How to Use LinkedIn to Get a Job

Part 1: Reach Hiring Managers with your LinkedIn Job Search

A LinkedIn Job Search

This step-by-step guide will show you how to use LinkedIn to find and directly contact the hiring manager for a job post, and gain an unfair advantage over the competition.

The online job application process is a game you can’t win. Here is a way to stack the odds in your favour.

Step 1. Choose a job posting

Scan the post for who you would be working for (the hiring manager). If you find a name, skip to Step  7.If you find the hiring manager’s job title, skip to Step 4.If you are on a job search site and don’t see the hiring manager’s position, go to Step 2.

Step 2. Go to the company’s career page on its website

The careers page of a company often has more information in the job posts than job search sites (they prefer you to go through their process on their site).

If you get a name skip to Step 7.

Step 3. Wait!

What if the job post didn’t show the hiring manager?

Make your best guess at who you think you would report to. For example, in this role I’d expect it to be a Social Media Manager or Communications Manager.

Step 4. Look up the company on LinkedIn

In the search bar on LinkedIn (from any page) enter the name of the company in and select People who work at the company.

Step 5. Narrow down the results

Add the Hiring Manager’s job title to the search (keep company name too).Use the Locations filter to reduce the number of results if necessary.

Step 6. Identify the hiring manager and click on their profile

This example narrowed it down to just one result but LinkedIn can often return multiple results because of similar titles in volunteer work or side projects.

You will often need to use a little common sense to scan through and select the right person.

Step 7. Check LinkedIn Profile to confirm correct person

Scan the Headline, Summary, or Experience to confirm this is the person you would report to.

If not, go back to your results and find the right person.

Title

Find a common connection and ask for an introduction.

Or, use their contact details to contact.

Advanced Tip: Start a conversation about the role

Ask a specific question about the role to determine a fit for YOU, not them (shows you won’t take any role and go the extra mile to ensure it’s a fit for both parties). Or,

Inform the hiring manager you are interested in applying and ask:1. If there is anything outside of what is in the job

description that would be important to include? Or,2. If there is a specific style of resume they would

prefer used?

How to Use LinkedIn to Find a JobPart 2: The Hidden Job Market

Finding the hiring manager for a job post gives you an advantage, but did you know that job posts only account for around 25% of all available jobs?

How to Use LinkedIn to Find a JobPart 2: The Hidden Job Market

So why is there so much advice about how to apply online and so little on how to actually tap into the hidden job market? Good question!