Human Resources Blog - Spark Hire

Sourcing Candidates on LinkedIn

It’s all the rage amongst the HR community.  You know what I’m talking about — finding the best candidates on LinkedIn!

In order to find and connect with the candidates you are looking for on LinkedIn, you should first make sure you are positioning yourself wisely, staying active and connected, as well as understanding the search functions. 

Spiff up your Profile

First things first.  Is your LinkedIn profile completed?  In order to be approachable and see a larger return, you need to make sure you have beefed up the information on your profile.

  • Make sure you have your work history listed, along with key responsibilities and achievements
  • List your education details.
  • Post a photo of yourself.
  • Ask previous managers or candidates you have worked with in the past to write recommendations on your profile.

Building Connections and Joining Groups

Once you have beefed up your profile, you will want to increase your connections and join groups.  Think of it as a pyramid.  If you connect with Bob, you have the ability to view and connect with Bob’s connections.  By joining groups, you will have the ability to connect with the members of that group.

  • Begin by searching for people you know or have worked with in the past.
  • Connect with professionals within the industry, sending a short introduction in your connection request.
  • Join industry relatable groups.  This will allow you to have communicate with others within that group.
  • Stay active in groups by posting relatable discussions and articles.

Achieve Network Visibility

As with any social media site, you want to stay active on LinkedIn in order to gain greater visibility amongst your network.

  • Share industry related articles and the occasional fun article.
  • Comment on articles and status updates of your connections.  This gives you greater visibility to your network and their connections.
  • Post updates on your profile and respond to all comments from others to show that you are paying attention.
  • Keep in contact with your connections by sending the occasional in-mail.  For example, I make it a point to send several in-mails to connections around holidays.

Utilize Basic and Advanced Search

LinkedIn has basic and advanced search functions.  Search capabilities will vary based on the level of account you are using.  However, having a larger network will also allow you to search and view more profiles.  You can search for various different subjects, encompassing the following:

  • Names, job titles, or companies worked for currently or in the past.
  • Industry experience
  • School attended
  • Zip Code radius

LinkedIn is the professional social media network.  In order to be successful at networking on LinkedIn, you simply need to make yourself visible by spiffing up your profile, expanding your connections and joining groups, as well as staying active within your network and utilizing the search functions.

If you work the network, it will work for you!

What are some ways you have had success with sourcing on LinkedIn?  Please share your experiences and tips below in the comments!

Julia Weeks

Julia is a skilled Recruiter with over 8 years of experience in sourcing, interviewing, and hiring within many industries globally. She works closely with hiring managers and job seekers to understand needs and desires, while offering guidance and ensuring the right fit. When not recruiting or writing, Julia enjoys spending time outside cycling, taking her dog for walks, or honing her sailing skills.

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