How to use LinkedIn in your job search

You can use LinkedIn to share your expertise, build relationships and engage in dialogue with relevant people and companies.

It’s not about a perfect appearance, but about presenting as clearly and correctly as possible your line of work and the direction indicated by your professional background.

Three tips for a clear profile

A clear profile makes it easier for others to contact you and to understand what you may contribute with.

It may be a good idea to focus on:

• a headline that describes your professional direction
• a narrative that combines your experience and professional interests
• your experience detailing responsibilities, key skills and results

Use your current title as an indicator

Recruiters on LinkedIn often conduct their searches based on title, skills and location.

Some therefore choose to use their current title, reflecting the role they are working towards. This will make your profile easier to find and easier to decode.

How you choose to use your title depends on the situation and your preferences. It’s essential that the profile appears consistent and makes sense for you and those who view it.

How to become more visible on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a network where activity is the pivotal point.

Visibility arises through dialogue. Comments, messages and conversations play a key role in the building of relations. Dialogues often lead to insight, trust and new opportunities.

The important thing is to find a way of being present which suits your personality and energy.

Spot the advertised and non-advertised job openings 

LinkedIn may be used for both advertised positions and more proactive job hunting.

The platform enables you to follow companies and respond to concrete posts, etc. It may also be used for connecting with people in relevant roles and organisations before a job is in play.

The two approaches complement each other. Relations and visibility may give an initial advantage, also when positions are posted at a later stage.

Open to work or not?

A LinkedIn option allows you to show that you are open to new opportunities.

For some, it makes sense to use this function and clearly indicate whether you are out of a job or in between jobs. For others who might not want to reveal their status as unemployed publicly, it makes less sense.

It's a choice to be made based on what you are comfortable with and what suits your situation.

Whatever choice you make, it's your dialogue with others and a clear LinkedIn profile that create opportunities.

Use LinkedIn in conjunction with other tools

LinkedIn is rarely used on its own. The platform is closely related to CVs, applications, networking and conversations with fellow networkers. It works best when used as part of a more comprehensive process.

The main thing is to use LinkedIn strategically and with a clear purpose; as a tool that supports your job search without taking away your control.