How to Job Search on LinkedIn: 10 Strategies for Success

I’m about to tell you something that may surprise you.

You’re using LinkedIn the wrong way.

Let that sink in a minute. 

Now, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “I’ve been using LinkedIn for years, there’s no way I’m using it the wrong way.”

Think about how you search for jobs.  You go to the jobs tab, search for something in your field, and apply…you and the 700 other people that apply to the job postings.

If this sounds familiar, I’ll say it again, you’re using LinkedIn the wrong way.

The good news is, in this article, you’re going to learn how to job search on LinkedIn the right way.  Of course, there’s not just one right way, which is why you’re going to get a number of different ways to search for jobs on LinkedIn that will actually lead you to landing a job.

Okay, get ready to have your LinkedIn world turned upside down and learn some new things.

Ways to Job Search on LinkedIn

**A note before we get into the strategies and tips.

There’s two ways to search for jobs on LinkedIn, Actively and Passively.  Let’s quickly define the two:

Active Job Search – Searching for jobs, applying for jobs, and networking with people that can get you the job.

Passive Job Search: Putting yourself in a position to get a desired role based on your profile and resume.

Now, let’s get into this list:

1.    Leverage Advanced Search Filters:

The most common mistake job seekers make when searching for a job on LinkedIn is not filtering on the criteria they’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a job as a nurse, don’t just type “nurse” in the search bar and hit Enter.  When you do this, you’re going to be bringing up thousands of results that won’t pertain to you and you’ll be causing yourself to spend more time looking rather than applying.

Instead, do this:

1.       Go to the search bar and search “nurse” and the location you’re interested in.

2.       Once you get the results, filter on job type (full time/part-time)

3.       Filter on your salary requirements. Used the advanced criteria to search for jobs you are a top candidate for.

By following these steps, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and aggravation.  Especially if you’re working full-time, the last thing you want to do is sift through jobs that don’t fit what you’re looking for.

2. Utilize LinkedIn Groups for Networking:

One of the biggest advantages LinkedIn has over other job search platforms is that networking is the backbone of the site.

This means that just doing the traditional job search isn’t going to cut it.  You’ll be putting yourself at a big disadvantage if you just use the site to search for jobs.

One of the first and easiest things you can do to put yourself ahead of the competition is to join LinkedIn groups in the field your interested in.  In these groups, you can interact with posts, ask questions, connect with real people doing the thing you want to do.

Another great group to join is your college alumni group (if you went to college).  Having a school in common with someone is a great way to connect and have someone in your corner willing to connect.

**It’s important to remember that this is not going to get you a job immediately, so if you’re desperate, this isn’t the route to go.  LinkedIn groups are a great way to plant the seed for a job down the road.  So be patient.

3. Create a Compelling LinkedIn Headline:

This is another tip that won’t get you a job immediately, but it can lead you to one down the road. 

A LinkedIn Headline is usually an afterthought.  Typically, people will just put the title of the job they currently have and then move on to fixing up other spots on their profile.

A great headline paired with a profile that’s viewable to everyone including recruiters is a recipe for success.

What makes a good headline?  Do these things and you’ll be in good shape:

1.       Include your years of experience.

2.       Include the skills that are relevant to the job you want.

3.       Include what you’re looking for.

Here’s an example from the profile of yours truly:

***Note that you only get a certain number of characters, so choose your words wisely.

4. Showcase Projects and Achievements:

This is another way you can let your profile speak for itself.

If you’re a Project Manager and you’re looking for a new role, you should have samples of some of the projects that you’ve worked on visible on your profile.  This allows recruiters and hiring managers to see what your work looks like before they hire you. (So, make sure it’s your best work).

Also, don’t be shy about putting your achievements.  Now isn’t the time to be humble.  Dd, you get recognized by upper management or by an outside agency?  Let the LinkedIn world know.

5. Engage with Company Pages:

It’s important to have a list of companies that you’d be interested in working at, so if you have this list, you’re ready for this trip, if not, make a list and come back.

Now that you have your list, pick a few companies to target each day, and leave comments, make posts, and connect with employees from that company.

Make sure the comments you leave show your knowledge of the company.  Don’t just post something like “I love your products.” 

6. Utilize LinkedIn Learning for Skill Enhancement:

As someone who’s taken nearly a hundred hours of LinkedIn Learning courses, I can honestly say you should learn something from the time you spend.

More importantly though, is it’ll give you the opportunity to connect with the facilitator.  This person should be key for you because they are probably someone doing something in the field you’re looking to get into, so reaching out to them could be a meaningful connection.

7. Participate in LinkedIn Live Events:

This is another hidden trick to get you connected to someone who could help you get a job.

LinkedIn Live events are great because they offer you the chance to interact with the host and the guests on the show through the chat. 

It also gives you a conversation starter when you try and connect with someone.

“Hey, I saw you on that LinkedIn Live yesterday and thought it was very interesting.  I’d love to connect to learn more about what you talked about.”

Getting a job is all about connections, and this is a great way to make some easy connections.

8. Create and Share Video and Audio Content:

You want to make your LinkedIn page as personalized as possible.  You want to show prospective employers who you are and what you value.

There’s no better way to do this than by posting video and audio clips.

Are you a great at sales?  Don’t just write that you’re great at sales in your profile about me section, make a sales pitch demo video bringing your skills to life.

Don’t just post on your profile section exclusively either.  You should frequently be posting content for your connections to see.  You’ll also want to make sure you’re using the right hashtags, so you get as many impressions as possible.

9. Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements:

Hopefully you’ve heard the term “Never burn bridges”.

This couldn’t be truer when it comes to LinkedIn.  If you’ve worked for someone or with someone who you think will write you a good review, ask for one on LinkedIn.

Seeing someone who’s got a few endorsements or recommendations gives recruiters and hiring managers the impression that people really like you and you’re great to work with.

LinkedIn is all about putting yourself out there, so the worst that could happen is people don’t want to give you recommendations or endorsements.  Then you’re back where you started, so go for it.

10. Optimize Job Preferences and Open to Opportunities:

Last but not least, you should make sure you’ve indicated that you’re “Open to Opportunities”.  This will allow your profile to appear when recruiters are searching for potential candidates.

Also, you can set what types of jobs you want recruiters to reach out to you for, so you’re not hit with a bunch of spam.

What To Do Now

Remember, searching for jobs on LinkedIn isn’t just searching for jobs on LinkedIn.

Let that sentence sink in a minute.

I’ll be brutally honest with you.  It’s going to be extremely difficult to get a job by just searching for and applying to jobs on LinkedIn because hundreds of thousands of other people are doing the same exact thing.

It’s important to take the strategies and tips you’ve just read and put them to work.  Remember, you’ll be in the minority of job seekers if you just use a few of these strategies.

If you need help diving into LinkedIn, don’t hesitate to reach out to the amazing Career Coaches at Your Career Strategy who can help you along the way and set you up for success.

Good luck, you can do it!