Let’s use LinkedIn to find you a job
First, let’s take a look at optimising your profile
We need to optimise your profile so that it shows up when recruiters search for candidates with your skill sets. If you show up in their search, they will reach out to you to schedule a call. To ensure you get a call, you can optimise your profile in just a few minutes, which will immediately improve your opportunities.
A well optimised LinkedIn profile also improves your first impression when you connect with new contacts. The more impressive your profile is, the higher the chance of a response. A recent test concluded that a well optimised profile received 28% higher response rate than weaker profiles.
Updating your profile
We need to make sure your profile is up-to-date. Make sure your experience is filled in correctly and that you have an engaging LinkedIn headline and summary.
Make sure your headline covers:
Your current job title unless you want to change careers
Mention industry-specific keywords that you expect recruiters to search for
Include hard skills and keywords that recruiters may search for.
Make sure you have an engaging summary written in the first person
Highlight years’ experience in your field
Mention your current or previous role
What soft skills you are recognised for having
List some hard skills you can bring to your next role
Include some industry specific accomplishments.
Use keywords to optimise your profile
Sprinkle keywords throughout your profile like fairy dust! Keywords will help recruiters find you. To identify keywords, go through job descriptions or job advertisements for the roles you are applying for and use some of these common keywords in your profile.
Now, let recruiters know you are available
Update your LinkedIn profile settings to show recruiters you are available to be contacted for new roles. LinkedIn takes steps to protect your privacy and prevent your current employer from seeing this setting.
To share your career interests from the Settings & Privacy page:
1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
2. Select Settings & Privacy and click Data Privacy.
3. Under the Job seeking preferences section, click Change next to Signal your interest to recruiters.
4. Switch the toggle to Yes to share that you’re open and appear in recruiter searches.
If you’re unemployed, consider adding a current job
Most recruiters search for candidates by their current job. If you have a job title they are likely to be searching for, you are much more likely to appear first in their search results.
Consider placing ‘Freelance Graphic Designer (Available)’ as your current job title.
TIP: Remember to make sure your LinkedIn profile experience is in line with your resume.
Now let’s reach out to your LinkedIn contacts about a job.
The great news about LinkedIn is that you have an existing network which you have increased over the years and often these connections may be able to help you with your job search. However, many have struggled with taking the first step in reaching out to new contacts on LinkedIn
The best way to get a conversation started with people you don’t know yet is usually by writing a ‘cold email’ or LinkedIn message.
When sending a cold email or LinkedIn request consider these quick tips:
Keep your introduction email or message short
Be mindful about their time
Be authentic with a simple request - ask for advice and not a favour
Don’t feel stalkerish about reaching out to someone you’ve never. It’s common practice and many of your successful peers did exactly the same thing.
Some connections may be brief, but others could last for years. Nurture your relationships - they could play a key role in taking your career to the next level!
Here are 2 sample messages you might like to work with:
Template #1
Ask for advice, not a job. You don't want to be emailing someone that doesn't know you for a job or an interview right off the bat. Build a relationship first! You're more likely to get a response this way.
Subject: Senior at Melbourne University
Hi Robert
My name is Mia and I'm a senior at Melbourne University. I came across your name on your alumni database. I hope you're doing great!
I am reaching out because I am interested in a job in software engineering, and I want to learn more about the industry. I saw from your LinkedIn profile that you have a lot of unique experiences, both at large enterprises and technology start-ups.
I'm majoring in Computer Science and last year I did a software engineering internship at MCV Careers, where I implemented a caching algorithm using Java and Python.
I'd be so grateful if I could ask you a few questions about your experiences and any recommendations you might have about navigating the job search. Do you have 10-15 minutes for a quick call or Zoom meeting? How are you placed for next Tuesday or Thursday morning around 10am?
Many thanks
Mia
Template #2
You can send this template to a hiring manager or recruiter.
Subject: Interested in MCV Careers
Hi Samantha
I hope this message finds you well! I've been with MCV Careers for a few years now as a Software Engineer, and I've just started looking for a new opportunity. I've been following JAM Productions for some time and I noticed that there are a few roles that seem like a great fit.
I'd love to meet to get a better idea of JAM Productions and learn about the kind of work you're doing at the moment. Are you free this week for a quick Zoom call? How are you placed for next Tuesday or Thursday morning around 10am?
Thanks!
Mia
