The power of LinkedIn in your job search
Like so many aspects of daily life now, the internet plays a huge role in your job search. There are many elements to this, you might find the job you want to go for advertised online, and now in many cases you might even have your interview online, via a conferencing platform like Zoom or Teams. However, possibly the most useful part of your online job search is LinkedIn. This powerful professional social medium allows easy access to networking as a key part not only of job search but continuing to communicate with like-minded people who you want to stay in contact with. It can also use its algorithms to alert you to suitable roles for you to apply to online.
Connection almost 35 million people in the UK
Gone are the days when LinkedIn’s biggest role was to act as a glorified address book. Today it has become a hugely powerful and influential platform for many elements of working life. According to Statista, in September 2022, there were around 34.9 million LinkedIn users in the UK alone, which was up from 34.7 million in the previous month. LinkedIn user numbers have steadily grown throughout 2022 and the platform has witnessed a 17 percent growth in users since September 2020.
Keeping up-to-date with your industry
Users are using the platform to keep abreast of what their colleagues, partners and competitors are up to. Sourcing latest news and best practice from their industries and keeping in touch with their network. This is why it is such an important tool when it comes to job search. You never know who knows who, or who may be looking for someone to join their team.
To make the most of the potential job opportunities on LinkedIn, you need to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and shows you and your work achievements off in the best light. Make sure you are connected to your business contacts and engaging with their posts and comments online – showing interest and expertise. The platform has introduced new icons that you can easily add to your profile now if your business is hiring or if you are looking for work. These provide a quick visual check, but don’t forget, not everyone will want to use them.
Reaching out
You can use LinkedIn to speak to your connections directly too, rather than in the public forum. And if you are particularly interested in working for a certain company or in a certain sector, it is worth reaching out to people individually to see if you can have a chat. It’s amazing how many people are happy to have a conversation, and this softer approach can sometimes lead to solid offers of employment.
The power of LinkedIn – and the networks you develop on there – should never be underestimated. Spend some time on your profile today.
