Is using LinkedIn useful when job searching?

Kissy Cat Lover: Is using LinkedIn useful when job searching?
I have heard some information about LinkedIn. Is it useful when searching for a job? Do employers look at LinkedIn for potential candidates or when screening an applicant? Would it be beneficial for me to join? How do you go about networking yourself with others on the site if you do not know too many people?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Donna
LinkedIn is great for the job seeker. In fact, it’s said that 80% of employers and recruiters use LinkedIn to prospect for new employees. If you want to network with these people, it is imperative that you create a LinkedIn profile! Now here’s the thing, it’s not enough to just create a profile- you must make sure your profile stands out from the crowd. The best way to do this is to hire a professional to write it for you. Check out LinkedIn-Makeover.com.

Once you have a compelling profile, start connecting with the people you already know by uploading your email contact list to LinkedIn. Once you are connected to your alumni and former (and current) employers and colleagues, start joining industry specific groups. Get involved and interact. Connect with the other group members. Answer questions on the LinkedIn Answers section. Connect with the people who are asking and answering questions alongside you. Start researching your dream companies– places where you want to work. See if you have any shared connections with the employees and use that connection as a reason to send them an invitation to connect.

Make sure you visit the “Jobs” section of LinkedIn to view jobs that have been posted directly on LinkedIn.

Here’s the thing, don’t think of it as looking for a job. Think of it as networking! Remember, networking is much more effective than job searching. You are competing with hundreds, maybe even thousands when you are applying for posted positions and so it is really difficult to stand out. On the other hand, when you are networking, you are making one-on-one connections which gives you the advantage!

I wish you the best of luck!

–Donna