LinkedIn is the job hunter’s best friend if you know how to leverage it. Without having the right strategies, finding the perfect job with LinkedIn can be a bit confusing.
However, with a little direction and touch of creativity at networking, you can build a network which can land you THE job you’ve been craving sooner than you thought possible.
LinkedIn job search expert Jewel Bracy DeMaio teaches “When People find the job they really want, they can actually live authentically.”
Here are 5 essential tips to get your dream job
1. Think Innovatively and Authentically
While creating a profile on LinkedIn, get crafty. Avoid the cliché lines and format. Make it more than your just your ‘electronic resume.’
Your LinkedIn layout is editable so choose a suitable one. Worn out words like ‘creative,’ ‘motivated,’ ‘passionate,’ and ‘driven’ all are used so much that they have lost their impact. Don’t use them in your resumes.
DeMaio strongly advises that you “be authentic all day, every day. You don’t have to be at a job that you’re just settling for.”
To find that dream job, you must take strategic action, stay positive and be driven to succeed.
2. Personalize The Requests
A pre-filled message feature is available on LinkedIn. If you use these then give them a personal touch by writing a little note which will be added to your message.
DeMaio reminds us “You are a Brand, take ownership of that.”
It will help your connection warmly remember how long you have known each other and it will facilitate staying in contact. No one reads lengthy rambling so keep it short, sweet and simple.
3. Endorsements And Recommendations
After connecting with the right people, strengthen your profile with personalized recommendations from classmates or present and past colleagues.
These testimonials give your profile an extra push of authenticity in your preferred field. It also creates an impressive effect on employers when they read how well you have worked with people. Give recommendations first and then ask that the same be done for you.
DeMaio says “You just have to stand out, over and above the rest.”
In the section called skills and endorsements add a special skill and ask your closest connections to endorse you for it. This means that they have seen you personally excel at that specific job.
4. Connect With The People Of Your Ideal Job
Design your network by linking up with people with common interests. For example, you are from Yale University and would like to get a job at Apple.
From your profile, click on your university and from there click on the ‘students and alumni’ option. This will get you a bar graph and details of the alumni’s jobs and where they live and work.
You can also directly connect with employees of your dream company by sending personalized messages and describing your interest in them and the company.
Be smart in making connections. Add everyone from school. Include teachers, family, friends, ex-bosses and colleagues. Join LinkedIn groups and start networking with members who hold a position similar to the one you are targeting.
DeMaio says it this way: “As your network grows, your profile will receive more exposure. You cannot be found if you are not around.”
5. Play an Active Part
Often LinkedIn users are unaware that they can send direct messages to members of groups they belong to, even if they are not directly connected. Comment on an article or blog post they wrote or a project they are part of.
Connecting with alumni groups and industry groups is an important way to cultivate professional connections. Observe the groups in the initial weeks after you join.
Show your interest by liking and commenting on the posts others are linked to. Post a few of your own too. Employers will notice and appreciate that you are an active resource.
DeMaio delivers a final gem this way “You have to take action that others are not going to take.”
With these tips, you are bound to land that dream job quickly!!