​Let’s talk LinkedIn—aka the social media platform that’s not quite as fun as TikTok but way more useful for your career.

Most people think their LinkedIn is fine when it's (probably) not. If you’re job hunting and not taking full advantage of LinkedIn, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. Let’s get real about how to make LinkedIn work for you.

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Step 1: Fix That Profile – It’s Not Facebook

Your LinkedIn profile is your professional shop window. If it’s empty, outdated, or just plain cringe, people will walk right past. Here’s the formula for success:

• Your Photo: Use a high-quality, professional pic. No selfies. No wedding photos. No holding a fish. You’re not auditioning for Deadliest Catch.

• Headline: Skip the boring “Job Seeker” tag. Focus on what you bring to the table: “Project Manager | Driving Efficiency and Results in Tech”.

• About Section: Sell yourself here. Don’t just rehash your CV. Share your career story and what makes you unique. Keep it keyword-heavy, but not robotic.

• Skills and Endorsements: Choose skills that reflect your actual abilities and ask colleagues to endorse you.

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Step 2: Your Network Is Your Net Worth

LinkedIn isn’t just for stalking old classmates who are now “entrepreneurs.” It’s mostly for connecting with the right people. And no, that doesn’t mean spamming business leaders with “Hi, can I have a job?”.

• Add Strategically: Aim for recruiters, industry leaders, colleagues, and people at companies you’re interested in.

• Engage: Like, comment, and share content regularly. Be visible without being a nuisance.

• Customise Requests: When connecting, always include a personalised message. A quick “Hi Alex, I’m impressed with your work in [industry]” goes a long way.

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Step 3: Show Up and Speak Up

Having a profile is one thing, but being active is what gets you noticed. Here’s how:

• Post Content: Share articles, thoughts, or wins that align with your professional goals.

• Join Groups: Look for ones tied to your industry and get involved in discussions.

• Engage with Companies: Follow target companies, engage with their posts, and comment thoughtfully. Show genuine interest (it’s like networking, but without the awkward small talk).

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Step 4: Recruiters Love a Well-Oiled LinkedIn Machine

Here’s the brutal truth: recruiters search LinkedIn using specific keywords and filters. If your profile isn’t optimised, you’re invisible.

• Keywords Everywhere: Sprinkle terms related to your skills and experience across your headline, about section, and job descriptions.

• Achievements Over Responsibilities: Don’t just list what you did—share the impact. Instead of “Managed a team,” say “Led a team of 10 to deliver a £2M project on time.”

• Keep It Current: Some recruiters might look at an outdated profile and think "nah, they've not been active on here lately, not much point in reaching out" and therefore they may move onto the next person.

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Step 5: Slide into DMs, Professionally

Messaging someone you don’t know can feel awkward, but it’s a vital skill for LinkedIn success.

• Be Specific: Instead of “Can you help me find a job?” say, “Hi Sarah, I see you work in marketing at [Company]. I’d love to hear about your experience and any advice for someone looking to join the field.”

• Keep It Short: Nobody has time for an essay. Get to the point.

• Follow Up: If you don’t get a reply, wait a week and send a polite nudge, but don't overdo it or spam someone with follow-up messages. One or two follow ups would do.

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Step 6: Avoid the Common Pitfalls

• Typos Are Killers: Triple-check your profile for errors.

• No Activity: A dormant profile makes you forgettable.

• Oversharing Personal Updates: LinkedIn isn’t the place for your cat videos or gym selfies. Keep posts professional and focused on your career, industry, or insights. Save the personal stuff for other platforms.

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The Payoff

It takes time to build a strong presence on LinkedIn, but once you do, opportunities will start knocking. Stay active, be authentic, and put in the effort. LinkedIn success doesn’t just happen; you make it happen.

Remember, you’re one good connection away from the role of your dreams. So, go polish that profile and start working LinkedIn like the powerhouse it is.