5 Do’s and Don’ts for Finding a Job in Canada Through Linkedin

LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world, which connects professionals from all walks of life. According to Jobvite recruiter survey, LinkedIn is the most powerful social media channel used for recruiting professionals.

72% of recruiters are currently using LinkedIn to find talent, as opposed to 36% looking on Glassdoor and 37% searching for candidates on Instagram. Even Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, and Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, are on LinkedIn now!

Even with such a powerful tool in hand, people may still be struggling to find a job these days. Why is that? Well, understanding how to use LinkedIn the right way and using the best practices for finding jobs on LinkedIn may increase your chances of getting hired in Canada. We have compiled a list of ultimate do’s and don’ts to help you find your dream job in Canada.

The Don’ts

# 1 Don’t skip the sections in your LinkedIn profile

According to LinkedIn, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive job opportunities through LinkedIn. First impressions matter, and employers will only spend a few brief moments scrolling through your profile, so it’d better be updated and include the most relevant skills. Profiles missing photos and important information are very likely to be overlooked by recruiters.

#2 Don’t include a million bullet points into your profile

You may have heard that bullet points are great when it comes to structuring information. You are not wrong! They surely are. However, recruiters may get overwhelmed by an endless bullet-point chronicle. B-o-r-i-n-g!

# 3 Don’t send ‘dry’ messages to employers

Reaching out to hiring managers is a great idea if you want to stand out and get noticed. The worst thing to do is to send dozens of LinkedIn automated connection requests without a note to random people on LinkedIn, which can be useless for you as well as annoying for them.

“When it comes to success, there are no shortcuts.” –

Robert Foster Bennett, American Politician and Businessman

# 4 Don’t apply for hundreds of jobs just for the sake of it

Job search can be frustrating, and it might feel that if you apply for a thousand jobs daily, it will boost your chances of finding a job in Canada. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Recruiters get bombarded with applications on LinkedIn that are bleak and don’t stand out. What’s in your LinkedIn profile’s headline that might make it worthwhile for them to stop and actually take a look? Learn how to write a professional LinkedIn profile headline in our latest blog post. 

# 5 Don’t lie low

Reaching out to hiring managers may not produce results straight away. Many of them may not respond at all, and it’s okay! Stay in touch with those who do get back but keep it friendly and casual! Don’t attack recruiters or the community with stifling daily messages.

The Do’s

# 1 Optimize your LinkedIn profile

A polished and optimized LinkedIn profile can go a long way when it comes to finding a job in Canada. Your LinkedIn is not just an online resume. Think about it as an engaging story and a part of your personal brand. Here are a few tips on how to create a LinkedIn profile for job search that makes an impact:

• Use a professional picture
• Write a concise but loud headline
• Write an authentic summary
• Showcase your experience and recommendations
• Expand your network by joining groups and discussions

So, don’t miss out on your LinkedIn job opportunities! Learn how to create an All-Star LinkedIn profile for your job search in Canada in our latest blog post or watch this video for more examples.

# 2 Write an engaging and catchy summary

Use your 200-word count to make the recruiter interested. Be authentic and describe the value your brought into the organizations. Don’t forget to blend in some numbers to illustrate it if possible. 3-5 bullet points will suffice to cover your contributions and notable achievements. A simple trick to check if your summary is appealing enough is by asking yourself “would I be interested in reading this summary if I were the hiring manager?” For LinkedIn summary examples visit our blog.

# 3 Tailor your connection requests and messages

It might be tempting to hit the ‘Connect’ button and ignore the ‘Add a note’ button because it seems easier and less time-consuming. But how likely would you be to accept a connection request on LinkedIn from someone you don’t know, especially if they didn’t bother to send a note to explain why they want to connect? Most probably you’d ignore the request. So would the recruiters. Adding a customized message on LinkedIn may be the only way to convince the person to connect with you. Check out the groups the recruiter is in and join them to have something in common. Here’s an example of how to message a recruiter about a job:

Image source: https://www.themuse.com/advice/want-people-to-accept-your-linkedin-requests-use-these-10-templates

#4 Filter the jobs and set up job alerts

The abundance of jobs on LinkedIn may seem overwhelming at first, but LinkedIn has created lots of amazing tools and filters to make your job search easier. You can look for jobs on LinkedIn using LinkedIn Advanced search filters and create job alerts for specific companies to narrow down your search and tailor your resume. Read our latest article to learn how to do it.

#5 Follow up on your job applications

Once the recruiter has accepted your connection request on LinkedIn, it may be a good idea to send another note outlining your skills and expertise, as well as attach your resume. Here’s an example of how to contact the recruiter after the application:

Image source: https://ca.topresume.com/career-advice/how-to-contact-recruiters-on-LinkedIn

Building a relationship with your network is very important when looking for a job in Canada. So, follow up! In a couple of weeks, reach out to the recruiter again in a friendly way asking if any opportunities have come up or simply share some content to spark a discussion. This way, recruiters can keep you in mind if a job opportunity does come up. Remember not to bug them, though!

Good luck with your job search through LinkedIn in Canada! Remember to always stay professional and polite. Polish your LinkedIn profile, learn how to use the filters and set up job alerts, and don’t forget to customize the messages you send the recruiters! A simple note or a follow-up message can land you a job in Canada. So, don’t underestimate the power of personal connections.

Need help? Ask us in the comments section below. Alternatively, you can contact our International Team or co-op manager.