Navigating job searching is a lot to take in, especially when the emphasis is placed upon a single platform like LinkedIn. I wrote this for those that are embarking on a Tech journey, as well as those that are not as familiar with LinkedIn. I found certain tricks that helped me successfully land a role in Tech just 3 months ago! Some of these tips are common sense but they’re still things I had to learn either with trial and error or with the help of others. Although my LinkedIn is still a work in progress, I hope this LinkedIn mini-guide is of benefit.
Work on Your Resume
Firstly, work on your resume. LinkedIn is an extension of your resume. The platform is a way to tell a story beyond a one-page paper. It would be amiss not to mention the resume and how helpful improvements can be for job hunting. As your resume improves, your LinkedIn will follow.
Some tips for resume improvements: put your education section at the bottom, have the skills portion at the top, leave your address off the resume, quantify your experience section, and always submit your resume as a PDF.
I wholeheartedly believe if your resume is great, then that can be the template you use to present an amazing LinkedIn profile.
Apply for the Job
Once you’re okay with your resume, find relevant jobs by searching for the role or the company you’re looking at using LinkedIn. Take advantage of the “easy apply” feature, which is a feature that lets you apply without leaving LinkedIn. Utilize “easy apply” by attaching your resume in PDF form to the LinkedIn app. Every new job you want to apply to can be done with just a click.
Use the LinkedIn filter to narrow down your search to when the job was posted (start within 24 hr period and branch out), location, and you can even strictly apply to those that have the “easy apply” tool enabled.
Linkedin also has a save job feature that I love, it’s how I keep track of which jobs I have already applied to.
Emphasis on Reaching Out
Now that you have covered the resume and applying for the job, it’s time to reach out to form some connections. Look at the people that work at that company with the same title or even a recruiter. Sending that person a personalized note along with the connection request is major.
Being new to LinkedIn meant that I was weary, quite shy, and a bit nervous to reach out to strangers on a serious platform, but it paid off for me. Some people won’t even connect with you if you don’t send a personalized note, it’s polite and serves as an introduction.
This process of sifting through people and their roles in different companies will cement in your mind and it ultimately makes the process so much easier.
Upon Connecting, Keep Referrals in Mind
I sincerely believe you don’t have to ask for a referral directly, but by connecting and asking thoughtful questions — you’ll land your referrals effectively. Asking for a referral has not worked for me, even from people that promised me that they refer anyone that reaches out. But it also makes sense that a complete stranger is not going to necessarily do the best to land you a great referral.
The solution is to simply focus on getting to know this person or their role. You can ask about their day-to-day, difficulties they face, or how they like the company, etc.
Tie it All Together
So far, you improved your resume, you made connections with a referral in mind but didn’t directly ask in that first message, and you inquired about this individual and the role they play in a given company or industry. Now you just need to work on your messaging and make sure it’s light and relevant. This is a sample message that I send on that first interaction:
“Hi_, I just applied to [role you applied to] and I wanted to know how you like your [current role]/[current company].”
This method, though super simple, helped me bring the focus to the person I’m messaging rather than just thinking about what they could do for me. Even if I don’t get a referral, now I know a lot more about a person in my LinkedIn network, about their respective job, and/or a company I’m interested in.
Once this method became second nature, hunting for opportunities and being on the LinkedIn app became less exhausting. I hope this strategy works for you.
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