featured Applicant when you apply for jobs through Linkedin. It also includes the ability to contact anyone via a set number of inmails, access to the full list of who has viewed your profile, detailed salary information on jobs you are interested in, and more.
Note: Linkedin was offering a 1 year free job seeker upgrade to veterans, but this offer was for a limited time and has now expired. You can still try the job seeker upgrade for 1 month free by following these steps:
- After signing in to your Linkedin account, go to www.linkedin.com/veterans
- Under “Quick tips to get you started, 2. Get hired faster” click on ‘Learn more’
- Under the “Job Seeker” choice you should see that the Monthly price is crossed out and changed to $0.00
- Click on the ‘Upgrade’ button and fill out the required information (must give a credit card for future months)
If you decide you’re not using the added benefits or no longer need the upgrade, be sure to cancel it (go to your Linkedin ‘Settings’ to cancel) before the month is up so you aren’t charged for the next month’s subscription.

The list above is only 10 of the numerous ways to use Linkedin for your job search and career transition. For more information and job search advice from Linkedin, visit the Linkedin Veterans Page. If you have other tips for using Linkedin to job search, please add your comments or email them to me (Karin@CorporateGray.com) so our readers can benefit from your knowledge!

Please share this article with anyone you know who is searching for a job.