LinkedIn is a powerful networking force that can make or break your job searching success. It’s essential that in this day and age one knows how to use LinkedIn to their advantage. The last thing you want is to miss out on all the potential greatness the platform has to offer. So here, I want to just dispel some common misconceptions and position you in the right direction.
Red Light: Run the other direction seriously
Purely by being an online platform, LinkedIn, like so many others, can easily fall prey to the games and tactics of expert Hackers. You’re on linked in to find actual jobs, not a yucky virus. It’s important to know that although the majority of the LinkedIn community is genuine, you can’t let your guard down completely. Simply being aware of different tactics can make all the difference. To read more about these games, see Beware the Dark Side of LinkedIn and LinkedIn Scams.
Yellow light: Linked in Job Matches, easy pay or easy prey?
If you are looking for a position in Sales, Marketing or even Management - this is for you. I’m certain you’re aware what I’m referring to. LinkedIn uses a formula that can match you with open jobs in what you’re looking for. You probably get notifications that read “We found 10 Jobs you may be interested in” and you may not be interested in them initially. Most of those jobs I have found are low-level positions at small firms. It is here that you need to do your research. If you want to apply to any of those suggested positions, you need to know who the firm is. It’s tempting to just apply to any posting labeled “Easy Apply”, but be picky. Not all of those postings are going to be what you’re looking for.
Green Light: What you should be doing!
Finally, now that we’ve made it through the yucky stuff, here comes the fun part. LinkedIn is a place where you can express yourself to potential employers and show them a glimpse of what you have to offer. Thus, it is crucial that one understands how to use linked in to bring in those recruiters and get visibility going on your profile. Again, do your research. There are countless resources out there that will walk you through what exactly your profile should look like if you don’t know where to start. For more information on how to attract recruiters to your profile see Using LinkedIn to Find Your Dream Job, Ways To Make LinkedIn Help You Find a Job, Finding Job Opportunities On LinkedIn,
and 10 Ways You Can Use Your LinkedIn Profile To Get Your Dream Job.