If you haven’t heard of LinkedIn yet, you’re clearly not in tune with the social media scene. That’s OK – LinkedIn isn’t like all the rest of them. There are no cat pictures to be found here, and selfies don’t usually show up all that often. LinkedIn is a social media website for the business professional. It helps people to network, gain knowledge and most importantly for you, get hired.
If you’re finding yourself in a position where you’re struggling to get the job you want, LinkedIn might just be the answer. Here’s what you’re going to need to know.
Build Your Network
The thing about LinkedIn is that it isn’t all that easy to build your network. This isn’t Twitter, where all you need to do is click the ‘Follow’ button. If you want to add select people on LinkedIn, you need to be connected to them in some way. This means that building a network takes a long time, and you start opening up more possibilities with the more work you put in. It’s quite complicated, and tip guides to aid you can be found at sites like Job Search Bible. Ultimately, it’ll take a while to get your head around it.
Seek Endorsements
LinkedIn gives you the possibility of putting endorsements on your page. You can do this by simply reaching out to someone and asking them to do it for you. You don’t need me to tell you why this is so great. It’s like getting a reference for an interview – but it’s a public one that everyone can see. It will instantly boost your chances of getting hired.
Your Profile Is Your Resume
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just another social media profile. It’s something that potential employers will come across now and again. You need to enhance it to the point where someone will stop and take notice. Be professional in the way you lay it out, and make sure there aren’t any grammatical errors.
Be Sure To Add Plenty Of Skills
Another benefit of your profile is that you can add skills to it. By adding plenty of these, you’ll open up the possibility of being found by potential employers. You’re much more likely to get found if you’ve got at least 5-or-so skills to your name. It’ll only take you a few minutes to implement them, but they might just be what you need to get that all-important job.
Search The Job Board
Sometimes, the employers just aren’t going to come to you all that quickly. So, why not go to them?! LinkedIn has a job board which you can explore for yourself. Add it to your regular list of job search websites, and you might just spot the perfect opportunity. Be sure to check your timeline too, as some employers will post private jobs on there.
It’s important to note that LinkedIn rarely provides instant success. By taking the time to put effort into it now, however, you might just benefit down the line.
