5 LinkedIn Strategies for You
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I am sharing 5 ways you can use LinkedIn for your job search or business goals. Whether you are a novice user, or experienced social networker, I’m here to give you insight into tools on the site to help you reach your goals. Let's get started!



1. Advanced Search: Have you ever noticed that little word " advanced" next to the search bar? It took me a long time to notice it and even longer to click on it. Once I did, it opened a whole new world of how I can use LinkedIn to find people. In the advanced search function you can enter a combination of information that meets your search parameters. You can enter keywords, company names, locations, current or past employment status, education, group memberships, and about a dozen other search parameters. Recently, I wanted to find all the security professionals that work now or have worked in the past at Coca-Cola Company. The search results were impressive. Within just a few seconds I had my list of people and could now find the person that I had met at a conference last week whose name I couldn't remember. One way you can use the tool is for interview preparation; find all the people that work in a specific department at a company to help you research t he company and their staff.



2. Job Listings: An open secret on LinkedIn is that recruiters will not always use the job board itself to list an open position. If they want to target a certain group of people, they can post a job opening right on a group page. Because recruiters need to find ways to cut through the muck to get a good crop of candidates, they are more likely to pick an industry-specific or specialty group page over a general interest group page. So, next time you are looking at which groups to join - target the industry-specific groups that are populated by qualified professionals in your industry.



3. Give, too!: You know all those annoying messages and alerts you get from LinkedIn telling you so-and-so has a new job? Use it!!! Take a moment to congratulate your connections on their advancement. Ask them how they are enjoying their new position. In other words, don't just be about getting. Give to others. Share in their joy. Show that you value the relationship. Be simple and sincere, and don't ask for anything.



4. Connect to Recruiters: One feature on the LinkedIn job board is the option for recruiters to be present on the job description page. Because of that, you have the opportunity to reach out to the recruiter to establish a relationship and communicate your interest in the job. Do this after you have applied to the job. You can say "Jane, the requirements for the open Director position match my background well. For example, I have the international experience the position demands and have led teams in complex investigations. Would we be able to set up a time to talk a little bit about the specifics of the position and what the company's immediate goals are for the job?" A message like this may be that edge you need to get the extra look from the recruiter to be invited to an interview.



5. Picture: I've said it before. I'm saying it again. You need a picture on LinkedIn. Unless you have a very specific, concrete reason for not having one, know that a recruiter is much less likely to reach out to you no matter how good your profile is. The picture doesn't have to be a professional headshot; it just has to be professional and corporate in nature. No flags in the background. No uniforms. Business attire is appropriate. And give a smile. Look friendly! It is a networking site - look like you want to connect with others.



As you continue your use of LinkedIn, you may find additional tricks that are useful to both job seekers and business professionals. Reach out to me and let me know what ways you use LinkedIn. I welcome hearing from my clients and from my readers!



Good luck in all your career pursuits!