Video:How to Job Search on LinkedIn

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Transcript:How to Job Search on LinkedIn

Hi. I'm Alison Doyle, the Job Search Guide for About.com.

LinkedIn is the top site for professional networking. Everyone who is job searching or building their career should have a presence on Linked in. Here are tips on how to get started on LinkedIn and how to use it to network your way to a new job. Job seekers can use LinkedIn to make connections, build a career network, and search for jobs. It’s free to register and create a profile on LinkedIn.

Creating Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn Profile should include all the same information as your resume. Include your past and present employment, education, and skills. If you’re currently unemployed list your current position as "Open to opportunities."

You can add a photo to your LinkedIn profile. A headshot is recommended.

The Professional Summary section of your profile is a good way to highlight your experience. Don't forget the "Headline," because that's right at the top of the page when someone views your profile.

Networking on LinkedIn

When you set your LinkedIn Contact Settings, be flexible about your interests, because you never know when a good opportunity might come along.

Ask people that you know or have something in common with to join your network.

You’ll be able to communicate with your connections right on LinkedIn or via email and utilize your contacts to help with your job search.

Take time to request recommendations. Recommendations from people you have worked with carry a lot of weight. To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is a reference in advance.

Looking for Jobson LinkedIn

Use the Jobs section of LinkedIn to search for jobs by keyword, company, location, experience level, industry or job function.

When you review a job opening, you’ll see how you're connected to the hiring manager and you can apply online and/or request a referral from a contact.

LinkedIn company profiles are a way to find, at glance, more information about a company you're interested in. There are lots of LinkedIn Groups you can join – job search groups, company groups, alumni groups, college groups, and networking groups. Groups are good sources of networking contacts, job search advice, and job listings.

Sign up to receive email notifications of new job postings to your Groups or check the Jobs section of your Groups regularly.

When you’re using job search engine SimplyHired to find job listings, clicking on the "Who Do I Know" button at the top of the search results will give you an in-line view of your connections at the jobs you’re interested in without having to leave the site.

Stay Current

Once you’ve built a network on LinkedIn it’s important to keep it current. Update your profile regularly and continue to build your network. The more connections you have, the better equipped you’ll be to job search.

Thanks for watching. To learn more visit us on the web at About.com