How to REALLY use LinkedIn to find a new
job
FREE light version:
http://www.how-to-really-use-linkedin.com
Step 1: Before using LinkedIn: Set a step back!
First define your goals
Where do you want to go with your career?
What do you expect from a new job?
Which function? What type of organisation? Which industry?What location?
Then ask yourself: who are the people in the best position to help me reach my goals?
Step 6: How to find the people in the best position to help you via LinkedIn?
1. Search with their name (if you know their name)
2. Use the criteria you used to get your goal clear in Advanced Search
3. Browse in the network of your connections
4. Look in the Groups you are member of
5. Use “Companies” to find them
Step 7: Basic Tips for your Profile
1. Use a neutral picture (only a headshot with a gentle smile!) and no holiday picture!
2. Your “Professional Headline” is very important, use words that show what you are looking for and that invite people to click on
3. Always use the “I” form and not the “he” or “she” form
4. Distribute the information throughout your Profile:
1. A few interesting characteristics in Summary (no jargon!) and keep it short
2. Expertise in Specialties (here you use jargon)
3. Per function: more elaborate description of results you have achieved and projects you have worked on
Step 8: A few Do's and Don'ts
1. Be proactive. Just crafting/adapting your Profile most of the times is not enough.
2. Don’t be too direct/pushy: build relationships with people. They might be able/willing to introduce you to the person who can give you your new job.
3. Be active in Groups and help others: this helps to raise your visibility and credibility.
4. Use the JobInsider and other free tools you find on LinkedIn for extra results.
5. Invest every week some time to build and maintain your network.
Step 2: Take this fundamental principle of networking into account
The real power of the network is in the second degree.
The real power is in the network of your network.
So don’t focus on your own network, but ask them to introduce you to their network!
Step 3: Tap into the single most important “feature” of LinkedIn
LinkedIn shows the connections between people.
LinkedIn shows you which of your own contacts can introduce you to their connections who can hire you or help you to get a new job.
LinkedIn allows you to easily tap into the power of the second (or third) degree.
LinkedIn eliminates “cold” calling.
If you want more tips
- How to craft an attractive LinkedIn Profile?
- Advanced strategies to find a new job
- Advanced strategies to be found by recruiters and potential employers
- 22 Answers to Burning Questions
- 24 Little known, but important features and behaviour of LinkedIn that can make or break your LinkedIn strategy
-11 time saving tools when working with LinkedIn
And much more
Book "How to REALLY use LinkedIn"
Get your FREE Light version at: http://www.how-to-really-use-linkedin.com
Step 4: Basic Strategy how to REALLY use LinkedIn
1. Set a goal for your new job and modify your Profile with this goal in mind
2. Decide who are the people in the best position to help you reach that goal
3. Use LinkedIn to find them.
BUT you need a “basic” or first degree network first before you can get in touch with the people who can help you reach your goal.
Step 5: Building your “basic” network in 3 steps
1. Upload the contacts from your email program to LinkedIn.
2. Connect with (old) colleagues and (old) classmates using LinkedIn tools.
3. Join the Groups which are in line with your goals:
1. People who already have the function you desire.
2. Professional Organisations
3. Industry Organisations
4. If applicable: Recruiters
5. If applicable: Alumni associations of a former school/university or employer
