7 New LinkedIn Strategies for Job Seekers

If you’re like many professionals on the job hunt right now, you’re no stranger to LinkedIn. But to successfully attract the attention of the ideal companies and recruiters, you need to take full advantage of all the resources and features that the platform provides. This isn’t always an easy task with a platform that’s continuously evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, use these seven new LinkedIn strategies for job seekers

1. Leverage your Personal Network

While this might seem like a no-brainer, the best possible pathway to a job is often through an existing employee. LinkedIn allows you to gauge your current network (old friends, college roommates, extended family, etc.) to find potential links to opportunities. Common connections might not be recruiters themselves, but perhaps you know someone in accounting or web development at the company you’d love to work for. Reach out to them and ask if they can put you in contact with the appropriate HR rep. Employees often receive referral bonuses and are happy to pass along the right resume.

2. Update your Skill Section

Filling out your personal description and resume are important, but you can’t forget about the skill section. Recruiters will select a series of required skills when they filter potential candidate results, and if your section isn’t a match, your profile won’t appear. Filter through job descriptions on LinkedIn that match your industry and position, using the listed skills as your blueprint for crafting your own profile.

3. Use the Platform for Networking (Not Just Applications)

If you’ve applied to job after job but still have no interviews on the horizon, maybe it’s time to focus less on applications and more on connections. Use the platform like you would other social networks. Comment on your connections’ posts. Find folks in your desired industry to connect with. When you do reach out, ask thoughtful questions or for succinct advice. Remember to keep your message short, sweet and respectful. 

4. Post and Engage With Content 

An active LinkedIn user will stand out more than a dormant one. So get to posting! You can repost curated third-party content (like industry articles you enjoy), respond to polls, follow and interact with industry thought leaders. You never know where a conversation will lead. Moreover, the more active you are on the platform, the more likely the algorithm will recommend your profile to recruiters. 

5. Publish Content in Niche Networks and Groups

While getting articles and posts out to your regular network can help your job hunt, you can also strategically share content to specific group pages. For example, if you’re interested in getting a job in digital marketing, research some of the top groups to join and get active on those pages.

6. Get creative with the carousel post feature.

The carousel features allow you to upload impressive presentations, portfolio work or visual representations of your content in a meaningful way. Apps like Canva make it easy to quickly create engaging graphics to catch the attention of your intended audience. Build three to five slides to share your most recent project, presentation or speaking engagement to feature your skills and talents.

You can also share any published work (like online articles or presentations) under the “Featured” section of your profile.  

7. Showcase what you love (not just what you do).

Remember to stand out on LinkedIn, you need to be yourself. Instead of trying to build a profile that fits in, focus on what makes you unique! In a sea of candidates, you want to be the one that catches the recruiter’s eye. By using the platform’s built-in features, generating meaningful content, updating your profile and building a strong network, you’ll set yourself up for success. Incorporating these LinkedIn strategies for job seekers will give you even more of an edge. Focus on sharing the parts of your life—both professional and personal—that will translate your passion, energy and talents. 

Good luck on the job hunt!