LinkedIn Tip and Tricks for Job Seekers

You've got your degree, 200 connections on LinkedIn that you've known from college and your last job, and you're still not getting much traction on here for your job search. What could you be doing wrong?? Let's chat!!

1. Fix your headline

Instead of: "Seeking New Opportunity"

Do this: "Human Resources Professional Seeking New Opportunity"

Reason: Most hiring managers and recruiters can only see your name, your location, and your headline. That's it. In the first example, "Seeking New Opportunity" doesn't tell us anything. Fun fact: 283,000 people have only "Seeking New Opportunity" as their headline.

2. Fix your connection numbers

Instead of: 200 connections

Do This: 1,000+ connections

Reason: If you're unemployed/wanting a change/etc. you need to boost your connection numbers. As they say, it's not about WHAT you know, it's WHO you know. When you're job hunting your WHAT has been established, time to build your WHO. Have you been wanting to work at a specific company? Add folks from that company. Wanting to start in a new industry? Add people that are working in the industry. Already have over 1,000 connections? Make it 2,000. Already over 2,000? Make it 5,000. So on and so forth.

Search for a position i.e. "Engineering Manager" or "Human Resources Manager". Select (2nd) secondary connections and enter your geographic location (Louisville, KY area) or desired geographic location (Green Bay, WI GO PACK GO!! :P). The more your connection number grows the more your secondary number multiplies.

3. Fix Your Connections

If you have some connections that feel more like spam, or they like/comment on things that are controversial/derogatory/unprofessional/etc. remove them. They are clogging up your feed which could lead you to miss out on an opportunity!! Don't bother messaging them (it'll just make the situation worse).

4. Add your resume, cover letter, and (if applicable) work samples.

When you're looking at your profile under your intro you are able to add media. For example, with my introduction there is the logo for my company New Paradigm Solutions. This is where I would like you to put (in addition to your cover letter and resume) work samples. Projects you've completed that have gone really well. Presentations that were phenomenal. Only advice is don't disclose proprietary information of a former employer. If you think they would be uneasy about it don't do it. College students looking for their first job: this is where you can shine.

5. Boost Your Recommendations

If you have no recommendations on your profile, fix it!! Ask former co-workers, colleagues, and managers to give you a public recommendation on here. This is the 21st Century for "References Available Upon Request". A good amount is 8-10.

6. Fix Your Picture

It's always good to change your picture from time to time. If you can't remember when you last changed it, it's time. Try for once a year on here to come up with a new professional or formal picture. I advise against selfies unless you're a "selfie professional" (it's more complicated than one would think).

These proven tips and tricks are have resulted in success for multiple people that I have consulted for. If you are confidentially or passively looking please message me first before you go forward with any of these changes (exception is picture). Questions?? Feel free to call or message me. (812) 225-5590

Thanks for viewing!! Good luck with your continued search.

Regards,

Matt