Using LinkedIn to find a job: Part II

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Are you looking for a competitive edge in your job search? You can find it at LinkedIn.

I launched a quest for job opportunities in December, with LinkedIn at the heart of my networking efforts. Finding a full-time position was elusive, but I did land a part-time digital media producer job in Boston and an editorial freelancing gig at MD News, a trade magazine for medical professionals. Both of those opportunities were seized through LinkedIn contacts, and they are helping me pay the bills in combination with my part-time employment at the Portsmouth Herald.

If the time comes for me to launch a second push for a full-time job, LinkedIn would surely play a significant role. The link above describes a relatively basic, seven-step approach to using LinkedIn as a job search tool. Here are some more advanced techniques to contemplate:

• Bigger is better: Continue to build your LinkedIn network. I recently passed the 1,000-contact mark and have found the more people you have in your network, the easier it is to recruit new contacts.
• Targeted approach: When recruiting new contacts, focus on the industries and organizations where you would like to work. In addition, try to make contacts with senior decision makers who could be involved in the hiring process when you apply for a job.
• Capitalize on your network: When applying for a job, check your LinkedIn network to see whether you have contacts at the employer who might be able to boost your chances. After applying, reach out to these contacts via a LinkedIn message to let them know you are trying work at their organization and you hope to cross paths with them soon.
• Two-way street: Always respond to requests for help, advice and information from your LinkedIn contacts. Supporting your contacts is not just the right thing to do, it builds goodwill. You want to have as many energized contacts as possible.
• Stay visible: Look for opportunities to post on LinkedIn or to comment on LinkedIn posts. Every time I blog on a business-related topic, I make sure it is posted on LinkedIn.