Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn for Job Hunters

Most job seekers on LinkedIn, probably have their favorite tips and tricks that help them land their dream job – whether it be re-entering the workforce, making a career 180 heading into the new year or even if someone has just been laid off and looking for a new position. Here’s a comprehensive list of 10 steps one should take on LinkedIn while job hunting:

1. Begin your hunt early.

Give yourself at least six months before your desired start date. Take time to review your goals and decide on a feasible plan of action. If your new career requires additional education, then begin even earlier.

2. Revamp your professional toolbox.
Take a look at job descriptions you’re interested in and make a checklist of the skills and talents they require. If you have weak spots you may want to consider taking a class at your local community college. If you don’t have time to attend a seminar or class (or if money is an issue) another option is to browse and/or ask questions on LinkedIn Answers so you can get the info you need. Use Advanced Answers Search to find questions associated with specific keywords like, “marketing” or “venture capital.”

3. Be a news hound.

Read trade publications online and review the changes that are occurring in your industry. Staying on top of current trends and newsworthy events can often make or break an interview. Join LinkedIn Groups that are associated with both your old/previous profession as well as the new industry that you’re looking to join. See what news articles people in those groups are reading by clicking on the news tab in the group and submit links to articles that you’ve read to start conversations/network with others in the group.

4. Give your resume and your LinkedIn Profile a face lift.

Make sure that both your resume and profile reflect the changing times. Eliminate any terms that may have become obsolete. Use power keywords, words of action and words that show accomplishment and achievement – as opposed to words that merely describe what your previous role was. Also, if you’re currently unemployed list your current position as “open to opportunities.” Edit your LinkedIn Profile.

5. Update your Status

If you just recently lost your job, make sure you update your status field in your profile so your network know that you’re looking for a job. It’s a quick and easy way to let folks you’re connected to know that you could use their help. David Stevens, one of our users, updated his status upon being laid off. Within seven business days someone in his network knew of an open position, which Dave landed shortly thereafter.

6. Do your homework.

Sign on to LinkedIn and do a search for people that already have your dream job title. What positions did they hold beforehand? How long were they in their previous role? Information like this can be a valuable bargaining chip when it comes time to negotiate your salary. Also do search for your desired employer’s LinkedIn Company Profile. Company Profiles show career paths for people before/after they joined a company, recent promotions/changes, most popular profiles and other stats that will help you understand any potential employer (and its competitors) better.

7. Rekindle relationships/build your network before you need it.

Use LinkedIn to do a search for people that live in your hometown and work in your desired industry. Offer to take them to lunch near their office and learn more about the industry, their position, likes/dislikes and other firms in the area. New acquaintances help you expand your network giving you a broader reach into the job market. Use the networks of your friends and family since they are your best advocates.

8. Confidence counts.

Before your interview, check and see if the person who’s interviewing you is on LinkedIn. If they are, check for common acquaintances. Having a mutual friend or old co-worker is a great icebreaker and an awesome way to get your foot in the door. It’s also worth taking a look at the schools they’ve attended and what cities they’ve lived in since that may be another commonality. And, never underestimate the power that your favorite pair of shoes or a good power suit can wield.

9. Check your surroundings for other resources.

A number of communities offer resources for people returning to the workforce. If you think you may be lacking marketable skills, haven’t been working for five years or more or have never held a paying job, check with your state’s department of labor office. The Internet also offers a plethora of blogs, columns and publications that are geared toward helping you jump start your career so do a search for those as well.

10. Pay it forward – recommend an old friend or a colleague

And, finally, your LinkedIn profile is like a living, breathing resume; so ask friends and old co-workers to leave recommendations for you on your profile. That way potential employers can see them. Make sure that you ask references to comment on specific traits that highlight what a perfect fit you are for your new career and remember to thank them afterward.

If you aren’t looking for a job, but want to help a friend or colleague that lost their job leave a recommendation for them on their LinkedIn Profile. Recommendations spread virally, so if you leave Joe a recommendation on his profile all 65 of his connections will see a network update when they sign in showing that you just recommended his work. Your connections will also receive a network update saying that you just recommended Joe too so it’s a fast and effective way to let both of your networks know that this person is a hard worker and great person to work with.

From the Linked In Blog, Krista Canfield December 11th, 2008

Landing Your Dream Job

Looking for employment is not an easy task, and at times landing a job may take weeks and it may even take months. Why not land your dream job this year? By using an efficient process of setting goals, identifying what you need to accomplish to meet those goals, and acting on your objectives, you can land the job of your dreams.

1) What Do You Want?

Studies have shown you’re more likely to be successful if you enjoy your work. Goal setting expert Adrian Loncraovich advises job seekers to visualize your dream job and start by listing the things you like to do. “The easiest way to pinpoint your dream job is to use visual aids, like a list or a mind map. It doesn't matter whether you use a pen and paper or a computer program -- getting everything written down where you can see it will help you get a clear picture of your job goal and what you need to do to get there.” 

2) Recognize Your Skills

Next, identify the things that you're good at. Are you good with numbers? Are you the person people call when their computer breaks down? Everyone has their own personal skill set. Start making a list of all the things you do well.  Don't forget to include skills that you've developed in your work experience and/or volunteer activities., but do not limit  yourself to only skills you have had formal training in. Once you have a list of skills, identify which of the skills on the list you are best at, and number them using "1" for your strongest skill and go from there.  After you’ve made your list, you can start looking for a job that involves doing something you like using the skills you are strongest in. If you're stuck, Army One Source has a great career  assessment tool that can help you get a sense for what’s out there. Visit their website www.myarmyonesource.com and look under the careers tab.

3) Build A Plan

You have now identified your dream job, but what do you need to do to get there? Most careers require a specialized skill set so think about what you need to do to get that knowledge, if you do not already posses. Do you need to go back to school? Do you need to attend training seminars and get certified? The first goal you will set to achieving your dream job will be related to obtaining these training and skills you need to be successful.

4) Take Action

The next set of goals to achieve your dream job involves creating a résumé. Start working in your field as early as possible, even if it's only part time or volunteer work. The more experience you have when you apply for your dream job, the more successful you will be in achieving your goals.

5) Stand Out From The Crowd
Start creating a demand for yourself as soon as you can to stand out amongst your competitors. If you're working part time or volunteering, make yourself stand out from the crowd by doing an above-average job. Whenever you are given an assignment, complete it to the best of your ability, and do not be reluctant to take on additional work if you see an area where you can make a difference. By expressing you passion, you'll have built an above-average resume that shows potential employers how hiring you will benefit their company. 
6) Build a Strong Network
In finding any job, knowledge and experience can only take you so far-- "It's not what you know, it's who you know.” Having a strong social network can open opportunities for you and help you enter into  your dream job. Maybe you know a friend, who knows a friend, who works in the industry you are trying to enter into. You can also meet people within the field of your dream job by joining associations or attending conferences in the field. Consider the internet for expanding your social network. You can set up your own web page, blog, or even create an account on social networking sites (i.e. facebook, linkedin, and twitter). The Internet offers unlimited social networking potential, but it's up to you to take advantage of it.

7) Love Your Job
The most important thing to remember about getting your dream job is that it won't happen overnight. Plan for the long term, but don't procrastinate when it comes to getting started. The first steps you take toward your goals are often the hardest, but if you don't start moving, you'll never get anywhere. So, what are you waiting for? GO!

 *Information adopted from Adrian Loncarovich, co-author of GoalEnforcer