Use LinkedIn Properly

For any new readers, you can check out some of the previous stuff we’ve put out here.

• The Cover Letter is dead. Replace it with this. Click here.

• Do this and let jobs come to you. Click here.

• Why you should go all in on LinkedIn. Click here.

• Nail your next interview with these 5 tips. Click here.

• Make sure these three things are not on your CV. Click here.

One of LinkedIn's most underrated features is also one of its most underused.

Anyone that’s followed us for a little while knows that we are big-believers in taking control of your job search and also the use of LinkedIn as a funnel to drive engagement. 

One of the most powerful ways to do this is through the ‘viewed my profile’ tab. 

Anyone can access it by clicking on “me”, then ‘view profile’, ‘analytics’ and then ‘profile views’.

The tab gives you a real-time insight into who is actively engaging with your profile. 

If someone clicks on your profile it registers as a notification in this section. 

For LinkedIn Basic users you are able to see the last five people that have checked out your profile - for Premium users it extends back 90 days. 

If you’re actively applying to roles then this part is key:

A viewed LinkedIn profile after an application is a lead, not a coincidence.

If you've applied at X and a hiring manager from that company views your profile - that's great news for you and almost certainly related.

Your profile has piqued interest from someone to the extent they have pursued your profile separately to viewing your CV. 

You now have direct access to a decision maker and a chance to stake your claim as being the right person for the role.

Reach out directly, introduce yourself, and start a meaningful conversation. 

The outreach should be kept semi-formal and not as direct as ‘can you hire me?’. We would recommend an approach that acknowledges your application and also offers to provide something more in value. 

An example could be:

‘Hello X, I hope you are well and thanks for viewing my profile. 

I had recently applied to the position of X which I saw you were advertising. 

I believe I’d be a good fit for the position and look forward to feedback on my application. 

If there is anything missing or something I could provide further I would be happy to share. 

Thanks and here if you need anything’’

It’s worded with the intent of being hard to ignore and both friendly and direct in equal measures.

Even if it turns out not to be 100% right for that particular role, who is to say they might not have something else or won’t keep you in mind for future opportunities?

If you’re connected with them as a result of your outreach, you have the dual ability to both:

• Be informed of any other roles they advertise (LinkedIn usually sends a notification when one of your Connections advertises a new role)

• Maintain an open chat for future openings and keep them as a part of your network.

It’s not guaranteed to get a response every time - but the ability to build out a network on the back-end and have a host of dedicated talent professionals at your disposal is crucial.  

This approach fleshes out the basic LinkedIn tactic of applying for roles with building a network concurrently and getting clearer insight into the status of your application. 

Fused together they are a powerful combination which will accelerate your chances of success within the job market. 

BEFORE YOU GO: Stay connected! Explore our socials and discover exclusive roles in our latest newsletter – all in one place 😎

Thanks for reading #17 of our Newsletter Series, to get these and our live roles straight to your inbox every week, sign up here.