Now that you have a LinkedIn profile, how can you use it
during these trying times in one of the toughest job markets we’ve ever
experienced?
Read on!
According to withe.co, nearly 50% of recruiters are
using LinkedIn to find their next candidate. In fact, in 2024 LinkedIn will be
the most effective social platform for sourcing qualified
candidates. Additionally, 63% of candidates check social media for
employee and consumer comments about a company's workforce diversity or lack
thereof. Therefore, LinkedIn is the place to be nowadays, whether you are a
candidate looking for your next gig or a recruiter looking for the next
promising candidate.
But what good is it to have a profile and not know how to
use it?
While we will never address all the benefits of a LinkedIn profile on this
blog, I want to highlight the one thing most people neglect on their job search
when it comes to using LinkedIn.
First, most people neglect updating their profile to reflect
their complete work history, and all their skills and experience. Your LinkedIn
profile is your electronic resume. Be sure to update it to reflect as such. Please
include a half-decent picture of you! It doesn’t have to be a professional shot,
well I guess it depends on the role you are looking for. If you are an
executive or looking for a C-suite role, by all means, but if you are not, a
good picture of you will suffice. Now, here’s a kicker, if your Facebook/Instagram
profile picture and your LinkedIn one are the same, chances are you should
change it. Remember, LinkedIn is a professional networking site! That being
said, although it should not matter, statistically the recruiters are attracted
to profiles that have a picture a lot more often than to those who do not.
There’s a pre-conceived notion that a profile without a picture is a false one,
and thus many of them report not even clicking on it.
That’s all I will say about your profile for now, although I
will probably create a blog on more tips to improve your profile later on.
Now that your profile is good to go, assuming it is, it’s time to use your
LinkedIn account to benefit you. Find your ideal role! For example, if your
ideal role is social media marketer for LS Consulting Service LLC, you want to
look up the company using the LinkedIn search engine.
Now notice the different options you must select for this
particular company.
You can see the people who work there and send them connection requests. After
all, what’s the best way to get into a company than knowing someone who knows
someone? 😊
You can also look up the current vacancies you can apply for and take advantage of any courses they might be offering, or events they are hosting.
Make sure your profile matches the job description of the role you are looking for!
I know not too many of us have the time to do so, especially if you are
currently unemployed, but if you had the luxury of time you can participate in
their events to get to know folks better or create a door for you to access their vacancies.
If you click on people, you will also be able to filter those current employees by location, school, and several other options. This can again help you streamline your search for that specific connection that can help you get your application and/or name known to the right person. Finding commonalities will be an ideal conversation starter!
You also will be able to easily identify the recruiters in
that company!
My first piece of advice is to send connection requests to the
recruiters first and then find the hiring manager for the role that you want
to eventually apply to. Keep in mind, the role you want may not be available now, but assuming it will be shortly, getting connected now is the perfect time. This will help you create multiple possibilities of
getting your name to come up at the time of considering their next candidate.
Once you do that, it’s time to get your name to come up on
their feed a few more times! Comment on their posts, share their content if
appropriate, and be sure to create your own content to post regularly. You don’t
need to be too elaborate, but enough that those who see your content are certain
that you are good at what you do. Remember, the more they see your name the
more chances of them selecting it at the time of going through several
applications.
That being said, do not become a stalker! Do not continuously
comment, and like their posts to the point of becoming obnoxious or you will
lose your chance of getting in there. Find the right balance, because being so
obviously desperate, and casually being in the same industry with the skills
and experience they so happen to need.
Happy scrolling!
Be sure to follow us on social media for more tips and tricks to get through
this tough market!
Lilibeth Santiago
President of LS Consulting Services LLC
