6 LinkedIn features to improve your job search

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6 Powerful LinkedIn features to improve your job search

We all know we should be using LinkedIn more often as part of our job search, but sometimes it’s unclear exactly how.

Most of you are well aware of its importance in building connections and finding opportunities. But are you utilizing its full potential?

Studies show that a vast majority of job seekers might be overlooking some of LinkedIn's most powerful features.

Let's dive deep and uncover six game-changing features that can enhance your job hunt.

1. Leverage Your Existing Connections

Your network is your net worth. Start by understanding and leveraging connections you've already established.

Navigate to "Me" > "Settings & Privacy".

Select "Get A Copy of Your Data".

Choose "Connections" and request the archive.

Voila! LinkedIn will provide a list of your 1st-degree connections, simplifying your networking journey, should you need to reach out to them individually.

2. Engage with Content Creators

A subtle yet effective networking tactic involves engaging with content creators in your target companies.

Use LinkedIn search with job-related terms.

Set the filter to "Posts".

Fine-tune by selecting relevant companies under "Author Company".

This will populate a list of professionals actively sharing content from your dream organizations.

3. Connect with Career Changers

Seeking a career change? Find inspiration and possibly a mentor by identifying individuals who've made the jump you're contemplating.

Start with a search for your desired job title.

Filter the results to "People".

Add target companies and filter further by including companies in your current industry under "Past Companies".

You now have insights into professionals who've successfully transitioned between industries.

4. Get a Direct Line to Hiring Managers

Cut the middleman and reach out to those directly hiring.

Search with the formula: Your Target Job Title + Hiring.

Refine your search by selecting "Posts" and then further filter with your desired companies under "Author Company".

Spot an open position? Apply and consider dropping a message to the post creator!

5. Decode Company Culture

Getting the inside scoop about a company's culture can be invaluable.

Initiate a blank search.

Filter results by adding your target company under "Past Company".

This will present you with profiles of ex-employees. Reach out to them for genuine feedback and perhaps insights into why they sought opportunities elsewhere.

6. Harness Accurate Salary Insights

While salary discussions can be murky, here's a neat trick. Colorado has mandated companies to disclose salary ranges.

Conduct a search for your job title, but in Colorado.

Once you have a range, adjust it according to the cost of living in your location.

It might just give you an edge in salary negotiations.

"What’s hidden in your resume?

Something to think about

Your resume is like a movie about your work life. But are some parts missing? It has all the big stuff like where you worked and what you did. But what about the little things that show who you really are? Things like helping a team get along better, or finding a cool way to solve a problem. Those things are important too.

Having a resume that just looks like everyone else’s doesn’t help you stand out. It should show not only your work but also what makes you different and special.

Something to try

Take a moment and think. What are the things you do that usually don’t get noticed but help you do your job well?

Now, find a way to put those things in your resume. Maybe add a part that talks about your special skills or how you solve problems. Use simple words to explain why these things are important.

Try this, and your resume might just tell a better story about you. And who knows, it might catch someone’s eye and help you get the job you want!

What topics do you want to see me cover in future newsletters?

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