Resume Help Blog

Using LinkedIn for Job Hunting

It is no secret that LinkedIn is an important tool to scout for jobs and develop professional contacts. Jobseekers can use this social media website to attain several benefits. For example, it can find information on the kinds of people that an employer is looking for or the hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name. The job seeker can also develop a personal connection at a company to increase his or her chances of recruitment. However, there are very few savvy job seekers who are actually able to use this network to their advantage. Most job seekers usually fumble around and stay completely unaware of the benefits that LinkedIn can provide.

Several HR management experts believe that LinkedIn is a powerful, yet underused tool for job searches. However, many users think that simply being active on the website will help them find the right opportunity. The fact is that your profile activity plays a very small role in getting a job interview, irrespective of how much or what kind of activity is taking place. If you have still not got a good connection or an interview through LinkedIn, you may have to rethink the way you use the website. Here are some guidelines that can help you use LinkedIn in the best possible way-

Approach Your Contacts the Right Way

LinkedIn is all about connecting with like minded professionals, so the first tip for you is to never be shy or hesitant to connect with anyone, including a former co-worker who you have not talked to in a long time. Everyone who is part of this network is also looking to spread their network, and a contact request from your end is expected. LinkedIn users are often more open to do things with other users because they expect the other person to do the same too. The point here is that you should not hold back from forming new contacts and building up your network on LinkedIn.

However, you must avoid coming across as too needy or zealous on LinkedIn. When you find someone in your LinkedIn network that can help you through his or her connections in a company you are applying for, then your approach is very important. You must inform your contact early on that you do not expect him or her to go out of the way to help you. In other words, you must say something along the lines of ‘I am not expecting an intervention or endorsement for this position from your behalf’. This will make the person adopt a more relaxed and friendlier stance.

If your LinkedIn contact is still new or someone you are not familiar with, you need to let that person know that you will be the most active person and do not expect or need too much of an effort from the contact’s side.

Talk To Your Contacts Offline

InMail is LinkedIn’s instant messaging service, and it is perfect if you are planning to establish first contact with someone. However, after the initial conversation, it is best if you use personal emails or phone calls for future contact. A personalized connection is faster and more effective than LinkedIn profile connections.