How to use LinkedIn to find a job

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By lawyerlarry
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use LinkedIn to find a job

What a time we live in! Unemployment figures keep going up, the stock market and housing prices keep going down. Surprises are always lurking around the corner. So what do you do if, unfortunately, you find yourself out of a job? Or if you are among the brave souls who have a job and want to change? I think LinkedIn can be very helpful. Here's how to use it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A LinkedIn account (free).
Internet access.

Step 1

You probably know about the LinkedIn job search page, http://www.linkedin.com/jobs?displayHome=&trk=hb_tab_jobs. That's great for searching for jobs posted on LinkedIn by members. It will show if a LinkedIn member you know posted the job. LinkedIn also tells you to get recommendations, update your profile, and add connections. In one of my other articles, I tell you how you can increase your connections.

TIP -- did you know that if there are no jobs posted on LinkedIn for your search, it kicks you over the another job search website, Simply Hired (http://www.simplyhired.com/). A nice feature, if you ask me.
Step 2

Here's another way to use LinkedIn for your job searching. Under the people search page (http://www.linkedin.com/search) which is for advanced searches, try entering the name of a company you are interested in approaching. See if any LinkedIn members work there -- and approach them.
Step 3

Another approach on the advanced search page is to search through the industry you want to work in, or have experience with. Or, if you have joined a LinkedIn group, search within that group for appropriate job hunting contacts.
Step 4

One last point -- let's say you got an interview -- congratulations! Now, check out all the LinkedIn members who work at that company. See what they say about the company -- it will give you great insights. Maybe you know someone personally but didn't realize they worked at that company -- again, a good source for preparing for your interview.

Comments

doctorofphysic said

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on 8/19/2009 Good advice - Some other helpful tips on Facebook and Twitter here http://www.everyrecruiter.co.uk/blog

Sassy8722 said

on 6/4/2009 Great article on How to use LinkedIn to find a job! 5*

stlscientist said

on 4/29/2009 I had never heard of Linkedin before now. Thanks for sharing some great job search tips!

ruf1950 said

on 4/25/2009 Very nice job with how to use LinkedIn to find a job. Another 5***** article. You're helping a lot of people with these articles - including me. Thanks.