How to Use LinkedIn to Get a Job

So, you’re hunting for a job that doesn't just pay the bills but actually feels good to wake up to? Yeah, probably sounds too good to be true, but hear us out. A mega job can change your life. It’s more than just a paycheck—it’s where you want to feel valued, challenged, and maybe even a little bit loved. That’s where LinkedIn slides in. It’s not just a platform for recruiters looking to find their next hire; it’s your key for getting your dream job that doesn’t turn to sh*t.

Whether you’re a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or someone itching for a career move, LinkedIn is the tool that can bridge you to that new job. Here’s the tea on using LinkedIn effectively to get everything you’ve ever wanted in your professional life.

Raise Your Profile

It doesn’t matter if you’re only a beginner on LinkedIn, it’s never too late to start. Your LinkedIn profile is your personal brand. It needs to speak volumes about your skills, experiences, and professional ethos. Work? That's just what you do, not who you are. So, if you slap on something vanilla like "Marketing Manager," you’re hardly differentiating yourself from your competition.

Think about it: What sets you apart from the rest? It’s what you're passionate about, what you love to do outside of work after hours, and the unique quirks that make you, you. Inject that personality into your profile. Your headline shouldn’t just say what you do—it should scream why you matter. To catch the eye of potential employers or collaborators, here’s how you raise your LinkedIn profile:

✔️ Optimise Your Profile: Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Use a professional photo, craft a captivating headline, and tailor your summary to highlight achievements and skills that align with the roles you desire. But don’t be afraid to show who you are. This is what will set you apart.

✔️ Showcase Your Work: LinkedIn allows you to add various media such as videos, PDFs, links, and images. Use this feature to showcase your portfolio, case studies, or any projects that demonstrate your professional capabilities. Make it impossible for recruiters to scroll past without a pause.

✔️ Seek Recommendations: Past bosses and colleagues can vouch for you—get them to write you a sh*thot recommendation that backs you up.

Network, Network, Network

Networking isn’t about collecting connections like trading cards; it’s about building relationships that matter.

🖤Connect Intentionally: Don’t just connect with anyone. Look for industry leaders, potential mentors, and peers who are active in your field. When you send a connection request, personalise it—mention a detail or interest that shows you’ve taken the time to understand who they are.

🖤 Engage Regularly: Comment on posts, share interesting articles, and participate in discussions. This visibility can help you stay on the radar of important figures in your industry.

The LinkedIn algorithm changes all the time so you’ve got to stay ahead. If you need help with this, we offer LinkedIn training or LinkedIn management services.

Do Your Homework

Before applying to any company, use LinkedIn to do an extensive background check not only on the company’s profile but also on its current employees. Many companies use LinkedIn for business development by having their employees advocate for their brand and culture. This gives you a clearer, more candid look at the day-to-day atmosphere and the true spirit of the team.

Invest in Personal Branding

Creating your personal brand is key, whether you're job searching now or not. A strong personal brand on LinkedIn helps you establish your professional identity and can open doors to opportunities you didn't even know existed. It's about positioning yourself as an expert in your field, and when you do it right, opportunities come knocking on your door.

Cultural Insights

Employee profiles often reflect a company’s culture and values. What’s the vibe? Stiff suits or trainers? Look for clues in their endorsements, recommendations, and the tone of their postings. Is there evidence of career progression and employee development? These are things you need to look out for. There’s nothing worse than finding out the job spec doesn’t match the actual working culture advertised 🥴.

Check the Conversations

Many companies use LinkedIn to showcase their culture, events, and news. Look at how they treat their employees and what kind of work culture they endorse. Read between the lines. Remember, it’s not just about the occasional pizza day that happens once in a blue moon—it’s about ongoing support, professional growth, and how well they look after their team.

Prepare to Engage

Found a job that looks decent? 👇

👉Tailor Your Approach: Sort out your CV and cover letter to align with the job description.

👉Reach Out: Drop them a message. Find someone within the company and reach out to them to learn more about the position and the company culture. This can give you insights that are not available on the job description and shows initiative and genuine interest.

Be Persistent and Patient

Job hunting is often a marathon, not a sprint. Stay active, keep networking, and continuously enhance your skills and profile. Opportunities often come when you least expect them, but only if you are prepared and visible. There’s so much value in having a decent LinkedIn profile on your side.

Want to See A Good Job Spec?

This is how we think LinkedIn recruitment should be handled across the board. Being brutally upfront and setting clear expectations from the get-go ensures everyone's on the same page. When companies lay it all out there—what they expect, the company vibe, and what you’re really going to be doing—it helps you figure out if you're just ticking a box or if you're truly a good fit. So, when you’re scrolling through job ads on LinkedIn, look for the ones that speak plainly and give you everything you need to know.

✅ Brutally Upfront: We tell it straight, no fluff. This means no surprises later on. You want a job that's as advertised—nothing less.

✅ Vibe Check: The best listings capture the company’s essence. If it feels like they’re speaking your language, that’s a good sign.

✅ Genuine and Engaging: They don’t just list duties; they paint a picture of what it’s like to work there and stir excitement.

✅ Transparent and Honest: These ads lay everything on the table: expectations, culture, and the daily grind.

You should know exactly what you're walking into. Clarity and honesty in job postings not only help you find the right fit but also ensure that everyone’s expectations are aligned right from the start.

As you can see, It’s not just about looking for any old job—it’s about lighting up the path to the job that actually gets you out of bed in the morning. This takes a bit more than just a casual scroll; it’s about investing real time into your LinkedIn strategy and presence.

So, raise that LinkedIn profile, dive into the networking pool, and start making those meaningful connections. Your dream job could literally be just one click away. If you need a bit of guidance or a nudge in the right direction, the co&co team can help you. Whether it's personal branding, brand creation or employer branding, we got you. Keep your eyes peeled for our next LinkedIn workshop.