Most professionals have a LinkedIn profile, but many still underestimate its true potential. While it's commonly used to mark promotions or work anniversaries, LinkedIn is far more powerful than it first appears.
Recruiters often recommend keeping your profile active, and for good reason. Just as you curate your personal image on Instagram or other social platforms, LinkedIn allows you to shape your professional image.
It's not just about where you've worked. It's about who you are in your industry, what you care about, and where you're going.
Think of LinkedIn as a tool because that's exactly what it is. And it happens to be one of the best networking tools out there. It helps you connect with people across your field, join conversations on current trends, and share insights that showcase your expertise.
The more active and relevant your content, the more visible you become to future employers, collaborators, or clients.
Whether you're actively job hunting or simply building your presence, LinkedIn isn't just for when you're looking. It's for being seen, being heard, and being remembered.
How to job hunt on LinkedIn
If you're looking for your next opportunity, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to make your profile work harder for you:
1. Add and update your skills
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people add skills to "complete" their profile and never touch them again. Take the time to update your skills regularly, especially when you learn something new or take on a different responsibility. This shows recruiters that you're growing, learning, and moving forward in your career.
2. Polish up your profile picture
A professional photo goes a long way in creating a strong first impression. Don't have one? No problem. Use a good-quality photo of yourself and run it through AI software to give it a polished, professional look. It's quick, easy, and makes a difference.
3. Follow companies you're interested in
LinkedIn makes it easy to keep an eye on organisations you'd love to work with. By following them, you'll get updates on their news, culture, and, most importantly, job openings.
4. Grow your network
Connections matter. Set yourself a monthly goal for how many people you want to connect with; maybe it's five, ten, or twenty. The more people you connect with, the wider your visibility grows. You never know whose feed you'll pop up on.
However, don't just connect with anyone on LinkedIn; it's about quality over quantity. There's no point in connecting with someone who is in a completely different industry from you unless you are looking to switch careers. Make sure your goal is to connect with relevant people.
5. Join and engage in LinkedIn groups
Groups are a great way to find like-minded professionals, hear about new job opportunities, and stay in the loop on industry trends. Get involved: ask questions, share advice, and make yourself known.
6. Get your skills endorsed
Endorsements add credibility. The easiest way to get endorsed is to ask! Colleagues you've worked closely with are a great place to start. While friends can give you a boost, endorsements from professional contacts carry more weight with potential employers, especially when the person endorsing you shares a similar skill set or industry background.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is more than a digital CV; it's a living, breathing extension of your professional and personal brand. Everyone might have a profile, but not everyone uses it strategically. These simple steps will help you stand out and make LinkedIn a key player in landing your next dream role.
To find your dream role, contact the head of recruitment, Sam Bailey, at sam.bailey@letsrecruit.co.uk
