A Brief and Different Perspective on LinkedIn

Text By Robert Barry Francos / FFanzeen, 2019
Images from the Internet

LindedIn.com has become the Top Dog when it comes to job search enhancing tools, even when you are not using it for job searching directly. Here are three additional perspectives on how to maximize LinkedIn when looking for a job.

Your Profile

Rather than just repeating your resume on LinkedIn’s Profile page, remember that there is a good chance that the employer is searching your name on the Internet because you have sent in a resume and they have come across your LinkedIn profile. Rather than just putting in the same information that they probably already have, you can add more to boost your story. Rather than three bullet points of information, you can add as many as you like, giving a more complete picture of your skill set and experience.

Also, you can add historical insights that would not have been placed on your resume or cover letter that will enhance your chances. For example, did you win a prize for volunteering in a totally different area than in which you are looking for a job? Did you take any courses that are not directly affiliated with your line of employment? Did you finish any public projects that are artistic? While it would not fit into your resume or cover letter, it is perfect here because it shows you go above and beyond.

Research

While your potential employer may Google search you, you can likewise use LinkedIn to search the company. Most corporations will have their own dedicated page with information about the company, and any of its employees that have a profile on LinkedIn.

For example, if you are asked to send a resume to the email of jwentworth@thecoffeecup.com, the salutation could be confusing: Mr. Wentworth? Ms. Wentworth? You may find that person under your search of The Coffee Cup Company on LinkedIn, as it will show you who is affiliated with the organization. You search and find it is Joan Wentworth who is head of HR, so you can address it as “Dear Ms. Wentworth.” If you run into her in the elevator, forget the elevator speech because odds you will just annoy her. Instead, say something like, “Sure is a nice day today; I’m feeling really positive,” and then look straight ahead. You’ve given a positive message and she won’t feel pressured. I certainly would not say, “Hey! You’re Joan Wentworth! I looked you up on LinkedIn!” That can come across as uncomfortable.

Networking

One of the positives of living in a small or big city is that the odds of you knowing someone who knows someone is quite good. When you look up Joan Wentworth, you may see you have some mutual connections to her. At this point, you can ask those people if they would be willing to be your references, if they could put in a good word for you, and/or ask what information would help you during the interview, such as common interests.

Using these tools alone may not get you a job, but they may just give you the edge to rise above the others with similar skill sets and experiences.