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9 Tips on How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job in a Competitive Market

LinkedIn is undoubtedly one of the most popular job sites in the world, with more than 850 million members as of December 2021. Users also spend an average of seven minutes and 38 seconds on the platform. Around 97,000 companies use it for recruitment, and job seekers often cite it as their first place to go when looking for a new role. But exactly how should LinkedIn be used to find a job?

Knowing how popular the platform is, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to stand out on LinkedIn. For senior-level job seekers, it’s critical to cut through the noise from entry-level candidates and highlight decades of skills and expertise.

Tips on How to Use LinkedIn To Find A Job

1. Always keep your profile updated

Tips for how to use LinkedIn to find a job: always keep your profile updated with a graphic of a young woman using her laptop beside a list.

Whether actively looking for a job or happy with your current employment, it’s always essential to keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Keeping it updated while not searching keeps the door open to new and better opportunities that may come in from recruiters. It’s always helpful to stay up to date with the options out there, and having an active, current profile saves candidates a lot of time when they start applying for a new role.

2. Craft a unique bio

Infographic with an illustrated pen drawing a squiggly line beside tips on how to use LinkedIn to find a job: craft a unique bio.

In 2022, the best employees want well-rounded, personable team members. Wyatt Carr, a recruiting manager at Advantis Global, IT Staffing Agency says a well-crafted bio helps candidates stand out when using LinkedIn to find a job. “Getting a job on LinkedIn isn’t just hitting the skill requirements — It is also fitting in with the company culture. Make use of the bio by reflecting what your values are, what you’re looking for, or even fun facts to make yourself personable.”

3. Utilize endorsements

Thumbs up stamp of approval graphic beside a top on how to use LinkedIn to find a job: utilize endorsements.

When thinking about how to use LinkedIn to find a job, don’t be afraid to ask for social endorsements! Ask close colleagues to endorse specific skills and share roles in certain projects. These individual endorsements can be invaluable to a recruiter trying to distinguish candidates from one another. Carr says,” Have colleagues or peers endorse your skills to prove that your experience is credible, and people vouch for it.” Candidates should start by endorsing colleagues first.

4. Put keywords into job experience descriptions

Infographic titled"Put keywords into job experience descriptions" with a broken down list beside a graphic of a clipboard.

LinkedIn is also a search engine, and properly placed keywords can help candidates show up in search results; for example, software engineers could write bullet points containing programming languages or phrases like “scrum,” “agile testing,” and more. If you’re wondering how to use LinkedIn to find a job, using the right searchable keywords and phrases is a quick way to start.

5. Show off certifications or workshops

Infographic checklist tip for how to use LinkedIn to find a job: show off certifications or workshops with a red ribbon stamp.

Especially in hands-on fields, certifications and workshops mean candidates are going the extra mile to stay on top of the best practices. It shows candidates care about continuous education and will most likely be hard workers who are always looking to improve themselves.

6. Create a strong headline

Tips on how to use LinkedIn to find a job titled "create a strong headline" with smaller tips listed beside a newspaper graphic.

Avoid simple phrases that don’t tell recruiters much, like “Marketing.” Use keywords, and give a few more details on the job, industry, and maybe what job seekers are looking for. A few examples of strong headlines are “Product Marketer 5+ Years in B2B SaaS” or “Data Scientists for Enterprise B2B Brands.” These eye-grabbing headlines will help you use LinkedIn to find a job.

7. Use the #OpentoWork feature when actively applying

Infographic titled "Use the #opentowork feature" with tips broken down of how to use LinkedIn to find a job.

Carr says, “Even if you’re not actively looking, you can also list it only for recruiters to see to keep it discreet.” If job seekers are actively searching, turning on the #OpentoWork feature lets the community know to send relevant positions their way.

8. Create posts for personal branding

List of tips on how to use LinkedIn to find a job curated around creating posts for personal branding listed in a checklist beside a graphic of a woman's profile.

Creating engaging, thoughtful LinkedIn posts takes time, but it’s one of the best things job seekers can do. When thinking about how to use LinkedIn to find a job, remember it is a social networking platform, too! Branding themselves as thought leaders, job seekers can attract recruiters and employers by positioning themselves as experts in their fields. Aim to start with one to two posts a week. Carr explains more benefits: “The more your network engages with your posts, the larger the reach your profile and post has. This will help you form connections, grow your network, and really show off what you know.”

9. Reach out to a recruiter

Infographic on how to use LinkedIn to find a job explaining how to reach out to a recruiter with a graphic of two having a handshake in business attire.

Use LinkedIn for recruiter reach out as well. Most recruiters are highly active on LinkedIn, and it only takes a few minutes to craft a message to attach to the connection request. After the connection is made and they respond, make sure to take the time to send a professional reply. Even if they say they don’t have any openings right now, it’s a great professional relationship to foster.

Start Finding Jobs Outside of LinkedIn

If you’ve wondered how to use LinkedIn to find a job, these tips will give you an excellent starting point. After utilizing LinkedIn to its full potential, getting in contact with a top-rated recruiting firm is the next best step. At Advantis Global, we work with a large range of companies, from Fortune 50s to start-ups, placing top tech candidates in permanent and contract positions. Our team can also help with resumes, interviewing coaching, and provide tips for polishing up your LinkedIn profile. Submit your resume or apply for a job on our website to get connected to a recruiter.

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