Five ways to leverage LinkedIn for a job

In times as lean as these, searching for a new jobcan be a full-time job in itself, more so if you limit yourself to the usual channels: newspaper ads, consultants or networking with friends. What you need instead is to pull out all the stops and use every possible resource at your disposal. 

And LinkedIn - often ignored or underutilised - is just one of the most efficient of them. As of September 30, 2011, LinkedIn's corporate hiring solutions are used by 75 of the Fortune 100 companies, according to its press centre. 

ET tells you how you can make sure you're not left out. 

Update your Profile 

Capture all key aspects of your education, work experience and achievements in your profile, says Judhajit Das, chief HR, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. "It helps if you write detailed job descriptions as it makes it that much easier to be spotted by a prospective headhunter," he says. 

Get Recommendations 

A good recommendation from your boss/manager emphasises your strong points and shows you were a treasured employee. "My boss had praised the extra hours, effort and initiative I had put in on various projects that went beyond my job responsibilities," says Ravina Vyas, a former media professional. "It helped a lot when I relocated to a different city and opted for a job in the corporate sector." 

Keep Networking 

"There is a difference between social and professional networking. LinkedIn as a medium is meant for the latter. Hence communities and connections should be chosen keeping this in mind," says Kalyani Shastry, associate director of executive search firm Stanton Chase. 

Maintain Discretion 

When entering into subject discussions and debates on relevant groups, work on the assumption that apotential employer is silently watching, says Essar Group group president (HR) Adil Malia. "Recruiters are often silent members of focus groups and are constantly monitoring views. Say what you want to say but be mindful that a potential employer may be observing you," he adds. 

Get Noticed 

Identify people in various companies and get on to their networks. You can build a network of relations with their connections. "In today's virtual world, getting connected with decision makers is easier through this passive medium," says Shastry. Adds Adil Malia: "There are various recruiter groups on LinkedIn. Closely monitor those which keep posting relevant openings and see if you can explore these," says Malia.