Here is our sixth exercise for wowOwow’s Virtual Executive "Interns." In this latest project, we will teach you how to optimize your career search on LinkedIn. In previous exercises, we taught you how to get started on LinkedIn and also ways to expand your network. Click here to see previous projects on using Facebook.

PROJECT #6 – JOB SEARCH WITH LINKEDIN

Project #6A – Finding Posted Jobs
1. Select the Jobs pull-down menu from the top of any page and select Advanced Job Search.
2. Fill in the information that is relevant. But remember: The more specific you are, the narrower your search results will be. It’s better to sift through more jobs than to possibly miss something that would interest you but may have a title you hadn’t considered.
3. As you browse the job postings, you’ll see that some list who posted the job. You may be connected through your network. Click on the person’s name to see how.
4. When you open a job description, LinkedIn tells you if you’re connected to the company, under Inside connections to the company. Follow the link to see who can introduce you to someone at the company. This is an invaluable tool to get your job application greater attention than it receives from applying online. (Be sure to apply online, too. Hiring managers want to know that you followed the process even if you have connections.)

Project #6B Research Your Target Company List
If you’re seriously job hunting, you should have a list of companies that you are targeting. Whether you are still developing this or have narrowed your focus to a short list, LinkedIn can provide additional research info.

1. From the search menu, select Search Companies and enter a company name.
2. If the company is listed, you will see LinkedIn users who are current employees and former employees.
3. You may be connected to them through contacts, and then you can ask for introductions, or you may ask to add them to your network directly and send them a message with specific questions about the company.
4. You’ll also see other information such as key statistics, related companies, recent job postings and news.