Pierre is looking for a job in IT. All his friends tell him to create a LinkedIn profile to help him in his job search. But Pierre is a conservative man and he is fond of good old-fashioned approaches. However, he is not afraid to use LinkedIn to help him in his efforts. What about you, are you reluctant to sign up on LinkedIn for your job search in IT?
Let's find out if LinkedIn is actually useful to land a job in IT.
Recruiters make extensive use of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a global platform that is widely used by IT recruiters. It has 350 million users and a new user sign-up every 2 seconds.
In fact, 93% of people looking for a job candidate use this social network to recruit employees. And almost 30% of the network would be represented by the IT sector. If you're looking for a job in IT, be sure to find plenty of opportunities on this platform. Among the most sought-after jobs on LinkedIn, many are in the IT sector.
A virtual CV that helps you stand out
The way LinkedIn works is very simple. In just a few steps, you can create your own profile where you can showcase:
- Your professional experiences;
- Your level of education or training;
- Your best IT skills;
- Your credibility;
- Your expertise in a given field.
Basically, it's your virtual IT resume and much more, to enhance your image. So, by creating and improving your LinkedIn profile, you can ensure you are seen online and built trust with employers and IT recruiters without too much difficulty.
How to use LinkedIn to find a job in IT
LinkedIn has undeniable advantages for finding a job in the sector of our interest. Let's take a look at some of them.
Analyze IT recruiters and companies
However, LinkedIn is more than just a social network to get the attention of recruiters. The other way around works just as well, so you can take advantage of it. Acandidate for an IT job has a real gold mine on LinkedIn!
The site also lets you do research on interviewers and hiring managers. If you do this work, you can find out about the person who will receive your resume before sending the precious document to him, or about the company of your interest.
This is a very important step to take: it is not about spying or cheating, on the contrary! Taking an interest in recruiters and companies shows your seriousness and will allow you to personalize your approach through your contact or your cover letter.
Companies are very attentive to the interest that a candidate shows them. You must convince them that you have something to offer. And the best way to find out what that is, is to find out about them! LinkedIn acts as a real support in these cases.
Browse offers and more
LinkedIn also lets you search for job offers and apply directly through the platform. It also provides the opportunity to save job searches and let recruiters know that you are looking for career opportunities.
Built your network
LinkedIn is also used to meet people with the same professional interests and develop your network. It is always a good idea to expand your circle of professional acquaintances, not only to take advantage of what they might share, but also to open yourself up to as many opportunities as possible.
LinkedInalso lets you participate in discussions, share your knowledge, ask questions, and engage in conversations with key players within an organization, which can be very rewarding when you are looking for an IT job.
Stay up-to-date
The IT sector is always evolving. So it's important for you to continue to educate yourself and keep up to date with the industry! So take advantage of following certain hashtags to benefit from additional information in addition to the posts of the people or companies you follow.
This way, when you go for your IT job interview, you will be in the best position to anticipate any questions or show your interest in the sector. Recruiters like people who are curious and eager to learn, especially junior profiles.
Is LinkedIn the best way to find a job in IT?
In light of this information, do you need LinkedIn to get a job in IT? No, but it can greatly simplify the process, if only because of the few advantages we have just outlined. It is now up to you - and Pierre - to apply best practices when creating your profile.
If you haven't been able to find a job on LinkedIn, there are still IT recruitment agencies, such as Fed IT. We regularly post job offers in the sector. You can also submit an spontaneous application at any time so that we can contact you when a position that suits your needs arises.
For more tips related to the IT recruitment process, whether in temporary and permanent contract, visit our IT jobs blog of our website or contact us.