#jobseekers: Is a having a Linkedin profile still relevant for job hunting?

By Josh Gwin, Linkedin Masterclass Instructor

It absolutely is….but not in the way many people say to use it.

You have to be more strategic when looking for a job on LinkedIn. You have to use multiple sources.

I am working at an incredible job with a top company in my industry. I got this job 7 months ago using LinkedIn.

In four months leading up to getting this job, I had 20 interviews, 5 job offers and accepted a job with the top company in my industry.

All from LinkedIn.

Here are the exact steps I used to get a job using LinkedIn:

1. Make sure your profile is at the “All Star” level. This means uploading a, writing a , and crafting a. Don't tell potential employers what you do, tell them how you can benefit them.

Identify companies that you want to work for that have open positions. Use multiple sites to do this…LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, ZipRecruiter were all ones I used.

2.Locate the hiring manager.

 If you can't find the hiring manager, find a decision maker like a VP, director, or a regional manager. I looked for a VP of sales or a regional manager during my job search. If it was a smaller company, I’d go directly to the CEO or president.

   Invite that person to connect using a personal message like “Hi Mike, we have several mutual connections in the automotive industry. I’d like to add you to my LinkedIn network.”

   Once they connect with you, message them directly. Tell them you are interested in a position with their company and why you think you can be an asset. Ask them who you can send a resume to so it doesn’t get lost in the applicants. Most times they will point you to the person or ask you to send it to them and they’ll forward it along. Either one is a big win.

   Do this for every job you’re interested in. Not everyone will answer or tell you to send them a resume. They don’t have to. You only need a few. Be professionally persistent. You will get multiple job interviews and stand out from almost every candidate by being proactive.

For more #tips and #advice email to [email protected] or WhatsApp +20964452044 and follow the #makeadifference, and #onenation hashtag and also register with #freejobsupport.