Leveraging LinkedIn: How to boost your job search
With over 875 million users in 200 countries and regions worldwide, LinkedIn is an incredibly powerful tool for networking and job searching. In fact, 72% of recruiters use LinkedIn when hiring new talent, making it essential for you to have presence on the platform.
Whether you already have a profile you’d like to update, or you’re creating a profile from scratch, our guide will help you stand out to potential employers and recruiters on LinkedIn. We cover everything from updating your profile with your latest experiences and achievements to connecting with relevant networks and sharing engaging content that matters to you.
By following our expert tips, you’ll maximize your visibility and engagement on LinkedIn, ultimately increasing your chances of career success.
1 – Keep your profile up to date
It may sound obvious, but it’s crucial to keep your profile up to date with your most recent role, adding in any new responsibilities your role entails or promotions. This includes any volunteering positions too, whether that’s a voluntary role or being a Trustee or Chair for a charity, too – make sure it’s visible! If you are actively searching for a new job, you can let recruiters know by activating the ‘Open to Work’ feature on your profile – just click the ‘Open To’ button under your profile image.
2 – Connect
Whether it’s your current or former work colleagues, someone you met at an event or others in the sector who inspire you, it’s great to connect to the people who interest and inspire you. If you met someone recently, why not drop them a message as you connect to remind them of where you met and that you’d like to be in their network.
3 – Include a photo!
For those viewing your profile, it’s always great to see a good quality and professional image of you.
4 – Create a custom URL
LinkedIn will create a URL for your profile page which is often long, containing lots of numbers and not ideal for sharing with others. You can customise your URL to make it something easier to share by going to your profile and clicking ‘edit public profile and URL’ in the top right. Alternatively, you can even create a QR code by tapping the icon in your search bar at the top on the LinkedIn homepage within your app.
5 – Add your LinkedIn profile to your CV
This is a great tip if you’re searching for a new role, enabling recruiters and possible employers to visit your profile, see your current role and more about you.
6 – Create a post!
Have you achieved something new at work that you’re proud of or started a new volunteering role perhaps? Why not create a post and tell those in your network what you have achieved, you can add photos, tag your colleagues and use relevant hashtags to promote the post too.
7 – Share content that matters to you
Once you’ve built up your network, it’s great to start sharing, liking and reacting to content that matters to you. Have you seen a post that really resonates with your values? Why not share it and give those in your network an insight into what matters to you.
8 – Add a profile headline
LinkedIn allows you to write a headline that will summarise your profile, to understand who you are and what you do. Make this as snappy and personal to you as you can e.g., ‘Fundraiser, Inspirational Speaker’ instead of ‘Charity Fundraiser at XXX’. If you want to add further information about yourself, you can add an ‘about’ section too.
9 – Use hashtags
Hashtags can be added to your profile so you appear in relevant forums or can be added to articles and posts that you share. They allow your profile and posts to be visible in trending discussions on the platform.
10 – Join networks and groups
You can search LinkedIn for groups and networks that are relevant to your skills and experience. For example, UK Charity Trustees posts Trustee vacancies or Charity Finance is a space for charity finance professionals to connect and share ideas.
11 – Follow Prospectus on LinkedIn!
If you’re looking for a new role or considering a Board role, follow the Prospectus LinkedIn page to see a selection of our latest opportunities, helpful content or connect with our lovely consultants so we can keep up-to date with your journey!
