The Ultimate Guide: Do's and Don'ts of Job Hunting on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become a powerful tool and a go-to platform for students and professionals to connect and network with each other and find new jobs. Many of us create a LinkedIn account but unsure how to maintain it, how to find the right job and so on. It is very important to follow certain dos and don'ts while hunting for job on LinkedIn. This will help in maximising your chances of success in finding jobs and also to professionally build your social media account to network and connect. So, let's discuss some essential dos and don’ts of job searching on LinkedIn.

1. DO - Optimise Your Profile

Optimising your profile is very important and the very first thing to do. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and professional, including your photo, summary, headline, and work experience. Use relevant keywords in your profile to help recruiters find you more easily. I suggest do not post selfies or group pictures and take a professional photo to upload on LinkedIn.

2. DO - Network and Engage

LinkedIn is all about networking, so it is essential to connect and engage with other professionals in your industry. Join LinkedIn groups related to your field, share relevant content, and engage with other professionals by commenting and liking their posts. You can also attend virtual events hosted on LinkedIn to know more about latest industry trends, conferences etc.

3. DO - Search for Jobs and Apply

LinkedIn offers an extensive job search engine that allows you to filter by job title, location, and company size. Take advantage of this feature and apply to jobs that match your skills and experience. It is unto you where, and what kind of job you are interested to work in. You can also save the jobs to look at them later and can even set alerts for similar job roles you are looking for. You will get latest job alerts by doing so and be one of the first applicants.

4. DO - Use Recommendations and Endorsements

Having recommendations and endorsements on your profile can help you stand out to recruiters. Ask former colleagues and managers to write a recommendation for you, and endorse others in your network to build relationships. Students can ask their professors to write a recommendation and if you have interned or volunteered anywhere, you can ask them to recommend you.

5. DO NOT - Spam Recruiters

LinkedIn is not the place to spam recruiters with irrelevant messages or job applications. Tailor your applications to the job you are applying for and make sure your messages are relevant to the person you’re reaching out to. In some job descriptions, recruiters mention contacts to get in touch if you have any questions related to the role. I suggest you to ask any questions you have before applying for the job.

6. DO NOT - Copy and Paste

Sending the same message to multiple people can come across as lazy and unprofessional. Personalise your messages to each person you are reaching out to, and mention why you’re interested in connecting with them. Sometimes, when you copy and paste, you ignore the message and send wrong details to others. It is therefore very important to not copy and paste and send personalised messages. Same theory applies when you apply for job as well. Do not send the same CV and Cover Letter for different applications. Take time in tailoring your cover letter and CV according to the job description.

7. DO NOT - Ignore Job Descriptions

Make sure you read and understand the job descriptions before applying. Ignoring important details can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities. As mentioned earlier, Job descriptions hold crucial information about the role you will apply for. It is important you take some time out to carefully read the JD before you apply.

8. DO NOT - Post Unprofessional Content

LinkedIn is a professional networking site, so make sure your content is professional and relevant to your industry. Avoid posting political, controversial, or unprofessional content that could turn off potential employers.

Follow these Dos and Don'ts to help you create your own brand on LinkedIn and find your dream career. Hope you enjoyed reading this!