What You Need To Know About LinkedIn Jobs
What You Need To Know About LinkedIn Jobs
A look from the hiring manager’s perspective
As many of you know, earlier this year, I found myself on the wrong side of #techlayoffs. As I began looking for work, like many, LinkedIn was the primary spot for my job search beyond making connections. I applied to countless jobs on LinkedIn and, a couple of times, was lucky to secure an interview.
With some luck, my current role at Community Leaders Institute came from the content I shared on LinkedIn, and it sparked a conversation with the person who ultimately would become my boss. So, LinkedIn is as powerful as job seekers think it could be. However, I have learnt some stuff about LinkedIn and job search I’d like to share.
In my life, I have been a job hunter and a hiring manager. However, up until this week, I had never directly seen how LinkedIn Jobs works from the hiring manager’s side. Wow, was it eye-opening!
I want to share my experience with you, but I also wish to share with you some tips on getting hired specifically for a community manager role (or whatever role you seek). Some of this seems obvious - but then some of it doesn't. Let’s begin!
Read the Job Posting - Carefully
Having 386 applicants in 3 days for an open role was outstanding. What was disappointing was more than 75% of people didn’t read the job posting properly. They had none or few of the skills required, and some lied on the qualifying survey. It makes wading through this pile to find suitable candidates a nightmare. I can see how my applications to some roles just got lost.
I am slowly going through the pile to ensure no one gets lost. I know how much it sucks to be out of work, and I want to ensure people who deserve it get a shot. If you know me, you know I take this very seriously.
Also, as an aside for international folks. United States Remote means you have to be located in the United States. People who apply outside the country the hiring manager selects during the job posting may be auto-rejected. Save yourself time. If you want the role and don’t live in the target area, you can try to reach out. However, be aware that it’s usually non-negotiable due to taxes, fees and government policies. Even though some services can help, it’s an extra expense for the company and likely only an option for unique roles.
Only Connect By InMail if…
LinkedIn has a feature that lets you, the job seeker, tell the hiring manager you’re interested. Trust me, my poor inbox knows it. I don’t blame people for using the feature - Linkedin gives it to you. Plus, I know I have used it too. You would have no way of knowing that on top of applications, a hiring manager will also get all these emails. Here are my tips if you want to contact a hiring manager using the InMail:
If you are connected to the hiring manager by a 1st or 2nd degree, by all means, reach out and tell them why you’re interested. I can’t speak for others, but if we’re connected, or you’re connected to folks I know, we likely share an interest in the same field.
If you’re going to send a connection request at the same time as applying, make sure you add a relevant message with the connection request. I am happy to connect with folks, but knowing why or what interest you have is handy, especially if I’ve never met you.
The people that contacted me earliest, I saw. By the time my inbox exploded, it was the luck of the draw.
Please make sure you don’t send the default without editing it! This is my biggest takeaway. Say something unique. Don’t use the LinkedIn default message. I got it too many times. Please don’t ask to meet with me to tell me about yourself; tell me in your email. Also, if you have questions about the role, by all means, send them in the email. Asking to meet for me to regurgitate the job description is a surefire way for me not to respond.
Make Sure Your Profile is Correct
This is the simplest way to shoot yourself in the foot. LinkedIn shows your last two job experiences. When you get hundreds of applications, it’s easy to eliminate folks without relevant experience, especially when you ask for that experience in the job description.
The easiest tip is to ensure the two roles shown are the best for the role you applied for. I am not saying lie or make up a job - but put your best foot forward with your best experience. And if your experience does not align - use the InMail - and customize your message to explain.
I know new students or people trying to make a career change have a more challenging time, and I am not ignoring that. I think it’s important to understand you can’t expect the hiring manager to read your mind on why you applied and suppose you were a good fit.
I Don’t Mean to Ignore
Listen. I’ve been there. I want to get back to everyone with feedback. It’s just not possible. I will certainly do that for later rounds, but for this initial round, I assume a good percentage of folks applied without reading the job description. Also, in some case, LinkedIn using various criteria the hiring managers sets, will mark candidates as “No-Fit” and send them a rejection letter if I so choose to do so.
Finally, you can be rated in three tiers - so some folks might not make the first cut but hit the maybe list. Here is an example of what this looks like on my side.
I hope, in the end, those reading this take it in the spirit it was meant. I want community people looking for work to find their dream roles and know how to position themselves best.
Speaking of which, I’m trying to fill a Community Marketing Specialist role at the Community Leaders Institute, and I want to find the best person. The position is closed on Linkedin, but I am open to looking at other candidates. If you are interested or know someone who is, have them apply by Sunday, May 7th at midnight by sending me a copy of their resume and a little about themselves to my Linkedin profile.
I hope you found this post helpful in the spirit it was intended, and I am happy to answer any questions I can. I wish everyone the best of success in their job hunt, and if I can help you, I will do my best!