​LinkedIn remains the top employment networking site, with over 500 million users.

There has been debate on whether having a strong online presence on LinkedIn could be the key to your next recruitment opportunity. But could this mean that we say goodbye to the trusted resume?

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is an online social network that is catered to working professionals, with opportunities for networking, career development and job opportunities. You can think of it as a ‘professional Facebook’.

The website allows you to display your name, experience, your skills and connect with past and future employees. The website even grants you the opportunity to search and apply for jobs, alongside receiving recommendations from colleagues.

The basis is similar to Facebook, in that it relies on you ‘connecting’ with individuals, rather than adding them as a ‘friend’. You can also share and create content, and instant message other connections; but LinkedIn is not an online site to post your personal life. It’s a professional networking site to make business connections, share professional experiences and find jobs.

How many people find jobs on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is another option for job searching and is frequented regularly by hiring and recruitment managers.

According to Kinsta, there are more than 20 million companies listed on LinkedIn and over 14 million open jobs. Another survey found that 122 million people received an interview through LinkedIn and 35.5 million were hiring by a connection on the site.

LinkedIn continues to influence the career choices of individuals, as over 75% of LinkedIn users who recently changed jobs said the site informed their career decision.

How to use LinkedIn to find your future job

The numbers behind LinkedIn may be huge, but don’t let that overwhelm you. When used properly, LinkedIn can be a sure-fire way for you to stand out from the crowd and get that dream job.

With over 94% of recruiters using the site, 500 million users and 5 billion job searches, the benefits are three-fold in the potential job opportunities.

Our best tips for using LinkedIn for getting jobs are:

1.      Use the search bar: It may sound simple, but that search bar will take you down a rabbit hole of endless opportunities. You can define your search by company, location, connections, industry, experience level and job function. When you click on a job, you can see similar jobs and connections who work there. This provides the perfect opportunity to network with your connections to get their advice, or get you in touch with other people within the company.

2.      Join online groups: There are an endless amount of custom groups available to join and follow on LinkedIn. This is a perfect place for you to take advice from leading professionals in your industry and even engage by asking questions.

3.      Connect and engage: Remember to connect with people you meet and make it personal. For example, when you meet someone at a conference, you could connect with them on LinkedIn and message them, “Hi, it was great to meet you today, and I enjoyed hearing your insights. Let’s keep in touch.” This message creates an opportunity for future conversation and potential job opportunities between you and another industry professional.

4.      Give and take recommendations/endorsements: At the bottom of your profile, there is an option to list your skills. Your connections can ‘endorse’ your skills, by providing written feedback. When potential employers see that your skills are endorsed, it provides credibility and value to your skills.

5.      Turn on Job Alerts: This feature directly sends you an email and/or a notification on any new jobs that are advertised in your field, or by any companies you follow.

6.      Reach out to potential employers: Don’t be incessant on your messages. Make it personal and try to find a connection between you. Did you go to the same university? Follow the same pages? Find mutual interests and use that as an ice breaker for your messaging.

How to boost your LinkedIn Profile

When creating or updating your LinkedIn, remember that you are creating your own brand. It’s how potential employers and co-workers will see you. So, it’s important to create the right impression and put your best foot forward.

Here are our top tips to boost your LinkedIn Profile:

1.       Fill out all sections of your profile: This includes a professional profile picture, a neutral background photo, and filling out your experience and skills. When you have a complete profile, recruiters are able to identity and remember your profile, for all the right
reasons.

2.       Have up to date contact details: Make your email and LinkedIn messaging available in the event recruiters want to get in contact. You never know who could message you. 

3.       Grow your network: The more people you connect with, the more opportunities you will be exposed to. This is a great way to get in contact with people you wouldn’t usually speak to and gain important insights into the industry

4.       Engage with content: This is the best way to get your name on the radar of businesses and your connections. Did one of your connections receive a promotion? Comment ‘congratulations’. Did a big company release their annual report? React or comment on their post. They will be notified on your engagement which creates the opportunity for future conversations between you both.

5.       Embed personal media: No, we don’t mean your personal Facebook or Twitter. Instead, link any special blogs or past work you have done. Link your work to your profile so recruiters can gain an insight into who you are.

6.       Don’t copy and paste your resume: Even though your LinkedIn profile will have similar sub headings to your resume, make it different and more conversational. You’re not restricted to a one-page resume. This is your chance to describe your past experiences in greater depth. Make the most of it!

What to post on a resume and LinkedIn:

It may seem easier to copy and past your resume onto your LinkedIn, but resist the temptation!

We broke down what to focus on for your resume vs your LinkedIn page.

Resume:

• Written in third person

• Formal, concise language

• To be changed for different job applications

LinkedIn:

• More narrative structure to flesh out achievements, at times first person to be used

• Includes a photograph and embedded media

• Greater detail on all experiences and achievements

The future

Whilst LinkedIn continues to dominant the professional networking sector, it is still used in conjunction with resumes – not yet alone. Your LinkedIn profile should be used to enhance your resume and give another platform for recruiters to reach you.

Do you need help creating a LinkedIn page? Get in contact with an MTC Recruitment consultant to see how we can help you reach your next career goal.