How to Use LinkedIn to Help Find a Job

By: The Strayer University Editorial Team

Reading Time: 5 minutes

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. It can be a great way to amplify your next job search or help you explore a career change. Having a profile allows you to:

• Share your resume
• View active job postings
• Build a network of colleagues
• Find networking events and other opportunities for career development

To take full advantage of these features, you need a reliable strategy. Here are some steps to help you use LinkedIn to explore job opportunities.

1. Fine-tune-your profile and optimize it for search

Your LinkedIn profile functions as an online resume, and you can safely assume that any potential employer or recruiter will read it. Use the different elements of your profile to create a strong impression.

Here are a few LinkedIn profile tips:

• Choose a friendly and professional photo that shows your face clearly.
• Think of your summary as a sales pitch. What are you most proud of? What makes you unique? Talk about your passion for solving certain types of problems. Showcase your most important achievements and qualifications. Be concise and detailed.
• In the experience section of your profile, give a detailed description of your duties, achievements and recognitions. Be sure to highlight skills that are relevant to your career goals and job search.
• Make the most of LinkedIn’s AI profile optimization tools to help polish your work experience descriptions and make sure you’ve included industry-specific keywords.
• Turn on “Open to Work” and job alerts to signal to recruiters that you’re open to new opportunities. You can specify your preferred job title, remote work and hybrid work preferences and in what area you’re looking. Make sure your notification settings are on so you know when relevant opportunities are posted and that your profile is visible to recruiters.
• The additional interests section can help build your LinkedIn network. Each interest you display is a potential link to professionals with similar interests, so make sure to build a list of interests with your career development in mind.
• Carefully draft and edit each section of your profile. Make sure the writing is clear, concise and correctly formatted.
  
  

2. Join groups and follow companies

Groups can be a useful way to expand your professional network and engage with industry conversations on LinkedIn. When you join groups that are aligned with your professional interests, you’ll get access to relevant job listings, events and industry news.

Company pages can be helpful for job seekers at both the application and interview preparation stage of the job search. Researching companies through LinkedIn can help you learn about workplace culture, monitor hiring activity, identify employees and stay informed about company news.

Not sure which groups to join or companies to follow? Here are a few suggestions:

• Your college or university’s group
• Companies on your list of potential employers
• Groups that are focused on your area of expertise, or any topic that interests you as a professional

3. Build relationships before you need them

There are millions of LinkedIn users, and some groups have thousands of members. It isn’t enough to set up a profile: you should get involved by joining a few groups or applying for a few jobs. If you want to leverage the power of LinkedIn to find a job, you should consistently interact with other members. Modern networking on LinkedIn happens through ongoing engagement.

• Read about your industry and actively develop your knowledge
• Join discussions and comment frequently and thoughtfully
• Always conduct yourself with professionalism
• Follow industry leaders
• Congratulate contacts on milestones
• Consistent engagement creates familiarity and can help produce more networking opportunities than cold outreach.

4. Create content that demonstrates your expertise

Recruiters and hiring managers may review a candidate’s LinkedIn activity as part of their hiring process. Even occasional posting can help demonstrate your expertise and professional interests. You can do this by:

• Sharing industry articles
• Discussing lessons learned at work
• Offering professional insights
• Commenting on trends in your field

5. Ask for recommendations

Even if you’re new to LinkedIn, you’ve probably worked with people who are active on the site. Recommendations are a powerful asset on this platform, but you should only request them from people who know you well enough to attest to the quality of your work.

Look at your resume and make a list of people you could feasibly ask for a recommendation. Always reconnect first. If possible, offer some sort of professional help or support before you ask for a recommendation.

6. Use the ‘Jobs’ section

Once you’ve developed your profile on LinkedIn, turn your attention to the jobs section. 

• Search job postings by keyword, category or location. Filter the results by date, experience level, job type, company or location. Set up job alerts for positions you’re interested in.
• Filter positions by “Easy Apply” to apply to jobs directly through LinkedIn using your profile and uploaded resume. Make sure to double-check the position requirements before submitting your application.

• Take note of specialized job recommendations based on your activity (e.g., “Jobs You May Be Interested In,” “Jobs in Your Network”).
• Save every job posting that interests you so you can retrieve it quickly.
• Browse the LinkedIn pages of companies you’re interested in working for and look for people in your network who work there.
   

7. Apply for jobs

LinkedIn makes it easy to apply for jobs. On each job posting, you’ll see the Apply or Easy Apply button. You’ll either be taken to an application within the LinkedIn platform (Easy Apply), or you’ll link to the company’s web site or job board where you’ll find instructions on how to apply.

Keep in mind that once you submit a job application through LinkedIn, in most cases you can’t take it back or modify it – you can only contact the job poster. This is a good reminder to complete each application carefully.
 

8. Follow up and build connections

No matter where you find a job posting, and no matter how you apply, getting to the interview stage is what you want. That’s why it’s important to follow up with each potential employer in a timely and professional way.

Remember, too, that there are a lot of people applying for jobs on LinkedIn. If your applications are routinely getting passed over, you may need to tweak some things about your profile or your job search – but don’t give up. Using LinkedIn to find a job is all about being confident in the skills and talents you bring to the table and fostering connections for mutual support.
  

Find out how flexible online degree programs at Strayer University can help you develop skills for the career path you intend to pursue.

Neither Strategic Education, Inc nor Strayer University has a promotional relationship or is in any way affiliated with LinkedIn. Students should conduct their research on how they can best utilize LinkedIn.

FAQs

What should I include on my LinkedIn profile when job searching?

Your profile should include a professional photo, an up-to-date summary, detailed work experience, relevant skills and certifications. Highlight accomplishments and keywords related to your target role.

How do recruiters find candidates on LinkedIn?

Recruiters often search LinkedIn using keywords, skills, job titles, education, certifications and location preferences. Keeping your profile complete and updated can improve your chances of appearing in recruiter searches.

What are common LinkedIn job search mistakes?

Common mistakes include having an incomplete profile, using outdated information, neglecting networking opportunities, sending generic connection requests and applying for jobs without researching the employer.