LinkedIn is an important part of everyone’s job search. Using LinkedIn to help find your next job should be part of your daily job search routine. However, it’s a huge platform, that can be overwhelming, and having a great profile is just part of the process.
A common statement I hear many clients say is, “I want to get my LinkedIn profile complete so the recruiters will find me and contact me about jobs”
That may happen, but there are over 1 billion people on LinkedIn, in over 200 countries. It can be hard for people to find you.
Instead, you can find them. Try changing your approach to your job search. Do your research to find the recruiters and contacts you think may be able to help you. Once you have a fully optimised and All-Star LinkedIn profile, reach out and connect with them. The recruiters and potential contacts, can then see your profile at its absolute best, selling your skills and achievements Allowing them to understand what you do and why. Recruiters use keywords to search for relevant candidates. Therefore, it’s important to build out your skills section with relevant keywords for which you want to be found.
Getting Noticed
Having a fabulous LinkedIn profile and then doing nothing else with it is not a great idea. It is like going to an actual networking event in your best suit with a bunch of business cards. Then sitting in the corner for the whole event, hoping someone comes over to speak with you! Maybe they will or maybe they won’t. However, if you go to the event and introduce yourself to people, ask about them, listen and engage. Tell them about you and have a conversation, that is how you develop your network and start to make things happen. It’s the same with using LinkedIn in your job search.
How do you Network on LinkedIn?
Firstly, a golden rule! Never reach out to potential new contacts until your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete. If you need help with this, check out my LinkedIn and resume coaching session here. You would not send an incomplete resume to a job advert, so don’t reach out to contacts or recruiters if you have an incomplete LinkedIn profile. The first thing the contact will do is check out your (incomplete) LinkedIn profile. You don’t always get a second chance, so make it count. Once your profile is looking fabulous, here are 5 things you can do:
Tip 1
Create a list of 10 companies where you would love to work. Think about what you have in common with the company. For example, if you have been working in FMCG, then create a list of 10 FMCG companies. Use LinkedIn to research who the companies might be. My basic rule is to aim for “something” or “someone” in common. Doing this means you are more likely to get a response.
Tip 2
Go to the LinkedIn company page of each of the 10 companies. Click “follow” on the company page. You will now get updates on new hires, promotions and changes at this company and even job opportunities. You will also start seeing the company updates on your home page when you login to LinkedIn. Then using the LinkedIn filters, search contacts who work at each company, that are relevant to you. For example, if you are a marketing manager you might refine your search by “marketing” and then get a list of marketing contacts.
Tip 3
Connect with who would be your boss (if you worked there) and also some of your peers. Also connect with the talent acquisition/recruiters. Always write a note in your connection request, it is more likely they will connect if you do this.
An example message in a new LinkedIn connection request:
Hi Adam
I have recently finished up with [name of FMCG company where you worked] and I am looking to build my network within the FMCG industry.
It would be good to connect with you.
Thanks
Angela
Tip 4
Once you have this list, transfer your new LinkedIn contacts names and emails into an Excel spreadsheet and create an activity tracker. To get the email address of your 1st contact, just click “contact info” at the top of the persons LinkedIn profile page. Then create an email and reach out to your new contacts to let them know about you.
Tip 5
People who are currently in jobs don’t tend to go on LinkedIn every day. Therefore, ensure you send your messages through email, not through LinkedIn messenger. Track all your activity in your newly created Excel activity tracker.
An example email to a new contact might look something like this:
Hi Adam,
Thanks for recently connecting with me on LinkedIn. I have recently finished up as Marketing Manager at FMCG Australia. I have a background in strategy, marketing, operations and CX within FMCG, pharmaceuticals and the construction sectors. I am exploring opportunities in the FMCG industry and would be very interested in working at [insert the name of Adams company]
If you hear of any opportunities that may be suitable or if there is anyone that you can refer me to, I would be extremely grateful.
I can be contacted on my mobile 0400 00 000 or email – [email protected], at your convenience.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Angela
Finally
Doing all of this takes a fair bit of effort, but it is something you control. The worst that can happen is they ignore your email, and you do not hear back from them! Nothing ventured nothing gained.
This is also how you start to access the infamous “hidden job market” where according to stats, 70 to 80% of jobs are actually found! Who knows if this figure is really true! However, one thing is true, recruiters cannot find jobs for everyone. So take control of your own job search and use LinkedIn, and your network, to help you.
Don’t just be a fabulous profile on LinkedIn Use it as the amazing resource that it is to help find your next job.
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
- Career Clarity – Are you at a career crossroads and need help?
- Personal Brand – Maximise your LinkedIn and Resume and get noticed.
- Interview Coaching – Nail your job interview and get the job offer.