10. Finding a Job
In this chapter, you explore how to use LinkedIn as an effective job search tool, find and apply to job postings, and use LinkedIn’s many other features for job seekers. Topics in this chapter include:
Attracting recruiters and hiring managers
Performing an advanced job search
Finding recruiters and hiring managers
Upgrading to a Job Seeker premium account
LinkedIn offers many powerful tools for job seekers, including a comprehensive jobs database, profiles of thousands of recruiters and hiring managers, detailed company information, and much more.
Attracting Recruiters and Hiring Managers
LinkedIn is an excellent tool for job seekers, but you need to create a stellar profile and develop a solid network if you want to maximize your results. Here are eight tips for making the most of LinkedIn as a job search tool.
• Complete your profile—LinkedIn reports that members with a complete profile generate 40 times more opportunities than those whose profiles aren’t complete.
• Develop a solid network of connections—Having a reasonable number of connections helps you make the most of LinkedIn’s many features. Although connecting with anyone and everyone isn’t a smart strategic move, having at least 100 relevant connections maximizes the benefits of using LinkedIn.
• Add relevant skills to your profile—Listing your key skills on your profile makes it easier for recruiters to find you and quickly identify your skillset. You can also have colleagues endorse you for these skills.
• Get recommendations—A complete profile includes at least three recommendations. Aim for recommendations from managers, executives, or actual clients. Peer recommendations, particularly those that you “trade” with colleagues by recommending each other, carry far less weight.
• Include keywords that are relevant to your profession and industry—These include specific skills, certifications, and degrees. Recruiters search for these words, and your profile should include them if you want to be found.
• Focus on results, not a list of duties—Remember that your profile is a concise summary of your qualifications, not a resume (although you can attach one if you like). Emphasize your results and accomplishments; don’t just list tasks you performed.
• Post a resume or portfolio—Attach PDFs or other documents to your profile.
• Indicate on your profile that you’re seeking employment—If you’re unemployed, include this information in your status, professional headline, or summary. Don’t sound desperate, but do let your network know that you’re looking for opportunities.
See Chapter 2, “Creating Your LinkedIn Profile,” and Chapter 11, “Working with LinkedIn Recommendations,” for more information.
Searching for Jobs
A big advantage for job seekers is LinkedIn’s large database of high-quality job postings.
Other Ways to Find Jobs
Although the Jobs page is LinkedIn’s primary job search tool, you should also search the Jobs tab on any groups you belong to and the Careers tab on the company pages of your target employers. To do a quick search for jobs, use the search box on the top navigation menu.
Search Job Postings
The Jobs page makes it easy to search for the perfect job on LinkedIn.
1. Click the Jobs link.
View Recommended Jobs
Below the search box on the Jobs page, LinkedIn lists jobs you might be interested in based on the information you entered on your profile. For example, if you work in project management, you could view a list of jobs in this field.
2. Enter keywords related to your job search in the Search for Jobs box. For example, you could enter a job title, a job skill, or the name of a target company.
3. Click the Search button to displays results on the Job Search Results page.
4. Click a job title to open a detailed job posting.
5. Sort jobs by relevance, your relationship to the job poster, or the date posted (most recent or earliest).
6. Click the Save Search link to save this job search and have results sent to you via email on a regular basis, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
7. Click the Save Job button to save a specific job posting.
View Saved Jobs
You can view the jobs you save on the Saved Jobs section on the right side of the Jobs page.
8. Click the Similar link to view jobs similar to a specific job posting. LinkedIn displays jobs that are the most similar to the one you selected.
Refine Your Search Criteria
Refine your search criteria using the fields on the left side of the page. The fields in the Job Search box are nearly identical to the fields on the Advanced Search page. See the “Performing an Advanced Job Search” section later in this chapter for more information.
View Job Postings
The content listed on a job posting varies according to what the hiring company chooses to display. The content in a job posting’s sidebar also varies according to what type of connection you have to the poster and the connections you have to people working at that company. A job posting might include some or all the following features:
• A header listing the job title, location, and company name.
• The Share button.
• A button to apply for the job. The Apply Now button displays if you can apply for the job directly on LinkedIn. The Apply on Company Website button displays if a company prefers to use its own application process. See the “Applying for a Job” section later in this chapter for more information.
• Click the Save button. Click to save this job for future viewing on the My Jobs page.
• The About This Company section, which enables you to learn more about this company. Click the Follow Company link if you want to follow this company’s activity on LinkedIn.
• The Similar Jobs section, which lists jobs that are similar to the one you’re viewing.
• The Share Job button. Click to open the Share on LinkedIn dialog box, which enables you to send a message to a connection who might be interested in this job, share with fellow group members, or share on Facebook, Twitter, or with your LinkedIn network (displays with other network updates).
• The Tweet button. Click to share directly on Twitter.
• The Like button. Click to like this job on Facebook.
• The Contact the Job Poster box with a button to contact the job poster directly on LinkedIn. Depending on your connection to the job poster, a link to request an introduction or send InMail could appear. Refer to Chapter 6, “Communicating with Other LinkedIn Members,” for more information about LinkedIn introductions and InMail.
• The People You Know at [Company Name] box. Click one of the links in this box to display the LinkedIn members in your network who work at this company. These people could provide you inside information about potential job opportunities.
• The People Also Viewed box, which lists jobs that people who viewed this posting also viewed.
Perform an Advanced Job Search
If you want to search for jobs based on specific criteria, try an advanced job search.
1. Click the Jobs link.
2. Click the Advanced Search link.
3. Enter keywords (such as job title, company name, skill, or certification) in the Keywords text box. Refer to Chapter 7, “Searching on LinkedIn,” for more information on using advanced search criteria.
4. Specify the criteria for your search. For example, you can narrow your search results by location, function, or industry.
Specify Only the Most Important Criteria
You don’t need to specify criteria in all the fields available on the Advanced Search page. Start with a few choices and then narrow or expand your search based on your search results.
5. Click the Search button.
6. LinkedIn displays matching job search results.
More Job Search Options
Click the More Options link to view more advanced search options such as date posted or experience level. If you have a Job Seeker premium account, you can search by salary. See the “Upgrade to a Job Seeker Premium Account” section later in this chapter for more information.
Applying for a Job
LinkedIn offers two ways to apply for jobs based on the way the company posting a job handles its recruitment. If the Apply on Company Website button displays on a job posting, clicking this button takes you to the company’s external website where you can apply for the job. If the Apply Now button displays on the job posting, clicking this button directs you to a job application form on LinkedIn. This section shows you how to complete LinkedIn’s own job application form.
Apply for a Job on LinkedIn
1. Click the Apply Now button.
Update Your Profile
LinkedIn includes your profile with your application. If you need to update this data before applying, click the Update Your Profile link to open the Edit Profile page. A detailed, error-free profile increases your chances of success.
2. Enter a telephone number where the recruiter can reach you.
3. Click the Upload a File link to upload a resume or cover letter.
Cover Letter Tips
A good cover letter summarizes strengths and accomplishments that are relevant to the job and is personalized for the target job.
4. Click the Browse button to select a document from your computer.
Resume Formats
You can upload your resume as a Microsoft Word document or PDF of no more than 5MB. LinkedIn attaches your uploaded resume in its original format.
5. Select the Follow check box if you want to follow this company on LinkedIn.
6. Click the Submit button to submit your application.
Review Your Job Applications
To review the jobs you’ve applied for, return to the Jobs page and click the See All Applied Jobs link.
Finding Recruiters and Hiring Managers
The good news for job seekers: Thousands of recruiters and hiring managers maintain profiles on LinkedIn. Using the Advanced People Search page is a great way to find them.
Search for People Who Can Hire You
Use the Advanced People Search page to find the people you want to contact.
1. Select People in the quick search box.
2. Click the Advanced link.
3. Select your search criteria.
4. Click the Search button.
Try Different Search Options
Searching for appropriate contacts is a combination of art and science, so you might need to revise your search criteria several times before you find the appropriate people.
Exploring Job Seeker Premium Accounts
LinkedIn offers many free features and opportunities for job seekers. If you need access to LinkedIn premium features to aid in your job search, however, consider upgrading to a Job Seeker premium account.
Upgrade to a Job Seeker Premium Account
1. Click the Upgrade link.
2. Click the For Job Seekers tab.
3. Select the Annual option to pay up front for a full year.
4. Select the Monthly option to be billed for your premium each month.
Get a Discount
If you sign up for an annual plan, you receive a substantial discount—up to 25% per year. Before choosing this option, however, it’s a good idea to test a premium account for a month to verify it’s the right option for you.
5. Review what’s included in each plan in the Compare Plans section. For example, the higher priced plans include more InMail messages, introductions, searches, and so forth.
6. Click the Start Now button below your preferred plan.
7. Enter your payment information including credit card details and your address.
8. Click the Review Order button to verify and finalize your purchase.
