Whether you’re openly on the hunt for a new job or in the midst of some more subtle rage applying, it’s vital to work smarter, not harder. You can apply for every listing you see going, but that will only get you so far… and will exhaust you in the process. 

Instead, it’s best to be strategic and do what you can to make sure you’re actually being seen. There are few things more dispiriting than sending out 100 emails and getting zero back. 

A key part of your strategy? LinkedIn. When used right, this can be a major tool in your arsenal when it comes to not only finding opportunities, but actually making it through to the interview stage and, hopefully, landing that role. 

“Your LinkedIn presence can be an incredibly powerful career tool that you can use to position yourself as an expert in your field and increase your hireability,” Bernard Marr, an expert in the world of business and technology, tells Stylist. “Embrace the power of this platform to demonstrate your unique value proposition, build meaningful connections and pave the way toward landing your dream role.

“In the digital age, your online presence has become an extension of your professional persona – and to maximise your hireability and position yourself as an expert in your field, you need to make the most of LinkedIn so you can be found by the right people at the right time.”

Makes sense. But how do we do that? Marr shares three essential steps ahead. 

When you log in to LinkedIn and go to edit your profile, you’ll notice you have the option to add a headline. Use this, and use it wisely. 

“Your LinkedIn headline and summary are the first things potential employers or collaborators see, so they should showcase your expertise and be engaging and concise,” Marr explains.  “Use your headline to communicate your current role, industry and unique value proposition – and keep it concise (around 10 words is best). 

“In your summary, highlight your accomplishments and key skills and demonstrate your passion for your field.

“And remember: your LinkedIn profile might feel like it’s all about you, but it’s actually all about your target audience. For each statement you write, consider who you are hoping will read it and what you want them to take away from your content.”

Your LinkedIn is not the place for imposter syndrome or keeping quiet about all the great stuff you’ve done. 

Marr recommends: “Your LinkedIn profile should be a living, breathing record of your professional accomplishments. Don’t be shy about showcasing your success – this is your chance to shine!

“Ensure your work experience is up to date and includes a list of key achievements for each of your previous roles. You can make use of LinkedIn’s multimedia feature to upload presentations, articles or project examples to demonstrate your expertise.

“You can also ask for endorsements and recommendations from colleagues, supervisors and clients who can attest to your skills and work ethic.”

Don’t simply stick your CV on LinkedIn and leave it at that. “Being active on LinkedIn helps to establish your presence as a thought leader in your industry,” Marr notes.

“Share articles, research and insights relevant to your field, and don’t hesitate to contribute your perspective through comments or original posts. Engaging with others not only increases your visibility but also demonstrates your commitment to staying current in your industry.

“I also recommend making an effort to grow your network by connecting with professionals in your industry, joining relevant groups, and attending virtual events.”

Bernard Marr is a world-renowned futurist, influencer, author, and thought leader in the fields of business and technology. His new book Future Skills: The 20 Skills and Competencies Everyone Needs to Succeed in a Digital World (Wiley, £18.99) is out now.  

Main image: Unsplash; Getty