Tips for Job Seekers on LinkedIn

Finding a New Job after Navigating a World of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Layoffs

After spending over 20 years in the entertainment industry, a field I adored, the constant upheavals became too much for me. I decided to pivot to a completely different industry, and the experience has been both enlightening and challenging.

During my time in that industry, I made countless friends. However, the last four years have been marked by a wave of mergers and acquisitions, leading to many of my dear friends losing their jobs. Searching for a job after working for a single company for 10, 15, or even 25 years is incredibly daunting. People often don’t even know how to craft a resume, and the job search landscape has drastically changed.

For many, job hunting on LinkedIn feels like navigating a dating app: a sea of fake opportunities, or worse, getting ghosted after applying. This sentiment isn’t entirely unfounded, but LinkedIn can be a powerful tool if you know how to use it (disclaimer: I don’t work for LinkedIn, nor is this article sponsored by them).

In fact, my last five jobs were secured through LinkedIn, though not always in the way you might expect. Of these five positions, I applied for three after seeing LinkedIn posts; in the other two cases, a headhunter found me when I wasn’t even looking. Networking is super important, but I didn’t know anyone in four out of these companies.

Maximize Your Job Search on LinkedIn

Here are my top tips for maximizing your job search on LinkedIn:

1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Sending out 100 applications and receiving no responses is exhausting. If you’re applying to more than ten positions daily, you’re likely not tailoring your resume for each job.

2. Customize Your Resume: Don’t send the same resume to every job. Pay attention to the keywords in the job description and ensure your resume has at least a 75% match to pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System).

3. Interact on LinkedIn: By making comments (not just liking posts), the algorithm will help you. You will be on the radar of more recruiters. Follow the companies you want to work for and make comments; it would be easier to be on their radar.

4. Network Within the Company: Try to connect with as many people as possible who work at the company. If you can reach 5 people, contact all five, not just four. You never know where help might come from. If you don’t know anyone, check 2nd degree connections and ask for help from your connections.

5. Always Send a Thank-You Email: Regardless of how the interview went, always send a thank-you email. I’ve seen final candidates not getting hired simply because they didn’t send a thank-you note.

6. Focus on the Value You Bring: Emphasize what value you can bring to the company, not what the company can offer you. Businesses are looking for candidates who can either make them money or save them money.

7. Over-Prepare for Interviews: Research the company thoroughly. It’s astonishing how many people don’t even check the company’s website before an interview. I once interviewed a candidate at HBO who claimed to love TV but couldn’t name a single show when asked. Being genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the company’s products or services is crucial.

8. Practice Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends and family. No matter how prepared you are for the position itself, practicing can help you feel more comfortable.

9. Be Coachable: Accept feedback from those trying to help you. It’s crucial for overcoming your blind spots.

A Real-Life Success Story

Recently, my best friend, now partner, and I had the chance to help my newly graduated niece. It wasn’t easy, but after months of applying to numerous jobs each week, we guided her with these tips. She landed an amazing job and aced three challenging interviews at a fantastic company.

Navigating today’s job market can be tough, but with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to find great opportunities even amidst the chaos of mergers, acquisitions, and layoffs. Keep pushing forward, stay positive, and remember that your dream job awaits you.