LinkedIn Hacks: Get Hired with These Insider Tips

LinkedIn has become the number one online job search tool for job seekers worldwide. With hundreds of millions of professionals actively using the platform, LinkedIn provides a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, showcase expertise, and find relevant job opportunities.

This blog will explore some lesser-known LinkedIn hacks to supercharge your job search.

Build a Strong Profile

First things first. Make sure you have a fully optimized, well-written profile. Nobody will respond to a blank profile, nor can a recruiter find you without content. To get more ideas on how to do this, check out my previous blogs on LinkedIn here and here.

• Use a professional headshot and an attention-grabbing headline

• Craft a compelling summary that highlights your skills and experiences

• Showcase past accomplishments and relevant details in the experience section

• Request recommendations from colleagues and supervisors to strengthen your profile's credibility

Hack #1: Optimize your skills section using the “Build a resume” tool under “More” at the top of your profile page. Choose “Create from Profile” and enter your target job title. You will see a list of skills found in your profile and a list of skills not found, and for paid accounts, you will see additional skills that you can expand. Those skills are usually the most in-demand and searched-for skills. Use these skills to build out your skills section.

Network effectively

Once you have an optimized profile, start to network. Networking is crucial to finding job opportunities, and LinkedIn offers a unique platform for professionals to connect. By networking effectively on LinkedIn, you can expand your professional circles, gain insights into industries, and tap into hidden job markets.

To start networking on LinkedIn:

• Send personalized connection requests to professionals in their field

• Participate in industry-specific groups and engage in discussions

• Attend online networking events and webinars

• Take advantage of LinkedIn's "People Also Viewed" feature to discover professionals in similar roles or fields

Hack #2: Use the LinkedIn Search function and search ‘People’ then All filters. From there, you can add job titles, keywords, target companies, and degree of connection (amongst many others). This will help you narrow down a list of people in your field, at your target company, or hiring for the job you are looking for. When sending a connection request, include why you are requesting the connection, but do not ask for a favor, resume review, or anything that puts work on them. Response rates may be low, but you only need one willing to connect and converse.

Hack #3: Speaking of ‘People Also Viewed’, TURN THIS OFF ON YOUR PROFILE! You can find this in your settings. Most people leave this on, and recruiters will use it as a sourcing tool. Why give free advertisement to your competition right on your page?

Boost your LinkedIn presence

Creating valuable content on LinkedIn helps you establish yourself as industry expert, gain visibility, and attract potential employers. Sharing insights, industry trends, and tips can make a lasting impression on recruiters and hiring managers.

To create compelling content on LinkedIn, consider the following tips:

• Identify topics relevant to your industry and target audience

• Use engaging visuals, such as images or videos, to enhance your content

• Craft well-written articles or posts that provide valuable information or spark discussions

• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and fostering meaningful conversations

Some successful content strategies on LinkedIn include:

• Sharing personal success stories or lessons learned - note that recent Linkedin algorithm changes are now suppressing these posts vs. boosting. LinkedIn is gradually shifting back to rewarding professional content vs. personal stories, but my more personal content still gets more engagement.

• Providing actionable tips or advice for professionals in your industry

• Interviewing industry leaders or sharing their insights

• Creating thought-provoking posts that invite discussions

Use LinkedIn's search features to find jobs

LinkedIn's job search function allows you to find relevant opportunities using keywords, location filters, and other search criteria. By utilizing this function effectively, you can narrow your search and discover jobs that align with your skills and aspirations.

To make the most of LinkedIn's job search function:

• Utilize the Advanced Search feature to filter jobs by specific criteria such as industry, company, or experience level

• Set up job alerts to receive notifications for relevant positions matching their search criteria

• Save interesting jobs to revisit later or track the status of their applications

Hack #4: In the search feature, filter by the words ‘hiring’ and ‘job title’ (target role) and then change the search to Posts. Once there, change the order to ‘by date’ to show the most recent posts. Not only do you have an active job you can apply to, but you also have someone you can reach out to - network!

LinkedIn has emerged as a game-changer in the job search landscape, revolutionizing how professionals connect and find job opportunities. With its networking capabilities, content creation platform, and powerful search features, LinkedIn offers you a wealth of resources and opportunities to enhance your job search.

Remember, LinkedIn is not just a job search tool but a dynamic platform that can help you build a strong professional network, showcase your expertise, and access a world of career opportunities. Harness its power and unlock a world of potential for your job search. Happy job hunting!