Why LinkedIn is Essential for Job Search

While LinkedIn isn't strictly mandatory for finding a job, it's highly recommended and considered essential for many job seekers. It is a valuable tool used by recruiters, and is an excellent resource for networking, researching companies, and staying up to date with the labour market.

For a serious job seeker, the entire point of LinkedIn is #1: to get yourself noticed and #2: to build your professional network. LinkedIn has become an indispensable tool for professionals in Canada and around the world.

Here's just a few of the many benefits:

1 - Get Yourself Noticed

As a job seeker, you want to be found! Recruiters rely heavily on LinkedIn to source and find candidates to fill jobs, and you want them looking at YOUR profile. Studies show a remarkably high percentage of recruiters (87-98%) use LinkedIn for talent acquisition. Using powerful search filters within the LinkedIn platform, recruiters can easily identify suitable profiles, then use features like InMail to engage with candidates directly. 

2 - Build Your Professional Community

LinkedIn allows you to curate your own professional community. You can invite people into your network if you're curious to learn from them. As a networking tool, it’s unbeatable. LinkedIn allows you to connect with colleagues, industry leaders, potential employers, and other professionals. You can access resources and opportunities. You can also personalize your connection requests with a brief message, making your request more impactful and showing genuine interest.

3 -It can help you refine your voice and build your brand

The ‘ABOUT’ section on your LinkedIn profile is marketing gold. By optimizing your profile and utilizing various tools, you can effectively promote yourself and your brand to a professional audience. Your brand is an asset, it stays with you even when you change jobs and fields, and you can use it to highlight your skills and experience to potential employers. 

4 -It's easier to stay up to date

While professional associations do an outstanding job of publishing regular newsletters and periodicals, things can change fast. Being present regularly on LinkedIn can ensure you don't miss something important. Connect with people in your industry, join relevant groups, and engage in discussions. 

5 -Meet amazing people who care about the same things as you

Finding people who share your passion for a field or industry is another major benefit of LinkedIn. Join conversations, ask questions, and contribute your thoughts, while you celebrate milestones, share ideas, and grow the field together. You can meet wonderful people from all over the world.

6 -You'll find diverse viewpoints

Because the  community on LinkedIn operates in many different contexts, with diverse backgrounds and client/student cohorts, you will learn how to view the world through different eyes.

Make sure you check out the resources and video links about LinkedIn in the Social Media category of our Virtual Resource Room at Calgary Career Hub