Tips to Use LinkedIn Effectively For Job Hunting

By Perminus Wainaina

LinkedIn is ranked as the 17th most popular site in Kenya, according to Alexa.com, a popular site which provides global traffic data and rankings on 30 million websites worldwide.

LinkedIn is more popular than other local job sites in terms of ranking. Brighter Monday is ranked at number 22 followed by Career Point Kenya at number 33 and other four sites that don’t rank that well. I am happy to see Kenyan professionals utilizing these platforms.

According to LinkedIn, we have over 800,000 Kenyans registered on the Professional network. But registering is one thing, maximizing its potential is another thing altogether.

As a recruiter, Apart from Sundays, I normally spend a minimum of one hour on LinkedIn. I spend 15 minutes replying to messages and posting job vacancies. The remainder is spent either headhunting or engaging candidates with job offers.

After all, it’s my responsibility to present employers with what I call grade ‘A’ candidates to fill vacancies. I am talking about candidates who know themselves, what they can do and their worth. The reality is, you won’t find them going through job sites every morning. As a recruiter I have to come where they are and LinkedIn happens to be the right place.

You can tell a lot about a candidate from the way they present themselves online. There is the type that always posts motivational messages and quotes on life, religion or even politics. The type that is always following celebrities and known personalities.People you will never have a chance to engage with one on one? How about engaging that HR manager or employee who works for an institution you are interested in? Instead of following Bill Gates and Richard Branson, get in touch with individuals who can add value to your career.

I don’t know why you are on LinkedIn but I have two guesses. You could be on LinkedIn to get a job or to network for business. If you have other reasons other than the two, then this may not be the right platform. If you are looking for a job then why don’t you have a better profile?

Start by uploading a professional photo. What makes a good LinkedIn photo? Smile, look at ease, and look confident. Don’t have anything distracting behind or next to you (that means no one else in the shot; no kids, no wife, no hubby, no friends, no pets etc). If you can afford one, get a professional head shot taken.

Brand Yourself. If your top skill is project management, describe your project management proficiency in your summary as well as in multiple experience descriptions. Don’t be known for everything.

Have a detailed job description. Where you work, when you started and what you do. Update your profile now and then by adding new employers and achievements in your last place of work. You might not spend an hour on a daily basis like me but at least once a week will do. Spend time on your profile as it’s the only avenue we get to know you. And you know what they say about first impressions!

When contacting a recruiter or any other person that you think can be of help, your approach really matters. Every day I get over 20 messages in my inbox from candidates looking for placement. I don’t judge them. If I didn’t know better and I saw someone with a title of a recruitment manager I’d also email them my CV.

However, if you are to contact me let it not be all about job offers. How about getting to know the individual first? And I don’t mean in a personal way. For example ask the recruiter whether they accept unsolicited CV’s. Don’t make assumptions. You can even ask a question on their recruitment process. Obviously I won’t have difficulties answering such a straightforward question. Make the conversation personal as opposed to impersonal. Don’t just inbox with the message, please find my CV or I am looking for job XYZ.

Lastly, engage! For the online community to recognize you, start by posting helpful links and articles about your profession. Don’t do the quotes or motivational pieces that every average Joe or Jane is doing. Always post content that will add value to your connections. And if someone inboxes, be courteous and reply.

I would also encourage you to join professional groups and contribute. For example, join the IHRM group if you are a HR professional in Kenya. If the group is professional, it will help you advance your knowledge as members share their experiences. By posting in the group you establish credibility and grow your influence.

LinkedIn is great employment tool. Kenyan employers and recruiters are increasingly using this valuable tool to source for candidates. Online savvy professionals are using LinkedIn to grow their networks for jobs and to develop their career. Don’t be left behind.

Perminus has over ten years experience in human resource management working with employers from different sectors. His major goal is to build relationships with employers in order to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and meet the requirements in a cost effective and timely manner. Email perminus@corporatestaffing.co.ke Website: www.www.www.corporatestaffing.co.ke
To connect on LinkedIn https://ke.linkedin.com/in/perminuswainaina