From Scrolling to Earning: How to Use the LinkedIn
App to Land Your Next Job
Let’s be honest: for
years, LinkedIn felt like that professional network you were supposed to
maintain, but rarely used. It was the digital equivalent of a dusty resume on a
shelf. However, in today’s hybrid world, the LinkedIn mobile app has
transformed into a powerful job-search engine that fits right in your pocket.
Whether you are a
student trying to land your first internship or a seasoned professional looking
for a pivot, the "LinkedIn app" is no longer just a networking
tool—it is your personal career assistant. But simply downloading it isn't
enough. You need to use it strategically.
Here is a fresh guide
on how students and professionals can hack the LinkedIn app to actually get
hired.
Phase 1: The Foundation (For Students &
Professionals)
Before you start
clicking "Easy Apply," you need a profile that stops the scroll.
1. The
"Anti-Boring" Headline
Most people use the
default feature: "Student at Tribhuvan University" or "Marketing
Manager at Nepal Company." For Students: Instead of "Business
Student," try "Aspiring FinTech Analyst | Passionate about Blockchain
& Market Trends | Seeking 2024 Internship."
For Professionals: Instead
of "Account Manager," try "Helping SaaS Companies Reduce Churn |
Account Manager Specializing in Client Retention."
2. The
"Storytelling" Feature
LinkedIn now allows you
to add a cover story (a short video) and featured sections on the app. Use
this! Students can feature a presentation they made for a class project.
Professionals can upload a PDF of a successful campaign or a link to a
published article. This turns your profile from a list of duties into a
portfolio of results.
Start with the Mobile Basics:
The LinkedIn mobile app makes it incredibly easy to update your profile on the go.
The Headshot and Banner: This is your visual elevator pitch. Your headshot must be professional and high-quality (no selfies, no cropped photos from a wedding). The banner should complement your industry—a clean design or a photo relevant to your field (like coding, finance, or creative work).
The Headline (Critical!): Do not just put your job title. Use keywords. Instead of "Software Engineer," use "Software Engineer | Python, Java, Cloud Computing | Aspiring AI Developer."
The ‘About’ Section: This is your story. The mobile view only shows the first few lines, so lead with impact. Tell readers who you are, what problems you solve, and what you are looking for. Avoid overused buzzwords like "hardworking" or "results-oriented." Be specific.
Phase 2: The Student-Specific Strategy
As a student, you face
the "experience paradox"—you need a job to get experience, but you
need experience to get a job. The app can solve this if you use it correctly.
1. The "Open to
Work" Banner (The Right Way)
There is a debate about
using the green #OpenToWork photo frame. For students, I recommend using the "Open
to Work" feature privately. Go to your profile picture > "Edit
Public Profile & URL" > "Job seeking preferences." Turn
it on, but select "Share with recruiters only." This lets recruiters
find you without signaling desperation to your network (unless you want the
visibility, in which case, go for the banner!).
2. Follow Companies,
Not Just People
Use the app to follow
the companies you dream of working for. When you follow a company, turn on
notifications for their posts. Often, recruiters post job openings on their
personal feeds *before* they are listed on the careers page. If you see a
recruiter post, slide into those DMs (politely) with a question about the role.
3. The "Dark
Mode" Job Search
Use the app’s advanced
filters. When searching for "Entry Level" or "Internship,"
filter by "Past Month." Applying to jobs posted weeks ago means you
are competing with hundreds. Applying to jobs posted hours ago puts you at the
front of the line.
Phase 3: The Professional’s Playbook
For professionals, the
game is different. You aren't just looking for a job; you are looking for the
right job, often while currently employed.
1. The Stealth Job
Search
If you are currently
employed, you need to be discreet. The app has a feature for this. Go to Settings
> Job seeking preferences. Toggle on the setting that says "Let
recruiters know you’re open to opportunities." LinkedIn promises (and
usually delivers) that your current company will not see you in their search
results if you have this on.
2. Use "Open to
Work" for Freelancing
Professionals often
have side hustles. LinkedIn now allows you to specify that you are open to "Hiring"
or "Providing Services." If you are a graphic designer, project
manager, or consultant, update your profile to indicate you are open to
freelance gigs. This opens a different pipeline of work that doesn't always
require a full-time contract.
3. The
"Quiet" Application
Never use the
"Easy Apply" button without doing research first. When you see a job
on the app, look at the "You might know" section. Do you know anyone
who works there?
- Step 1: Find the job
on the app.
- Step 2: Find a
connection (even a second-degree connection) at that company.
- Step 3: Send a
connection request saying, *"Hi [Name], I noticed you work at [Company].
I'm applying for the [Role] and would love to hear about your experience with
the company culture."*
By the time HR sees
your application; you will have an internal advocate.
Phase 4: The Golden Rule for Everyone
Don't Treat LinkedIn
Like a Vending Machine.
You cannot just input a
resume and expect a job to pop out. The algorithm favors active users.
- Engage Daily: Spend
10 minutes a day on the app. Comment on posts in your industry. Share an
article with your own thoughts.
- Build a "Digital
Footprint": When recruiters search for candidates, they look for people
who are active. Liking and commenting on posts puts your name in front of their
eyes passively.
The Takeaway
The LinkedIn app is a
megaphone for your career. For students, it is a tool to prove your potential.
For professionals, it is a tool to showcase your legacy. Update your profile to
tell a story, use the privacy settings to your advantage, and engage with your
industry daily.
Your dream job is
likely just a few taps away—but only if the algorithm knows you’re looking.
What is your biggest
struggle with LinkedIn job hunting? Let me know in the comments below!
0 Comments