Linkedin is a fantastic resource when you’re looking for a new job. You can use it to apply to job postings, or recruiters and headhunters can find you through your profile, and engage with you through the messenger function.

Both of these can get you a job, but there are specific ways to respond to ads and messages that will make your job search easier.

How To Use Linkedin To Get A Job:

  • Don’t Close Doors

It could be that someone reaches out to your through a private message to talk about a new opportunity in your field. If you aren’t interested, it might be tempting to ignore the message. If the recruiter is pushy, you might even consider blocking them.

You shouldn’t do this.

An opportunity is an opportunity, and even if you aren’t interested, it could be an avenue to a new job in the future. That recruiter might not have something you’re interested in right now, but they might have the perfect job for you in a year’s time.

Networking and building your connections is a great way to find out about opportunities before they go public, and you might have a greater chance of landing a job based on who you have in your network.

So, if someone speaks to you about a potential job that you aren’t interested in, politely decline, thank them for bringing it to your attention, and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities.

You never know where it might lead!

  • Replying To Opportunities

Now, if you are interested in an opportunity that a recruiter offers you on Linkedin, it’s very important to strike the right tone when you reply to their message.

You don’t know the person reaching out to you, so you should mirror the tone and language they use. Be respectful, and engage with them in a helpful and constructive way. They’re trying to help you, but they’re also trying to find the right person for the job, so they’ve got questions you need to answer.

If a recruiter has reached out to you with an opportunity you’re interested in, first you should thank them, and then you should explain why you’re qualified for the job.

When a recruiter has reached out to you for a job, they don’t know if you’re really right for the role or not. So you have to show them, you have to convince them that you can do the job better than anyone else they’re speaking to.

It’s important to be direct, vague messages may confuse whoever you’re speaking to. If you’re interested, say you’re interested, and then show why they should move forward with you.

  • Applying For Jobs

If you’re reaching out yourself to a job ad you’ve seen, your CV should be doing the bulk of the work for you. However, your initial message is important, as it adds a touch of your personality to the process.

Like a cover letter, any communication you have with a recruiter or a hiring manager should be explaining why you’re qualified, and what you can bring to the team.

Here are some buzzwords you can add to your CV to make sure it catches the eye of whoever reads it.

Read our guide to getting a job, or check out our guide to job interviews.