LinkedIn Tactics to Use in Your Search

When I was job searching, I used LinkedIn a lot – but not in the way you might expect.

I used LinkedIn to help me be proactive in my search versus reactive. 

Instead of reactively waiting for the right job to pop up, I took a proactive approach, using LinkedIn to source and create my own opportunities.

Here’s how you can do the same: 

Build Your Target List of Companies

Like most of my clients, I was selective in my search. I had a must-have list, and it helped me focus on companies that aligned with what mattered most.

Start by building your list of target companies based on your interests, the sector you want to work in, and other criteria that matter to you. 

One of the biggest challenges is finding companies that aren’t on your radar. This is where LinkedIn comes in. 

On a company’s LinkedIn page, check out the “Pages People Also Viewed” section on the right-hand side. It’s a valuable way to discover similar companies that could be a fit. 

This strategy can also open up adjacent industries you hadn’t considered. For example, when a client of mine was exploring companies in the fertility industry, she discovered opportunities in related fields like genetic testing – something she hadn’t considered before.

Connect With Multiple People Working at Your Target Companies

Most people will connect with one or two people at a target company, but I recommend going a step further. Connect with as many people as possible. 

Why? Because it will:

• Give you multiple viewpoints on the company’s culture and more valuable intel.

• Help you build a network of advocates at the company who can keep an eye out for opportunities and connect you to the right people.

• Catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter. They are far more likely to talk to you if they see you’re connected to 7 other colleagues versus 1.

To find employees at your target companies, use the “People” tab on the company’s LinkedIn page. 

You can also use the column called “More Profiles to Browse” in the right-hand column of an individual’s profile page to discover more connections.

Being proactive and reaching out to companies that interest you puts you in a stronger position than waiting for job postings to appear.