LinkedIn is a social networking website aimed at companies and job-seekers to network.  Your profile is basically an online CV and many recruiters and hiring companies will search profiles and connect with potential candidates.

If used correctly, it is a great way of showcasing your skills, finding a new job and connecting with potential clients.

Here are Vivate’s top tips on using LinkedIn to find your perfect job.

1.       Add keywords to your profile

Adding keywords on LinkedIn helps recruiters find you.  We run searches such as skillsets which gives us a shortlist of candidates to review.  Focus on keywords that match your strongest skillsets.

2.       Join relevant groups

LinkedIn have many groups in a range of fields.  You may need to request permission to join but once a part of the community; you can share news and information with like-minded people.

3.       Get recommendations

Recommendations are a testimonial to how good you are at your work and skillset.  Everyone can view them on your profile, including potential future employers or recruiters.  The best way to get a recommendation is recommend someone else.  Seek out recommendations from people who know your work well and can speak highly of you.

4.       Get endorsements

People can endorse you for skills you have such as management or communication.  They act like a recommendation and add value to your profile.  You can endorse others and they will likely endorse you in return.

5.       Keep information up to date

Remove out of date information and update new positions so recruiters can see where you currently work and how long you have been there.  Remove anything that is not relevant so if you have several years work experience in automotive engineering, you probably don’t need to include that year you worked in a restaurant when you were studying!  Information should be concise.

6.       Mark yourself as open to new opportunities

LinkedIn allows you to mark your profile as open to new opportunities.  This comes up in searches for recruiters and hiring companies so we can see you are potentially looking for a job or at least willing to have a conversation even if you are not actively looking.

7.       Keep contact information up to date

Make sure you have your most contact information on LinkedIn to be easy to get in touch with.

8.       Follow the companies you want to work for

You will get updates from companies you follow.  If there is a dream company you would love to work for, keep up to date with their news.  They may advertise your dream job or at least you will have some useful information about them for when you get that interview.

9.       Customise your LinkedIn URL

LinkedIn allows you to edit your URL which is cleaner than using a random string of letters and numbers.  You could include your full name which also benefits you from an SEO perspective making it easier to find you on Google.

10.   Get in touch with Vivate!

Vivate’s consultants are experts at using LinkedIn to find the best candidates from all over the world.  We use it daily to find experienced job hunters like you and match them with our clients.  We are happy to share our knowledge and support you in finding your dream job!