We’ve all been there. Crafting the perfect headline for hours, trying to write a bio that screams employable, and connecting with anyone and everyone to achieve the coveted, “500+ connections.” Benefitting from LinkedIn isn’t a guessing game thanks to the LinkedIn Guys, two individuals who were once employees. Keep reading to gain key insights from their video, “7 Black-Belt Level LinkedIn Hacks.”

At the root of it all, the hiring process can be broken down into 5 concrete phases:

1. Find focused candidates

2. Filter for seriousness

3. Solicit referrals

4. Select based on collections & knowledge

5. Do a background & backchannel check

But how does LinkedIn factor into this?

1. Get focused on how you want to be perceived and what your professional goals are. Crafting your profile with a certain role and/or industry in mind is key to show recruiters you are serious.

2. Demonstrate engagement on the app! Follow the companies you are interested in and connect with individuals who work in the roles you strive to be in one day.

3. Find a warm lead when you are applying for roles. Ideally, you should connect with individuals who perform the job functions within the sectors and teams you are applying for.

4. Build your own network and knowledge to stay informed throughout your job hunt process.

5. Do your own check on the companies you are interested in. Remember, you are going to be interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you!

What even matters on LinkedIn?

1. Posting articles and maintaining a high level of activity on the platform. Consistently reposting relevant news articles about the business world, your desired sector(s), and key stakeholders will help your profile stand out.

2. Fill out the ‘Skills’ section and take skill assessments! These are a great way to demonstrate hard skill proficiency to recruiters.

3. Engage with recruiter InMails to get plugged in and gain points of contacts at the companies you are interested in.

Logging onto LinkedIn does not have to be an enigmatic and high-stress activity. There are proven strategies that will help you land that job, connect with that recruiter, etc. For more information and details, you can watch the whole video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVQnDzTyq_I.