New LinkedIn Features for Job Seekers

LinkedIn has certainly been busy in 2020 rolling out multiple new features to help job seekers to build their brand on this platform and to make applying for a job easier.

As a Career Coach I'm always looking out for new features that will help my clients to get a job, and there have been many!

Let’s take a look at 4 features for job seekers that LinkedIn has added recently – some of them are VERY exciting, others are worth experimenting with, and I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

I’ll start with my favourite new feature:

1.    The Voice Pronunciation Feature

How often have you been stumped with the pronunciation of someone’s name? It can be a little embarrassing to get it wrong when you go for a job interview. So LinkedIn has created the Voice Pronunciation feature for people to record their names so we can get it right.

You're given 10 seconds of recording time, and you can record via the LinkedIn app on your device.

I gave it a go and realised that it only took 2 seconds for me to say my name (Jane Jackson is pretty easy!) so I decided to play around and let people know a little more about me with a brief intro of how I can help you. 

Click on the sound icon ?? next to my name on my profile and you’ll hear beautiful music in the background and my soothing voice lulling you into a sense of calm. ??

Of course my partner in crime when it comes to all things LinkedIn, my co-host on the podcast LinkedIn to Jack and Jill, Jillian Bullock, the LinkedIn Ninja Down Under ?? has an intro that will wake you up pronto! ??

I’ve listened to some others – many people simply say their name, others have used their 10 seconds to the max.

>>> Watch my video so you know how to activate the feature. Comment below with the link to your profile and I'll listen to yours!

2.    The Build a Resume Feature

This is handy if you don’t have a resume and decide to create your LinkedIn profile first. I have no idea why anyone would do things in that order, but assuming you do, then LinkedIn's Build a Resume feature makes it easy for you.

What’s handy about it is that it pulls all your LinkedIn information within seconds into a document that is already formatted into a resume. Yes, within SECONDS! I tried it out and ended up with an 11 page document which is far too long and required a huge amount of culling to get it succinct enough for a resume! Remember this:

A RESUME IS A SYNOPSIS OF YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS THAT IS RELEVANT TO THE READER.

So I suggest you try it out and then spend time tailoring it to suit the job to which you wish to apply. It needs to attract the attention of the screener and have the right key words so that you’re a good match. This is a topic that I’ve written about in much more detail in my article, “15 Top Tips to Write a Powerful Resume” 

Here’s my YouTube video that explains exactly how to find the Build a Resume feature and how to use it.

While you're on YouTube, subscribe to my channel for more job search tips.

3.     Job Interview Preparation Feature

Now THIS feature is truly wonderful for job seekers as it guides you, step-by-step to prepare for job interviews and provides the opportunity for you to record yourself.

You can watch how you did and also send the recording to your career coach to critique and provide feedback. In fact, you can send the recording to anyone you’re connected to on LinkedIn who is willing to give you feedback!

I know you might feel a bit shy about recording yourself but if you get used to seeing yourself on camera, and you become comfortable with speaking to a webcam, it'll be good for you when you have your video job interviews via Zoom or Microsoft Teams or whatever your recruiter or hiring manager may schedule for you.

To find this feature, I've created these photos to guide you :

How easy is that! I wonder if you'll try it out? It's an excellent feature - and you'll notice that you can also get to the 'Build a Resume' feature when you click 'see more' within the Jobs section too.

4. Open to Work Feature

That GREEN BANNER that wraps "#OpenToWork around your profile photo broadcasting to the world on LinkedIn that you are available!

Some love it, some hate it. Here’s my take on it. If someone is seeking someone with your skills, they will be using key words to look for you. Those key words will help you to turn up in a LinkedIn search. Once they land on your profile, if your profile is compelling and relevant enough for the type of professional they are seeking, then they will reach out to you. 

Headhunters will reach out to you whether you are available or not. IF you are of interest they will approach you.

There are more job seekers than there are roles right now. To really stand out in a crowded marketplace you need to BUILD YOUR BRAND to attract your target audience.

Of course letting recruiters know that you are open to work is useful. You can choose to do that without adding that new green banner around your profile photo.

If you love the green banner, then it may be useful to use it to broadcast it to the world that you are open to work. Perhaps someone who knows you might have something for you and make contact.

I recommend that you use your TAGLINE/HEADLINE to tell the story of your expertise, and your ABOUT section to really project that you are the solution to the problems of your target hiring manager. Then, after they’ve read about you and are keen, at the end of the ABOUT section add that you are open for a discussion and include your contact email so they can reach out directly.

If the ABOUT section markets you well, then by the time someone sends that email to you, it's because they are already partially sold on YOU. And that will be whether you have a green banner around your face or not.

I know some will disagree with me so let’s have a discussion – pop them in the comments below! There is no right or wrong, I respect all opinions.

So, there you have it, the 4 LinkedIn Features for Job Seekers:

1. Voice Pronunciation Feature
2. Build a Resume Feature
3. Job Interview Prep Feature
4. Open to Work Feature 

Which ones are you already using and which ones will you use?

>>>>>> If you need help with finding a job, preparing a resume, brushing up on your personal brand, preparing for job interviews and more … read this post

>>>>>> I’ll help you get the edge in your job search – visit me in The Careers Academy – I’ll support you through your career transition so you create the career you deserve!

#JobSeekers #ONO #LinkedInTips #CV #jobinterviews #JaneJackson #Careers #coaching #womeninbusiness #inspiration