Social Media is changing the way we do a LOT of things….including job searching.

In the past, we might go through the “Want Ads” in the newspaper.

With Web 1.0, we have been able use websites such as Workopolis or Monster for online listings.

And on Web 2.o, with Social Media sites like LinkedIn, job hunting gets even more targeted. Over 92% of recruiters plan to use social media for sourcing candidates

Once you create your profile and enter the industry you work in, there are quite a few ways you can reach out to gain employment.

1) Announce in your status update you are actively looking for employment.
The larger your (quality) connections, the more likely one of your connections may know of something in your industry.
Announce in your status update and indicate in your Summary specifically what job you want.
Keep adding connections to your online Rolodex because the more people you connect with, the more reach your profile will receive.
Be sure they are quality connections. The bigger Rolodex of strangers doesn’t mean as much as the relationships you build.
Besides, people who don’t know you, probably won’t help you.

2) Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and chock-ful of keywords
Explain what you do, the successes you’ve had in the past and how you’re going to benefit the new company who will be lucky to have you.  Marketing and selling yourself is very important so be sure to “toot” your own horn.  Add any publications you’ve written for, add volunteer experience – anything that will show that you’re an expert in your industry.

3) Do your best to get to 100% completion.
 You’re 40x more likely to get opportunities through LinkedIn with a complete profile 

3) Be sure to have a professional photo
No one wants to hire the beer-drinking schmoozer.

4) Spell check EVERYTHING.
One of the biggest “no nos” is typos. Statistically speaking, Human Resources are more willing to overlook the picture of you drinking a beer than if you spell the word incorrectly.

5) Remember that your whole online life is an open book.
According to The Wall Street Journal, HR is looking at all the Social Media sites you use, so be mindful of what you publish at ALL times. This goes for your personal Facebook profile and your Twitter feed, even if you have all your privacy settings locked down.

6) Actively look on LinkedIn for available jobs.
Step 1: Click “Jobs”, then click “Find Jobs” – relevant jobs within your industry will appear.

Step 2: Search for jobs using the field and/or the “Advanced” link beneath the blue “Search” button.
Using the “Advanced” area, you can look from a 10 mile radius to 100 miles, by date range etc.

Step 3: Receive daily or weekly email alerts for jobs you may be interested in.

Find a job using LinkedIn

7) Look at the Company Page for your “dream job”

What better Company Page to check out but a “dream job” at LinkedIn?!?

Step 1: Search for the company
Step 2: Look at Careers tab
Step 3: Look for relevant jobs within the company
Step 4: See any 1st degree connections that can help you to connect with that position.
(Sometimes a 1st degree connection can connect you with a 2nd degree connection)
Step 4: Follow the company online for any updates
Step 5: Do as much research about the company as possible so you can be well educated when (not if!) you get the interview.

8) Jump into conversation in LinkedIn Groups.
Especially the industry group you want to gain employment in. Regularly develop new relationships and book face-to-face coffee meetings. You never know who will open a door for you.

9) Revisit your LinkedIn profile and jobs every day to see “what’s new” and add as much information as possible.

10) Consider purchasing a LinkedIn Premium Account. 
You may be able to leverage the “InMails” to connect with the right person at your “dream job” instead of counting on your connections.
The following Reuters article “Is LinkedIn Premium worth it?” provides more information.

There is a WHOLE lot more to LinkedIn than these top 10 tips.

Position yourself as an expert and showcase why the company should hire you. What do you have to offer? How will you help them?

Please feel free to add (below) any tips of your own!

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About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management. Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity. Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts. Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results. Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy. Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.