How to get more interviews using LinkedIn.

If you’re serious about your job search, chances are you’re using Linkedin already. And if you’re not on Linkedin, what the heck are you doing? Put down this article, head over and open up an account. Come back when you’re finished.

Okay good. Now where were we?

As a recruiter, I spend about 80% of my sourcing efforts on targeted searching on LinkedIn. Why? Because I can find the exact fit I’m looking for in my searches.

In fact, most recruiters use LinkedIn more than any other platform to find qualified candidates. I stress qualified because employment postings are just filler. I rarely (but not ever) find candidates that way. But usually it’s luck.

For example, out of 100 candidates who apply, I may only be interested in talking to 3 of them. The others are just not a good fit for one reason or another.

So you will want to be using Linkedin, not only for finding a job, but also for networking.

How do I use Linkedin as a recruiter?

I use LinkedIn as my main tool to find candidates. When a new position comes open, I’ll put a job ad out and at the same time I’ll set out to target my own candidates. I do this using keyword searching on the backend of Linkedin Recruiter. Linkedin Recruiter is a business license that allows recruiters and hiring managers to do robust searching on almost any parameter you can think of.

Why you need to be on Linkedin

If you’re not on LinkedIn you’re going to be missing out on any direct outreach I’m doing. And usually the best opportunities are coming from LinkedIn searches directly from the recruiter. There are also instances where I’m doing a search that’s no public – ie…there’s no job ad to apply to. You’d never know there was an opportunity if I didn’t come knocking.

So get on LinkedIn if you want the possibility of being recruited directly.

How to use LinkedIn to get more interviews.

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How To Get More Interviews Using LinkedIn - 8 Linkedin Tips from a Recruiter!

Keep an updated profile

It’s critically important to keep a detailed and up-to-date Linkedin Profile. Load it down with industry keywords that are important for your industry. Think about roles you’d like to be considered for and figure out what skills/abilities/qualifications you’d need. Add those to your profile – if, of course, you have them. Make sure it’s relevant and recent. A certification you got 20 years ago but let lapse isn’t going to be as helpful now.

The more complete your profile, the more searchable you’ll become. So make sure you complete it as much as possible!

Upload a Resume

Did you know you can upload a resume directly to your homepage as a document? I always love when candidates do this because it give me a chance to see it without having to go through a formal process. And it shows they are serious about a job. Just make sure your resume is solid and well optimized. Set your resume as a “featured” item and it will show prominently on your homepage.

It saves time and speeds up the hiring process -there’s less back and forth messaging. And it helps screen out opportunities that are potentially not a good fit for both parties. A great selling tool!

Set your profile to allow recruiters to contact you.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve found the perfect candidate for a role AND they appear to be open to new opportunities…but I can’t contact them. They’ve set their profile to not allow anyone to contact them through the app. So I just have to move on to the next candidate.

For the life of me, I can’t understand why someone would turn away an opportunity to hear from a prospective employer. Unless you’re happy with a steady job. If you’re getting bombarded with recruiters, consider yourself lucky you’re in-demand. And it’s pretty easy to screen out opportunities that just don’t interest you.

But by setting your profile to private, you’re guaranteeing that a dream opportunity won’t fall in your lap. So I’d recommend allowing recruiters to contact you, even if only for your active job search.https://www.youtube.com/embed/xiNJvZY3Tg8?feature=oembed

Set your profile to actively looking

There’s an option in LinkedIn to indicate to recruiters that you’re open for opportunities. This is only visible in Linkedin Recruiter – the general public can’t see this. Turn this on, especially if you’re in an active search. I usually start with these profiles for my own recruiting. Because I usually get a better response rate.

If you’re still employed, but just not happy with things, it’s a judgement call if you want to indicate a willingness to hear about new opportunities. I will say that unless you have a Linkedin Recruiter License, you won’t be able to see it. So normally hiring managers don’t have access. And Linkedin does try to take efforts to hide your status from people in your own company.

But I have seen people that worked with me on LinkedIn looking for jobs. However, I have never “ratted” them out. I understand that people want to better themselves, or maybe are working in a toxic environment. Use your discretion if you want to keep it hidden. Although you will get more interest if you indicate you are open to talk.

Set your relocation preferences

You can indicate what parts of the country you’re willing to relocate to. If I have a hard to fill location, I will usually start with a candidate who is willing to move to that location. It’s usually a much easier sell. I’d suggest adding as many locations as you’d reasonably consider. Again, you’re looking for maximum discoverability on the platform.

Clearly state what you’re looking for (or not looking for)

In your bio, you can add what you’re looking for. I’d suggest making it clear the type of career path you would like to be on. It will show you’re serious about your path and you have a gameplan. Plus will help weed out unrelated opportunities.

To take it a step further, you can also subtly indicate what you’re not looking for. As an example, you could state something along the lines of:

“As a seasoned Sales professional in the medical device industry, I’ve gained a level of expertise growing my sales territory by 35% year over for the past 4 years. I’m now ready to test my skills in a regional or director level role in a similar industry.”

Connect directly with recruiters and hiring authorities.

If there’s a particular company you’re interested in, try finding the correct recruiter or hiring manager and connect with them on LinkedIN. Think of it as informal networking. It doesn’t hurt to say you’re very interested in the company and potential opportunities. You’ll be more likely to get a look if you do. Now, make sure you’re actually a good fit for the role. Otherwise you’ll just be wasting their time.

Also make sure you have the correct person. If you’re interested in sales roles but the recruiter lists that they work on finance roles, don’t connect and ask for a referral – it’s only going to create more work for the recruiter. Find the right person.

Be active

Actually use the platform for what it’s intended for. Engage, comment on articles that interest you. Like other people’s status updates. Post your own thoughts and ideas. Show that you’re an active member of the community. Not only will you look more interested in your chosen career path, but your name will also get broadcast to a larger network. Who knows who’s looking at your profile!

Keep in mind that LinkedIN is a social network – one dedicated to careers and business. It’s also one of the biggest and most active social media networks in the world. Every second 2 new people sign up for an account. And recruiters are using it extensively to find and source top talent.

So take it seriously and try implementing these tips and you’ll likely to see recruiters begin to contact you too.

Be sure to check out my Youtube page for the latest tips and tricks and don’t forget to download a FREE copy of my 6 Ways To Get Noticed By Recruiters.

Let’s land you that dream job!

How to get more interviews using LinkedIn.