Finding the ideal job opportunity is an intimidating undertaking. But here’s a way to feel less intimidated and more empowered: as much as YOU are searching for your ideal job, your ideal job is also searching for you. And both of you are using LinkedIn! So read below to find out how to make the most of the platform and in this way, make the path to finding each other much shorter.

1. Optimize your Profile: Word and Images

What you Say and How you Say It
Your LinkedIn profile is an introduction—a sort of elevator pitch—to prospective employers. A recruiter uses search terms to get a short list of candidates that fulfill their needs.

So be sure that your headline (220 characters) and summary (up to 2,600 characters, you don’t have to use it all), to SHOWCASE your personal brand, abilities, experiences, and objectives utilizing KEYWORDS that make you visible in searches

Make it Look Good
Oh, and even if it isn’t relevant for the algorithm, make your profile pleasant for a visit. (Think of it like a home for your personal brand.) Choose a professional-looking picture, a banner related to your personal brand and a few relevant images/videos/links in the Featured Section.

2. Network Strategically: You Already Have a Network, Use It!

Who should you connect with? Whether you are aware of it or not, you already have a broad network: alumni from your undergraduate and/or graduate institution, coworkers (current and past), neighbors, parents you see at school pick-up and drop-off, fellow members of professional organizations, and so much more. And these are just the “low hanging fruit” ready for you to grab with a connection request and a friendly note.

The next layer of “easy” connections are the people who have relevant and interesting content that flows into your feed, companies you are targeting in a search, etc.

Personalize connection requests by including a succinct message stating your connection request.
“Dear Susie, I saw your post about the latest trends in urban mobility, a subject that I am very interested in. I would love to add you to my network…”

To stay visible, interact with your network by liking, commenting, and sharing pertinent topics.

3. Join and Participate in Groups: Find your LinkedIn Tribes
There are a ton of groups on LinkedIn for different professions, sectors, and interests. Join appropriate groups to remain up to date with the market trends, job vacancies, and to network with other professionals who have similar interests.

4. Utilize the Job Search Feature: Scan the Horizon for Opportunity
It’s simple to locate job openings on LinkedIn thanks to its dedicated job search function. Filter by industry, geography, industry and much more. Create job alerts to receive notifications when new POSITIONS matching your criteria are posted.

5. Follow Companies & Research Employers: Be in the Know
Follow the businesses you want to associate yourself with. This enables you to be better informed about their news, employment opportunities, and corporate culture. Engage with their material to show that you are genuinely interested in them.

At the same time you can better understand their needs and align your value proposition when you apply for a job there or network directly with the hiring manager.

6. Build a Strong Personal Brand: Make a Statement
Share and produce content highlighting your knowledge, expertise and passions. Write posts, provide business news, and participate in debates. In a competitive employment market, developing your personal brand will help you stand out.

7. Request Recommendations and Endorsements: What Others Say About You
To verify your abilities and experiences, request RECOMMENDATIONS from others. In this way, it’s not just you saying “I can bring you value in X, Y and Z way,” but rather a third party is validating what you say about yourself.

8. Utilize the “Open to Work” Feature: Get on the Candidate Shortlist
Help recruiters filter through candidates to focus on those who are more likely to respond: you! Whether or not you are comfortable with the green circle it up to you. But you can still let them know the jobs that are most in your interest, your preferred locations, and much more, without highlighting your picture with the “open to work” emblem”.

9. Engage in Conversations with Recruiters: Get on the Decision-Makers’ Radar
Many job postings explicitly say who is the person in charge of recruiting for that position. If they do, they are inviting you to connect with them, so go for it: connection request with a friendly message, then a follow-up once they accept your connection.

Remember: You are looking for your ideal job. AND your ideal job is also looking for you. LinkedIn is the meeting point. So improve your chances of getting your DREAM JOB by maximizing the platform’s key features to make yourself easy to find.