5 Linkedin Secrets to Landing a Dream Job
Tips and Tricks for Using Linkedin Networking Website to Find Jobs
May 13, 2009
In the news lately is increasing angst against CEOs, wealthy financiers, and politicians who, no matter what their misdeeds, always seem to walk between the raindrops. How do they get the large salaries, outrageous bonuses, and golden parachutes? How do they always seem to be employed and continue making their big bucks?
As the old saying goes, it’s not what the job seeker knows, it’s who he or she knows. Well-connected individuals with a large professional network rely on word of mouth and personal references directly to upper management for employment leads. For the average job seeker, community networking groups and online networking are two lynchpins of the networking component of the job search.
What is Linkedin?
Linkedin is a business social networking website where businesses, employers, and those seeking employment can connect. The job seeker posts a profile with a resume, work history, employment goals, and contact information so that companies who want to hire can contact the candidate directly. As the job seeker’s network expands, so do the chances for job leads.
Adding Websites in the Linkedin Profile
Those seeking employment can add up to three links to external websites in their public profiles. Make sure each website is professional in nature rather than a personal blog or website. It is highly recommended that at least one link directs employers and contacts to an online resume such as VisualCV. Other links can include online portfolios and work samples.
Making Connections
The first step after registering on Linkedin and creating a profile is to make connections and begin building the network. At any time, the site member can select Contacts > Connections from the left navigation menu, then click Add Connections on the Contacts page to import webmail contacts or to add contacts manually.
The job seeker can also search for contacts by former employer or classmates. Or, the person can search people using the search box at the top right on any page. Contacts must know each other in the real world before making the connection.
Making and Receiving Recommendations
After creating a profile and making a few connections, ask colleagues and friends for a recommendation in exchange for recommending them. Recommendations add credibility and enhance reputation. From the left navigation menu, select Profile > Recommendations, then click the Request Recommendations tab. To recommend a colleague, click the Sent Recommendations tab.
Using Applications
Like any social networking website these days, Linkedin provides numerous applications that allow for a wide variety of interactive features within the job seeker’s profile. From the left navigation menu, click Applications to integrate blog postings, upload and share presentations, and collaborate with connections. Get creative – blog about the job search and post work samples using presentations.
Searching for a Job via Linkedin
To search for new employment, click Jobs to display the Jobs page. Note the number of times the profile has been viewed, and how many times the profile came up in searches. These numbers can be improved by adding more specific keywords targeting the person’s skills, accomplishments, work history, and job titles. To search jobs, enter the required criteria, then click Search.
In addition to being listed in major online job search engines including Monster and CareerBuilder, job seekers should definitely consider posting a profile on Linkedin. When used effectively in adding links to external websites, making connections, making and receiving recommendations, using applications, and searching for employment, this handy networking site can become a powerful ally in the job search.
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