Are you using LinkedIn correctly?

LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professionals to connect, network, and find job opportunities.

But is your LinkedIn game milking every last drop of gold available?

Use these tips and start opening doors for your career.

#1: What does your profile say about you?

Make sure you tick each of these off:

1. Upload a friendly professional profile picture of yourself.
2. Craft a headline that makes it easy for hiring managers and recruiters to identify you.
3. Write a summary that showcases your skills, experience, and aspirations;
4. And highlight your achievements, qualifications, and any relevant certifications/skills in their allocated sections.

#2: Network, i.e. Make friends

Connect with colleagues, peers, and industry professionals as much as possible. And then engage with them.

Share insightful content, and comment/like their posts. Otherwise, what’s the point of connecting with them?

Plus, you never know where someone will pop up down the track!

#3: Build your brand

Share updates and articles related to your industry or expertise and make sure to comment on other people’s posts within those industries.

You’re an expert too, so contribute your knowledge to the conversation as well.

Linkedin is 60% networking, 40% job seeking. Use it for what it is.

#4: Leverage LinkedIn for job searching

Utilize the advanced job search filters when searching on LinkedIn to narrow down the options that suit you and your needs.

Follow companies of interest to stay updated on their latest job postings and turn on job alerts to receive notifications for new opportunities that match your criteria.

Finally, follow recruitment agencies to hear about available jobs. And, if you want to be the first to hear about those opportunities, sign up with a good agency; they’ll keep you in the loop!

#5: Make friends with recruiters and hiring managers

Personalize your connection requests when reaching out to recruiters and hiring managers. Send a polite and concise message expressing your interest in their organization or job openings.

Follow up on job applications or interviews with a thank-you message to leave a positive impression.

You’re a nice person, so make sure that comes through in each interaction.

#6: What do your colleagues say about you?

Good things, right?

LinkedIn allows you to show recommendations from past or present managers, clients & colleagues on your profile – they’re like a digital CV reference.

Reach out to those listed above and kindly ask if they’ll leave you one. They provide valuable social proof of your skills and expertise, something a recruiter or potential employer will be looking for 👀

#7: Stay active and engaged

Regularly update your LinkedIn profile with new skills, projects, or professional achievements. 

Keep interacting with relevant industry influencers and thought leaders as well.

It’s not hard, and you only have to dedicate a few minutes a day to doing it. It can pay real dividends in the long run.

TLDR;

How to strengthen your LinkedIn game:

1. Create an eye-catching profile
2. Network, i.e. Make friends
3. Build your brand
4. Leverage LinkedIn for job searching
5. Make friends with recruiters and hiring managers
6. Be proactive in asking for recommendations for your profile
7. Stay active and engaged

Remember, LinkedIn is a goldmine for jobseekers looking to make their mark.

Sharpen your networking skills, get your profile polished, and start connecting with professionals. Your career will thank you for it!