Are you in the middle of a job search on LinkedIn? That’s commendable, and although there’s a lot of luck involved, you can definitely help the process along. How? Let us worry about that part – we’ll assist you with using LinkedIn to get a job. The only requirement is knowing the basics of using LinkedIn. With that, you can successfully transform a traditional resume into an interesting story about who you are and what you aspire to become. And, as long as you keep your profile concise, informative, and fun, you won’t struggle to learn how to find a job on LinkedIn.
Quick Way to Find Jobs on LinkedIn
To easily find a job on LinkedIn, start by updating your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. Next, use the job search function to find positions that match your qualifications and interests. Once you find a job you’re interested in, apply directly through LinkedIn, make sure your resume is up-to-date, and also consider reaching out to the hiring manager or someone at the company for an informational interview.
Tips to Find a Job on LinkedIn
Finding a job on LinkedIn is a pretty difficult task, especially if you do not have a strong portfolio. But, don’t worry. We prepared a guide to help you out. These are the tips to find a job on LinkedIn:
1. Keep your profile up to date
According to Psychological Science, we make assumptions about a photo within 40 milliseconds of seeing it. So, make sure your profile photo is recent, nicely lit, and shows your good sides. Furthermore, according to LinkedIn’s research, you have a 14 times bigger chance of having your profile visited if you have a profile picture.
If you have nothing to post, at least share resources or news about your chosen field. Why? Well, recent changes show employers that you’ve been active in your search and show interest, competency, and determination.
2. No skill or objective is unnecessary
Learning how to search for jobs on LinkedIn is partly about being open and detailed about your skills and goals. LinkedIn’s research shows a 13 times greater chance of having a profile view if you post your skills. Obviously, you’re not gaining a new skill every day.
However, nothing’s stopping you from tweaking. For example, add in-demand skills you’re competent at, and move them toward the beginning. You can also play around with phrasing, and include variations.
Finally, removing less relevant skills that for your dream job or niche can make the employer see you as the perfect candidate.
3. Put your recent employment under a spotlight
Even if your last employment wasn’t ideal (else you’d still be working there), you don’t have to show it. This will only demonstrate bitterness and make the employer think you’d badmouth them too. If absolutely have to, use neutral terms such as “going in a different direction“ or “splitting due to creative differences“.
Should I get an endorsement?
Ideally, yes, and both a digital and a physical one. If your employer has a significant online presence or better yet, a LinkedIn profile, get a direct endorsement. Additionally, once you go for an interview, have your past employer(s) send a letter of recommendation or be on standby for a phone call.
4. Announce you are looking for a job on LinkedIn playfully
Don’t use simple or cliché sentences that make you look desperate. Also, recruiters agree you should never mention “seeking a job“ or “seeking new opportunities“ and even avoid those profiles. Keep it casual as if getting a job was welcome, but not necessary, even if the reality is different.
This little tip to find a job on LinkedIn can even help you demand more. Consequently, you can get a bigger salary since you’re the one pursued.
5. Follow companies you’re interested in
Not only can this increase your chances of getting a job on LinkedIn, but also crystallizes what you want out of a job: position, niche, salary, workforce size, etc. Make a list of companies you want to work for, follow them via LinkedIn, and enable notifications. You’ll be among the first to know about announcements and positions when they become available.
6. Build connections
This is a pivotal part of how finding a job on LinkedIn works. Even LinkedIn tells you to connect with at least 30 people before you begin a LinkedIn job search. Simultaneously, this is one of the biggest strengths when compared to top LinkedIn alternatives.
In a 2016 Jobvite Recruiter Nation Survey, they discovered that 87% of recruiters utilize LinkedIn to seek new candidates. With that said, here are 4 types of people you should connect with:
1. Current and prior employees
Search the list of LinkedIn users who are working for the company and those who have worked there in the past. They have first-hand experience with the environment, demands, day-to-day operations, etc. Plus, some of them are likely connected to the people in charge. So, they can introduce you to the employer or even vouch for you.
2. Bosses/department managers/recruiters
There’s no need to search for online jobs on LinkedIn if you pinpoint the people either responsible for employment or above them. Then, get to know them on a personal level. The bonus is that they usually write about their preferences, requirements, and announce urgent jobs.
So, filling in for someone can help you find a job on LinkedIn with their company, even part-term. And who knows, part-term can quickly turn to permanent.
3. Alumni of your university/college
Another benefit of LinkedIn for job seekers is that they can find alumni of their college or university working for their dream company. Someone who knows you can provide invaluable tips or give you a vote of confidence, and even get you hired.
4. LinkedIn Professional Groups
Using Advanced Search is one of the most effective ways to use LinkedIn to find a job. Or, at least, join a group of professionals who can be your future colleagues. Just make sure they’re active and willing to interact regularly.
7. Leave interactions for after business hours
This is surprising to many, but you should look to get a job on LinkedIn outside of business hours. That’s based on Mashable research that showed that only 8.33% of users in America are on LinkedIn during business hours. Don’t take this as gospel, of course. Test this yourself, and play around with different times of the day.
8. Tidy up your social media
Do we even need to say this when people are getting canceled over 10-year-old tweets or decades-old photographs? Go through your social media, and remove everything that does not agree with who you are now. And no, making a new profile won’t work. Your old one will come to light sooner or later.
Top jobs on Linkedin
LinkedIn is not only a great networking website, but also excels at job hunting. Those looking for a job can always rely on LinkedIn to find a few suitable postings. But, not every job has the same impact, as some roles are simply more in demand than others. As more and more people connect to the platform, the demand for certain job profiles increases.
According to LinkedIn’s own account, almost 52 million people use the platform to seek a job on a weekly basis. Out of which, almost 8 people are hired through LinkedIn almost every minute. Such numbers are favorable to a prospective job seeker. However, there is another factor to consider, and that is the jobs that are in demand.
It is apparent that a LinkedIn profile has become far too important to anyone looking for a job, as explained in the following video. That is why we have created a list to showcase the most popular jobs on LinkedIn.
1. Category associates
Category associates are an in-demand job profile that entails assisting management with recommendations and the creation of certain categories that can highlight the showcased products.
They also aid in streamlining online orders and collaborate with sales budgeting and forecasting. The job requires a profound knowledge of merchandising, vendor management, and even market research, and is mostly required in the information and technology sector.
2. Data Analyst
Next up is a data analyst, whose job entails collecting, analyzing, organizing, and interpreting large data sets. A data analyst then uses the data to recognize trends and existing patterns to predict future results. The job is highly analytical in nature, hence the name. It is not exclusive to any particular industry and has been shown to aid business operations and decision-making.
3. Software Developer
The next job profile needs no introduction, and despite decades of success, it is still in high demand. Yes, we are talking about software developers. Today, the need for newer computer programs is much higher than ever, and if trends are to be believed, it is only going to increase further. With the new economy shifting towards the digital era, software developers are becoming more and more sought after.
4. UX Content Writer
UX writers are those who write content for apps and websites. It is complementary to the UI and overall design, which aim to make the app easier to navigate. A person is expected to be skilled in writing and UX before he can apply for this position. Other preferable skills include copywriting, content strategy, and content creation.
5. Healthcare recruiters
Healthcare recruiters are professionals who interview, screen and hire people for the healthcare industry. As more and more hospitals and healthcare providers have started to become corporations, the demand for healthcare recruiters has flown through the roof.
They are also responsible for hiring doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. A healthcare recruiter has to excel at recruiting and staffing, with an emphasis on the healthcare industry. He is also required to provide administrative and support services.
Linkedin VS Indeed VS ZipRecruiter
When choosing the perfect platform for finding jobs, it’s important to go with the best. Three of the biggest names are LinkedIn, Indeed and ZIPRecruiter. The following table explores how LinkedIn fares against competitors:
| Features | Indeed | ZipRecruiter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job search range | Extensive with sponsored listings | Extensive with many filters available | A more personalized job match and alert |
| Social Networking | Available | One-sided communication | Mostly limited to job searches |
| Resume management | Your account profile is a resume | You can either create a specialized profile or upload a custom one. | Either create one using the platform or upload an existing one |
| Company Information | Very extensive research and information are available | Limited information on the company | Only basic information is available |
| Reach | Global | Global | Mostly the USA |
| User Base | 310 million monthly | 350 million monthly | 25 million monthly |
| Cost | Free with premium subscription plans | Free with premium subscription plans | Free account, paid options employers |