In the end, most people find new jobs through personal connections. If I told you there was a free tool available that would greatly simplify this task — by making it easy to network with others during your job search–wouldn’t you use it? That tool does exist and you should be using it. What tool? LinkedIn. However, just having a LinkedIn account is not enough. Nor are LinkedIn’s job searching benefits limited to their very searchable array of job listings. Here are five ways you can use LinkedIn to improve your job search.

Have a telling, informative profile.

Your LinkedIn profile is your online biography. A detailed, up-to-date profile allows you to showcase your experience, skills and talents. Giving a full picture truly allows viewers to make a connection by seeing who you are and what you have to offer.

Contact your connections.

Your LinkedIn network of connections is a great place to begin your job search. Use your contacts list as a checklist of people to whom you should spread the word about your availability and the kind of position you want. Call, write, or e-mail. Ask your contacts to be in touch if they know of any positions that fit your description.

Consider your contacts’ connections

Take a look at the people your LinkedIn contacts list as their connections. Do any of them sound like someone you should talk to about your job search? Are they in the same field as you are? Do they work at a company that might be of interest to you? If the answer to one of these questions is yes. Ask your contact for an introduction. LinkedIn is set up precisely to facilitate these connections. Continue to follow this loop of reviewing connections and asking for appropriate introductions until you have reviewed your entire contact list.

Use people search.

Expand the list of people with whom you can network by using LinkedIn’s people search function. Search for people who you know, who work in your field or a related field. If the company with which they are affiliated is of interest to you contact them directly. Ask whether they know of any open positions and if it is possible for them to offer you an introduction. Even if they aren’t aware of any appropriate openings you’ll expand your network as a result.

Search companies.

When you are targeting a company as a potential place to work or have an interview lined up LinkedIn’s company search function is quite helpful. Type in a company name and a list of LinkedIn members who are associated or have been associated with that company will come up. If your connections reach directly to the company consider asking for an introduction; your new contact can provide useful information about the company right from the source.

You probably already have a LinkedIn account. Enhance the usefulness of your membership by putting these five strategies to work for you today.

Anne Clarke is an executive and personal coach passionate about helping others achieve the change and/or success they want. To learn more about how Anne can help you achieve your goals visit http://ldvcoaching.com or sign up for a free 30 minute coaching call

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