Starting Your First Job Search on LinkedIn

Sometimes job hunting can feel a little overwhelming, but we’re here to help you find your way in to whatever opportunity is right for you. Here are three of our favorite LinkedIn job searching tips and features to help you get started.

1. Tap into the power of who you know.

The people you know and the relationships you form are really important to your career. In fact, according to LinkedIn data, 70% of professionals got hired at a company where they had a connection.  

Now there are all sorts of ways to make new connections, but one of our favorites for recent grads is the LinkedIn Alumni tool. It’s an easy way to explore people who graduated from your same school, where they work now and in what cities (among other things). Connecting with alumni is a super simple and effective way to find your way in to a new job. And if you’re not sure how to start a conversation, no problem. We’ve collected some conversation making tips to help you get things started.

2. Let recruiters know you’re looking.

You can let recruiters know you’re open to new opportunities by simply flipping a switch on your LinkedIn profile. It’s called Open Candidates, and yes, it’s that easy. It’s also a good idea to update your career interests. This helps you appear in the search results that recruiters are regularly scouring everyday. Additionally, this helps inform the daily job recommendations we send you and surface on the jobs homepage.

3. Stay on top of your search while you’re on the go.

Your job search doesn’t have to stop when you leave your laptop; our LinkedIn mobile app and Job Search app are both available in the iOS and Google Play stores. Both apps allow you to save job searches, set alerts for new jobs, and apply directly from your mobile phone — because sometimes, your way in to a new job is determined by how quickly you can act when opportunity surfaces.

There are many (many) other LinkedIn tips and features to consider using in your job search. For example, LinkedIn Salary — but start with these first three and you’ll be well on your way to finding your way in to opportunity.