5 Ways to Utilize LinkedIn During Your Job Search

LinkedIn is one of the top sites for employers, recruiters, and job seekers to connect. Employers and recruiters can determine whether job seekers have the skills, experience, and other requirements needed to call them in for an interview. Job seekers can research open roles, companies, and employers to determine whether they may be a good fit. Here are four ways you can use LinkedIn to help find your next accounting or finance job.

1. Complete and Update Your Profile

Keep your profile complete and updated. Post a current, professional photo to increase recognition of you. Include a first-person, engaging summary that highlights your strengths, value proposition, and how to reach you. Fill in a comprehensive description of your skills and objective, job descriptions, and current position. Highlight your recent experience to encourage engagement with employers and recruiters. Post articles you write, videos you make, and other content you create. Include a link to your website or online portfolio. Update your profile every time you add skills or responsibilities, achieve goals, get promoted, or change employers.

2. Use Keywords

Place keywords throughout your profile. Your headline, summary, location, job title, job description, volunteer experience, skills, activities, publications, honors and awards, and organizations can help direct hiring managers and recruiters in your direction. Look at titles and key phrases such as “project manager,” “SAP,” or “San Francisco” in job descriptions, as well as industry keywords to determine which keywords to use in your profile.

3. Build Your Network

Continuously build your network. Focus on friends, colleagues, alumni, managers, and targeted connections in your field. Include leaders in your industry, hiring managers and potential colleagues at companies you want to work for, and recruiters who can help place you in roles. Participate in LinkedIn Groups in your industry to connect with others in your field. Write a customized connection request, including how you know the person and why you would like to connect. If appropriate, reach out to a hiring manager or employee you have an established relationship with at a company you want to work for and ask for an interview or introduction.

4. Include Recommendations

Post at least three to four recommendations. A variety of people recommending your work, such as a boss, direct report, or client, encourages employers and recruiters to reach out to you. Coach each person on what you would like them to focus on when writing your recommendation.

5. Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader

Cultivate your reputation as a thought leader. Post and comment on articles you write or find interesting. Follow companies and experts in your industry to stay current on news, changes, and trends. Actively engage in conversations, ask and answer questions, and share your expertise through LinkedIn Groups.

Connect With Casey Accounting & Finance Resources

To find your next accounting or finance position, connect with a leading Chicagoland employment agency. Get in touch with our recruiting experts today!

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