How to Use LinkedIn As A Recruiting Tool

Recruiters can use LinkedIn, a professional networking Web site, to actively search for candidates, post jobs and make contact with interested and qualified parties.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• LinkedIn account
• Printer
• Valid credit card

Upgrade Your LinkedIn Account

1. Log on to your LinkedIn account or create it at LinkedIn's home page (see Resources below).
2. Click on the "Jobs & Hiring" tab. Select the "Hiring And Recruiting" tab from the "Jobs & Hiring" home page.
3. Hit the "Learn More" button in the "Recruiters" menu to use LinkedIn as a recruiting tool.

Search for Potential Job Candidates

4. Purchase a subscription which allows you to search for and contact candidates outside your network by clicking the "Subscribe" button in the "Two Ways To Get Started" menu.
5. Select from one of the three plans offered by LinkedIn by clicking in the corresponding radio button. Each plan allows you to use LinkedIn for recruiting purposes by conducting a different number of network wide searches each month.
6. Hit the "Continue" button to complete your purchase. Once you have purchased your subscription, you can start recruiting people through the search tool on LinkedIn.
7. Search for candidates by entering search criteria in the "Search Candidates" field of the "Hiring And Recruiting" homepage. You may also search by clicking on the "People" tab and using the advanced search option to find individuals within specific fields, companies and geographical locations.

Post a Job on LinkedIn

8. Post a job on LinkedIn to use this service as a direct hire tool by clicking the "Post A Job" button on the "Hiring And Recruiting" homepage.
9. Compose your job posting and enter it in the provided fields.
10. Supply your contact information.
11. Complete the Job Posting procedure by confirming your information and making payment.
12. Purchase as many as 10 job postings with LinkedIn's job posting packages.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to print out your receipt for upgrading your LinkedIn account. The cost of upgrading may be reimbursable or tax-deductible, depending on your situation.
• Visit the LinkedIn Jobs Hiring Help & FAQ page for more information using LinkedIn as a hiring tool (see Resources below).
• Be aware of the security of any Web site when you make online purchases. You can find more information on how LinkedIn keeps your credit card and other personal information secure in their privacy policy (see Resources below).