LinkedIn has become one of the most popular platforms for finding and applying to jobs. With over 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn offers access to a massive professional network and a robust job board with millions of listings. For job seekers, LinkedIn can be an invaluable resource for finding and applying to open positions. But with so many features and sections on LinkedIn, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how to find and apply for jobs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
How to Find Job Listings on LinkedIn
The key to finding open job listings on LinkedIn is to leverage their robust job board. Here are the main ways to access and search current job openings:
Jobs Tab
The most direct way to find job listings is to use the Jobs tab on LinkedIn. This is located along the top toolbar and will bring you right to the job board. From here you can search by keywords, location, company, job function, industry, date posted and more. You can also filter job listings by criteria like full-time, internship, remote and entry-level.
Job Search Bar
At the top of your LinkedIn homepage you will find a job search bar. You can enter keywords here like job titles or companies to pull up matching listings. The job search will scan openings on LinkedIn based on your search criteria.
Company Pages
Many companies post openings on their LinkedIn Company Pages. You can search for specific companies you’re interested in and look on their pages for an Open Jobs or Careers section. This lets you see all the current listings at that particular company.
Groups
Joining industry or niche LinkedIn Groups can expose you to new job postings. Companies will often post openings in relevant groups to target interested professionals in that space. So it helps to follow Groups related to your field or desired industry.
Job Alerts
You can set up email Job Alerts in your account settings to get notified when new openings match your search parameters. This lets opportunities come right to your inbox instead of having to search manually.
Tips for an Effective Job Search
To maximize your chances of finding the right jobs on LinkedIn, keep these tips in mind:
Leverage Your Network
Connecting with contacts at your target companies can alert you to openings before they are officially posted. You can also reach out directly to inquire about potential openings.
Follow Company Pages
Following Company Pages lets you keep a pulse on new listings at companies you’re interested in working for. Many post openings exclusively to their Company Page first.
Look for Hidden Jobs
Not all jobs are posted on the main job board. Many can be found through Groups, Company Pages, and employee’s profiles. Broaden your search beyond the job listings tab.
Refine Your Search
Narrow your search criteria using filters to hone in on the types of jobs and companies you want. Location, industry, job function and seniority filters can help remove irrelevant listings.
Check Often
New jobs are posted daily, so check LinkedIn frequently to find the most current openings matching your criteria. Enabling job alerts can help with this.
Pay Attention to Details
Carefully read through the full job description instead of just the title and company to ensure it aligns with what you’re looking for and qualified for.
Use Boolean Search
When searching keywords, use operators like AND, OR and NOT to get more precise results. For example: accountant AND remote OR freelance NOT contract
Applying for Jobs
Once you’ve found openings you’re interested in, here is how to move forward with submitting your application on LinkedIn:
One-Click Apply
Many listings offer LinkedIn members the ability to apply with just one click using your existing profile. Take advantage of these frictionless applications when available.
Company Application Portals
Some will redirect you to the company’s external site to complete the application. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date to port everything over seamlessly.
Easy Apply
Easy Apply let’s you submit your LI profile as your resume in just a few clicks. You’ll need to fill in any additional questions required by the employer directly on LinkedIn.
Manual Application
When applying the traditional way, follow the employer’s application instructions exactly. Send any requested documents like a resume or cover letter.
Follow Up
After applying, follow up within a week if you haven’t heard back from the employer yet. Briefly reiterate your interest and qualifications.
Customize Your Application
Always tailor your application materials like your cover letter and LinkedIn profile to match each role’s requirements. Avoid just spraying out generic applications.
Triple Check For Errors
Carefully proofread all application materials before submitting. Look for typos, formatting problems and inaccurate information that could immediately disqualify you.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile
To maximize your chances of being noticed by recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn, be sure your profile is optimized and updated.
Here are key profile elements to focus on:
Professional Headline
Your headline appears at the top of your profile under your name. Make it descriptive using key words recruiters search for.
Profile Photo
Use a current professional headshot – no selfies, group shots or inappropriate photos. This will be the first impression hiring managers have of you.
Summary
Use your summary section as a sales pitch highlighting your background, skills and career goals. Keep it succinct and keyword optimized.
Work Experience
For each position include a detailed description of your responsibilities, contributions, achievements and skills gained. Quantify your accomplishments when possible.
Education
List your degrees, fields of study, certificates, and any noteworthy accomplishments like honors, study abroad, etc. Don’t include high school once you have higher degrees.
Skills
Include keywords recruiters search for that accurately reflect your hard and soft skills. Prioritize the ones most relevant to your target role and industry.
Recommendations
Ask managers, colleagues, clients or teachers to write a recommendation to validate your skills and build credibility. The more recent the better.
Connections
Expand your network with relevant contacts, which can expose you to insider opportunities. Look to connect with people related to your target companies, industry, university alumni, etc.
Keywords
Incorporate keywords from the job listing throughout your profile but make sure they flow naturally. Many recruiters search profiles just like a Google search.
Leveraging LinkedIn Premium
For serious job seekers, it can be well worth investing in LinkedIn Premium. This unlocks additional features like:
Profile Badges
Premium allows you to display badges like “Open to Work” on your profile to advertise your interest and availability to recruiters.
Salary Insights
You can research the typical salary range for positions you’re applying for which is useful when negotiating offers.
Professional Learning
Their library of over 15,000+ courses allows you to bolster your skills and remain competitive in your industry. Completing courses earns you certificates as well.
Advanced Search Filters
Premium offers more advanced filters, letting you narrow your job search by years of experience, company size, when posted and other exclusive criteria.
InMail Messages
You receive a set number of InMail messages each month with your Premium subscription, allowing you to directly contact recruiters and other LinkedIn members even if you’re not connected.
Pro Tips
Beyond the basics, keep these pro tips in mind:
Customize Your URL
Claim a unique LinkedIn URL like linkedin.com/in/yourname to establish your professional brand and make it easy for recruiters to locate you.
Join Industry Groups
Become an active participant in your professional community by joining industry and local Groups related to your field. This ups your visibility.
Follow Companies
Follow companies you’re interested in to keep up with their updates and job postings. Their employees will also be notified which can lead to networking opportunities.
Publish Articles
Publishing your own articles and content will position you as an industry thought leader while allowing you to incorporate strategic keywords relevant to opportunities you seek.
Get Endorsements
Ask your connections to endorse you for your key skills. This serves as third-party validation of your capabilities.
Use Media
Incorporate rich media into your profile like Slideshares, videos, images and presentations to showcase your work in multimedia formats.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about finding job applications on LinkedIn:
How do I set up job alerts?
On LinkedIn click on “Jobs” and then the “Job Alerts” tab. Here you can enter keywords, locations and other search criteria. Any matching new listings will be emailed to you as soon as they are posted.
Should my resume match my LinkedIn profile?
It’s a good practice to closely mirror your resume and LinkedIn profile for consistency. Just make sure your profile is expanded and enhanced to leverage the additional space and multimedia options LinkedIn provides.
What’s the best way to customize application materials?
Thoroughly read the job description and highlight key requirements. Then carefully incorporate those keywords and themes organically into your LinkedIn profile, cover letters or any other application materials required.
How can I get recommendations from my boss if I’m currently employed?
If asking for a recommendation from your current boss could jeopardize your current position, see if a former boss, coworkers, clients or even college professors could write one instead to reinforce your qualifications.
Is a LinkedIn Premium account worth the cost?
For active job seekers looking to maximize visibility and unlock additional search filters, Premium can provide a worthwhile edge and be a strategic investment in your career advancement. But the free version still offers substantial job search functionality.
Conclusion
Finding and applying for jobs through LinkedIn typically follows a multi-step process of leveraging their robust job board, optimized profile and professional network. Key steps include searching for openings using the jobs tab, company pages, groups and alerts, applying through Easy Apply or company portals, customizing your application, and ensuring an updated, keyword optimized profile. Additional tips like joining industry groups, following target companies and publishing content can further increase your visibility. While LinkedIn provides ample job search features for free users, Premium unlocks additional capabilities that can give serious applicants a meaningful competitive advantage. With the right strategy, LinkedIn can provide invaluable access to new career opportunities spanning their massive global platform. Just remember to always thoroughly customize your application materials and profile to highlight the experience, skills and passion that make you the ideal fit for the role.