5 Creative Ways To Use Linkedin To Find a Job

Using Linkedin in new ways.

When you are looking for a job, simply searching sites like Craigslist and job boards like the ones here at Beyond, isn't enough. In order to launch a strategic, targeted job search, you will need to leverage your professional and social networks.

As you probably know by now, when it comes to finding a job, sometimes who you know is much more important that what you know. That's not to say that you can get a job you aren't qualified for just because you know someone who knows someone - although it's certainly been known to happen.

However, when you are active on social networking sites and have a strong professional network, you can find out about upcoming job openings that haven't been announced, get contact information for hiring managers at the companies you want to work with and you can even get recommended for a job opening.

If you are serious about finding a job, overlooking the huge difference that social networking can make would be a mistake. Along with social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, many job seekers also use Linkedin.

Linkedin is the biggest professional social networking sites and it has helped tons of people find jobs, make new connections and build relationships that ultimately ended in a promotion or a job change.

If you haven't tried Linkedin yet, you should. It's very simple and works in the same way that most social networking sites do. You register your account and fill out your profile (typically with an Internet friendly copy of your resume). Next, upload a professional head shot or photograph and you are all set.

Linkedin makes it fairly easy to navigate and find what you are looking for. However, if you are trying to find a job, there are some tips and trick you may not have thought of.

Here are 5 creative ways to find a job with Linkedin:

• Use a profile app - There are many apps available that will help you make your profile look it's best. The main thing is to be careful not to overdo it. You will probably have the most luck if you search for less popular profile apps. There are many apps that will allow you to turn your profile into a slide show. This is a great way to turn your resume into a multimedia presentation.

• Don't invite right away - When you start looking for connections, you'll probably see listings for previous co-workers and people who are well known and successful in your field. Don't make the mistake of sending them an invitation right away. If they are a previous co-worker, look at their profile to find out what they are doing now. If they are someone whose name you have heard before, look their profile over to be sure that they are someone you want to connect with. You may find that they aren't as important of a connection as your thought at first.

• Link up your networks - Search for the people who are already following you on Twitter or are your Facebook friends. Although some people like to keep Linkedin separate from other social networks, most of the time your friends will add you on the new site. Since you already know these people, you can start building on the friendship right away.

• Pay attention to who views your profile - When you are looking through everyone's profiles, don't forget that people are checking you out too. Be sure to check out the people who are viewing you to see if they are someone you want to connect with.

• Keep checking for new Linkedin contacts - There is a feature on Linkedin that will let you know when other people you know join the site. All you have to do is scroll down to the bottom of your home page and click the tab that says "Just Joined Linkedin". This will show you any former colleagues or classmates that have joined since you signed up or since the last time you check. Keep an eye on this because new people are joining the site everyday. Plus, if you can be someone's you want to know better's first Linkedin friend, it will give you a leg up on the friendship.

Do you use Linkedin for professional networking and to further your job search? Why or why not? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

 

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for Administrativejobsblog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.