How to use LinkedIn more effectively to help you get your next job

How to use LinkedIn

If you’re in the market for a job, the world’s largest professional networking site is the place to be. Here are six ways to maximise your chances of success

Do you remember the days when employers advertised job vacancies and people applied? Well, they’re not quite a thing of the past, but the dominance and speedy interactions facilitated by social media have certainly changed the jobs market.

Now, recruiters will most likely have a network of eager candidates at their fingertips the minute a vacancy goes live. The smart ones utilise those networks to match people with opportunities, thereby ensuring a perfect marriage between employer and employee in no time at all.

...if you’re on the lookout for the next exciting opportunity, you need to get online.  

All of this means that, if you’re on the lookout for the next exciting opportunity, you need to get online. And if you want to stand any chance of being spotted, LinkedIn is undoubtedly the place to start building your professional profile. Here are six tips to help you make an impact.

1. Be smart, be professional

The first thing to understand about LinkedIn is that it isn’t Facebook. In other words, this isn’t a place to post pictures of your breakfast or your mashed-up weekend down the pub.

Treat it like a shop window to your professional life. Only project the sort of image you would want to be associated within the workplace. Smart suits and a well-groomed appearance work. Ripped jeans and photographs of your half-naked mates don’t.

2. Add content. Then add some more

Like any online platform, content is king on LinkedIn. The more detail you can add to your profile, the better. That’s because it gives internet search engines plenty to pore over as they search for relevant information, maximising the chances of you scoring well in their results.

Don’t be tempted to add rubbish, though. Your content needs to be sharp, informative, well-written and (here’s that word again) professional. This is about more than posting a glorified CV. You should give a persuasive account of your skills, aptitudes and ambitions. Make people realise your quality, and they won’t be able to resist getting in touch.

How to use LinkedIn3. Summarise succinctly

While it’s important to give as much detail as possible about yourself, it is also crucial to signpost headline information that can be read at a glance.

Use the summary functions on your LinkedIn profile wisely, by writing a witty account of who you are and what you do that stands out from the crowd. Then, if a busy reader happens upon your profile, you’re more likely to catch their attention.

4. Show your depth of character

No one wants to employ an automaton. You may be the world’s best procurement manager, but employers are increasingly looking for a full suite of soft skills to complement raw technical ability.

Use your profile to show something of your interests and passions. Don’t rant endlessly about your fears for global peace (you can use Facebook for that, if you must). But do say if you enjoy political campaigning, or have served as a Brownie leader, or sit on your local school’s governing body.

Not only does that show you to be a person of depth. It will also help smart employers identify where your skills can be used to strengthen their team.

5. Be friendly, make connections

The whole point of social networking is to network, right? If someone takes a look at your profile, take a look at theirs, too. Maybe even invite them to connect, with a friendly message saying that you noticed their interest in you and wondered if they’d like to become a contact.

Worst case scenario, you get ignored from time to time. Best case scenario, you make a connection with a new person, who has the capacity to unlock your future career prospects.

6. Show your expertise

Most LinkedIn users have the ability to add extended, blog-like, posts to their profile. These are a great way to demonstrate your industry expertise and business nous.

Spend some time constructing well-considered, well-argued posts that position you as a thought leader in your field. People will read them, and will have you in mind as someone who knows their stuff. When the time comes to recruit a new member of staff, this will give you an automatic head start in the race to be appointed.

 

Joining a top recruitment agency is also a great way to find your ideal role. Our consultants are more than happy to help and advise you. Just follow the link to let us know your contact details:
https://bit.ly/pre-registering-with-just-recruitment
Or call 01376 517079.

 

Published: 21 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

Part-Time Finance Manager
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913741
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a growing, sector-leading business in Sudbury that is looking for a Part-Time Finance Manager to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to manage the Finance Department and to support senior management in all areas of finance and accounting, reporting directly to the MD and being responsible for an Accounts Assistant.

Key duties include:

  • Reconciling current accounts on SAGE.
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  • Reviewing the sales ledger and purchase ledger.
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  • Managing SAGE backups.
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This is a part-time role - working 20 - 25 hours per week - this role is office-based, and the ideal candidate will be able to work Tuesdays and Thursdays, but hours can be flexible.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a lovely business, with a great ethos and a long-standing team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
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Contract: Permanent
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About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, industry-leading business seeking to add a Field Service Engineer to its team. This role will cover the North West region, including Manchester, Lancashire, and the surrounding areas.

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Duties include:

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To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

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Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience in performing in a technical field service team.
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be:

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For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will benefit from dedicated product training, recognised by the industry, which will run on an ongoing basis as new products are introduced. A generous remuneration package is also guaranteed, including a competitive salary, company healthcare package, contributory pension scheme, phone, and laptop, along with the opportunity to progress your career within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB25
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Qualifications:

An electrical engineering qualification such as City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent is essential.

Hours:

39 hour working week: Monday to Thursday, 7am - 4pm and Friday 7am - 12pm.

This role offers Excellent Benefits, including:

  • 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB24
About the role

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Preference will be given to candidates with a background in science, chemistry or materials.

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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,800 per annum
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
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About the role

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Skills required for this role:

  • The ability to follow written instructions and perform basic calculations
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Working hours for this role are:

3 Rotating Shifts (14.00 – 22.00; 06.00 – 14.00; 22.00 – 06.00; Monday – Friday, rotating weekly)

Free parking is available onsite and due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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