As many job seekers can attest to, LinkedIn can be a great way to find out who's who at a company, get a good feel of the backgrounds of current employees at an opportunity, and even reach out to decision makers to connect with them directly. There are a few nuances of LinkedIn, however, that are not always explored. Here are a few helpful hints to assist you in utilizing LinkedIn to help your job search.
1. If you are unemployed, indicate that on your profile. You don't necessarily have to put "unemployed," something like, "in transition," or "searching for my next role", can still indicate to a recruiter that you are on the market and open to being contacted. Also, in your settings, make sure that you have "Open for Career Opportunities" selected. I will often do a search specifically for candidates in a field who have marked themselves open for career opportunities.
2. Send out recommendation requests to trusted colleagues and partners. Do NOT send out a blanket request. Only request recommendations from people who can specifically speak to your work and its quality. When I can go to a LinkedIn profile and see that your last 3 bosses recommended you highly, this gives me additional insight into your background.
3. Add a picture. People are visual by nature. If you have a photo of yourself that's professional and smiling, it gives me a face to put with a resume and name. Do not post a Glamour Shot, ladies. Trust me on this one.
4. Make it easy for me to contact you. It certainly doesn't hurt to put an email address or telephone number somewhere in your profile. If I have to use the InMail feature or try to track down your contact information, it will slow me down in contacting you about a position.
5. Join Groups. The Groups feature is a very valuable one for job seekers. Run a search of relevant trade organizations, alumni groups, and special interest groups that relate to your industry. Join them. It makes you more visible, it puts you in contact with decision makers in the industry, and it fleshes out your LinkedIn profile as a mover and shaker in your industry.