Looking For a Job? Do These 5 Things on LinkedIn Every Week!

If you just landed on the job market and are confused about what to do next, virtual networking is a great place to start. One of the best ways to network from your home is to take advantage of all that LinkedIn has to offer. It could be the best way to land your next dream job!

LinkedIn is the largest professional social networking site and is an easy approach to networking. You can access information about open positions, companies and resources for your career development.

You’ll want to create a stellar profile before you apply to a position or reach out to new connections. Some tips:

• Get a great headshot. Have it look professional or taken professionally if possible.
• Use your resume to help you create a headline and summary, and add work experience and skills to the profile.
• Use keywords popular in your field to stand out and amp up your searchability.
• Seek recommendations from colleagues and peers that can vouch for how awesome you are!
• Add in projects and awards you are proud of.
• Do not forget to review your spelling and grammar! Simple mistakes will stand out and not in a good way.

Once you have a stellar profile, it’s time to build your network and utilize LinkedIn for all its benefits. You can reach out to employers/recruiters at locations you would love to work at, seek out mentors or add colleagues. Join groups and follow topics that are important to you. Curating this network is what makes you stand out as a professional and gets you found!

Here are five things you should do every week on LinkedIn during your job search:

1. Connect with people.

Connect with professionals in the field, colleagues, employers, recruiters and mentors. Be intentional with who you are adding and think through how it can be a mutually beneficial relationship. Add your career coach and ask them to provide a professional review of your profile and if see there is anyone you should meet in their network.

2. Share with your network.

Adding others is fun, but these connections want to hear from you! When you share an article related to your field, you are taken more seriously as a professional and you create the opportunity for discussion. If something new is happening in your field, others can benefit from hearing about it. We all grow together!

3. Search and apply for jobs.

This is what you came here for, right? LinkedIn has a great search tool to help you find exactly what you are looking for. LinkedIn will also track what you apply for and what you save, making it easy to come back at any time to check on the progress. LinkedIn is known for the “easy apply” method that takes mere moments. You can set up additional job alerts as well to further fine-tune your future job search opportunities.

4. Interact with the employer.

If you apply for a job, the name of the recruiter is usually listed on the position. If not, you could search for employees at the company location and uncover a recruiter or key person to contact. It is important to be professional and respectful as you reach out. Make your message short and purposeful, demonstrating the benefit for both of you. It might sound something like:

“Hello Derrick, I see that you posted a position for an RN in Med/Surg. I would love to find out what makes a nurse stand out as a stellar applicant. I am a new grad nurse and am a huge fan of your company. I’d love to connect!”

5. Comment on posts from others in your network and be an active community member.

Your network wants to hear your thoughts and see your posts. Sharing posts and reacting to others will help them feel empowered to continue the discussion. Join groups and follow hashtags and topics to join discussions of interest to you. You’ll often find progressive resources and innovators in the field when you join discussions that matter to you personally. Perhaps you will even find a mentor! Join Herzing University’s page and see what your fellow students and alumni are chatting about.

Using those steps every week should get you closer to your next dream job.

Want job advice? Reach out to Herzing University career development coaches. We’re here to help you strategize networking, create a proficient resume and win the interview. We are happy to review your LinkedIn profile and provide tips on how to make it stronger and get results!