How to Use LinkedIn to Strategically Land Your Next Job
Every minute 8 people are hired on LinkedIn. Which makes sense considering that 61 million people use LinkedIn to search jobs each week!
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for job seekers in the digital age with features to help you connect with recruiters, research companies, and discover hidden job opportunities. By leveraging LinkedIn strategically, you can enhance your visibility and increase your chances of landing your next role.
Here’s how I used LinkedIn’s features to land my last 3 six-figure jobs in tech.
Build a LinkedIn Profile that Attracts Recruiters
Creating an eye catching LinkedIn profile is key to using the platform to its fullest potential. Think of your LinkedIn profile as your billboard or digital business card.
Recruiters use LinkedIn to search for qualified candidates and also in tandem to reviewing applications. Your LinkedIn profile should be professional and tailored to the roles you’re seeking. Start by ensuring your headline is clear and highlights your expertise. Your summary should provide a snapshot of your skills and accomplishments. Make sure to use specific keywords that recruiters search for in your industry and add measurable achievements to your work experience section. A strong LinkedIn profile will rank higher in search results, attracting recruiters to you.
Set Up Job Alerts
LinkedIn allows you to set up personalized job alerts for multiple roles and locations, which notify you of job openings that match your criteria. By customizing these alerts, you can be the first to know when a new position is posted. With job applications climbing to the 100s and 1000s for each role, being the first to apply (within a few days) is key to getting your resume reviewed by recruiters.
To set up job alerts, go to the job search section, enter your preferred job title, location, and any other filters, then turn on notifications (email, in app). Job alerts will significantly reduce the time you spend searching for roles and ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
Message the Hiring Team to Secure Interviews
LinkedIn InMails can be a powerful tool for landing job interviews—if done right. LinkedIn InMails are a premium messaging feature that allows users to send messages to other LinkedIn members they are not connected to (including recruiters and hiring managers).
Finding and reaching out directly to the hiring manager shows initiative and helps you standout. For LinkedIn premium account members, you can find the hiring manager or recruiter on the job posting. While it might not always be easy to see who the hiring team is, LinkedIn Premium allows you to get closer to the real humans who will be reviewing your resume.
Research Companies
LinkedIn provides detailed information about companies, including their size, industry, values, and recent activities. You can also explore employee profiles, giving you insights into the company’s culture, the career trajectories of current employees, and what specific skills or qualifications are in demand. This research can help tailor your resume to stand out. Additionally, you can find out who works in the department you’re interested in, which may prove helpful when reaching out for networking.
Let Recruiters Know You’re “Open to Work”
The “Open to Work” function can be a goldmine for recruiters because it helps quickly identify who is most open for a new opportunity. If you’re not too keen to let the rest of you connections or the public know you’re “Open to Work” you can also set your status to be seen by recruiters ONLY.
When setting “Open to Work” be specific with the job titles that you are looking for as these are searchable by recruiters and will help you show up in their search results. LinkedIn Recruiter also allows recruiters to see those “more open to work” and prioritize candidates Open to Work if their profiles are a match for the role.
Mark Applications as “Top Jobs”
When you apply for a job on LinkedIn as a Premium user, you have the option to mark up to 3 jobs applications per month as your “Top Job.” When your application is reviewed, it will be get priority in the stack of applications and the reviewer will see that you’ve marked it as a top job.
It also requires that you send a personalized note explaining why you’re excited about the position. This feature allows you to demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment, increasing your likelihood of being selected for an interview. A concise but compelling note that aligns your experience with the job requirements can make you stand out.
Search for Hidden Jobs
The jobs that are available are not always advertised on the LinkedIn Jobs Tab. In order to save money for advertising and increase social hiring, companies have started promoting jobs via individual members posts. Luckily you can search posts on LinkedIn to find who is hiring in (and outside) your network. A bonus is that you can also see who created the post & who is hiring and then reach out to them using LinkedIn InMail. Here’s a video tutorial how to search for hidden jobs on LinkedIn.
Network on LinkedIn
The people you know can be the best way to get connected to new opportunities and lead to career growth and LinkedIn is a networking powerhouse. Connect with professionals in your field, join relevant industry groups, and engage with content shared by peers, influencers, and potential employers. Commenting on posts or sharing thoughtful insights can help you build rapport with industry leaders and your network. Curious where to start? Here’s everything you need to guide networking during your job search.
By using these LinkedIn features strategically, you can streamline your job search, increase your visibility to recruiters, and build valuable connections within your industry. Whether you're actively looking or simply exploring opportunities, LinkedIn can be an essential tool in your career development.
