Job search and application is not the most exciting process. Even after sending out hundreds of applications it can be hard to get a response. After going through the job application process myself, here are some simple LinkedIn tips that, although seemingly very obvious, made it a little easier, efficient, and exciting.
1. Use the “Date Posted” feature on job search
Sometimes, companies will keep their job posting up, even after the hiring period has ended. This causes clutter and leaves unnecessary applications still open. It’s important to save your time and energy for active postings only. So, I highly recommend choosing “Past Week” or “Past Month” after your type in the job you are looking for. Filtering through these can be extremely helpful to your whole job application process.
2. Be sure to use specific keywords in your search and try out a lot of them
Of course you are going to use keywords in your search. If you’re looking for a design intern position or a research lab position, obviously those are going to be what you type into that job search bar. But, what I’ve found most helpful is to get very specific and go through some trial and error with these words. For example, searching for “design intern” results in a lot of different openings with a lot of different kinds of positions. Instead, searching for “brand design”, “UX design”, “design strategy”, “creative intern”, “communications design”, etc lead to jobs very specific to exactly what you’re looking for OR postings you may have missed. Again, this is very much a game of trial and error. Keep putting in different keywords and see what you can find!
3. If there is a specific company you’re interested in, always browse their “People page”
On this page, you can see if anyone who has graduated from Cornell has or is currently working there. Additionally, you can search by position titles and keywords just like suggested in tip 2 above. With this, you’ll be able to see what kind of sub-teams and job opportunities exist within the company. Don’t be afraid to reach out to any past alumni or someone random working on the company. As scary as it may seem, there is nothing wrong with wanting to connect and learn more.
4. Personalize your connect request with a note
If you decide to reach out and connect with someone on LinkedIn, whether it’s a Cornell alum or someone you don’t have a connection with but want to learn more about, always send your invite with a note. If you have a LinkedIn premium account, send an In-mail. With either of these options, choosing to take the time to write a quick paragraph introducing yourself, what you do, and why you’re reaching out shows an element of care and detail. Blindly connecting with a long list of people might not result in the same response as sending those connections out with that note. Be concise and straightforward with the messages you send and take that chance! You never know who you will get to meet and converse with.
5. Skill endorse with the people you trust!
Lastly, giving and receiving skills/endorsements is a great way to clean up your profile. Whether it’s a fellow classmate, friend, family member, or co-worker, endorsements should be given and received from people who accurately understand your skill set in the context of school, work, and home. These give validity and verification to all of what you do and are just generally a great plus.
LinkedIn can be a confusing, overwhelming network to navigate. Hopefully, some of these easy, quick tips can help alleviate that and assure that you are taking full advantage of features right under your nose! Job search at any stage is nerve wracking, so take your time, trust the process, and good luck!