New LinkedIn Features for Executive Job Seekers

LinkedIn is a top platform for recruiters and hiring managers seeking to fill executive roles. If you aren’t already using the platform as part of a successful executive job search, you may miss opportunities. Harness its power by being more active on the platform and taking full advantage of these new LinkedIn features.

#Opentowork Photo Frame

You can use this searchable hashtag as a frame around your profile photo. In the top section of your profile, select “open to,” “finding a new job,” or “hiring.” The frame quickly signals your network, recruiters and prospective employers that you are searching for work.

On 5 million profiles, the frame averaged 40% more contacts from recruiters and 20% more messages from the LinkedIn community.

Integrated Virtual Meeting Platforms

Link your profile to a virtual meeting platform such as Microsoft Teams, BlueJeans, or Zoom, and quickly jump from messages to a face-to-face chat. You’ll need an account with whatever platform you choose and will set the meeting up there.

Audio Clips

You can now record and post 10 seconds of audio to give the correct pronunciation of your name.  You can also use it to provide a little snippet about yourself to make a more personal connection.

Creator Mode

Creator mode is a new setting you will find in your profile dashboard once it is rolled out to all users. LinkedIn designed the feature for thought leaders and content creators who regularly share expertise. Once you flip it on, the primary action on your profile will switch from Connect to Follow (with the option to connect still available). And you can now prominently display articles on your dashboard.

Free Courses

Need to brush up on a few skills? You’ll find over 600 free courses available, centred around in-demand jobs such as software development, digital marketing, IT support, graphic design and data analysis. Be sure to search them through  opportunity.linkedin.com because they are only accessible on the regular LinkedIn Platform if you are a premium member.

Additional Search Filters

LinkedIn added a keyword filter when searching for people, jobs, courses, or within other sections of the platform. You can use the feature to search out specific contacts who may help with your current job search or target a unique job opportunity.

Video Cover Story

Personalize your first impression with a short video introduction. Once you add your video, an orange ring will appear around your profile photo, and a preview will silently play within the frame (captioning will be coming soon!)

To leverage the power of LinkedIn features, maximize your profile, make use of these features, engage your network, and be active on the platform. Above all, provide value to your connections in the form of articles, videos, and insightful comments that share your expertise. You’ll get out of it what you put into it. If you expend the effort, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool in your executive job search.

If you have access to these LinkedIn features – some of which are still being rolled out  –  test them out and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback!

For more tips on using LinkedIn effectively, check out my post, How Can I Increase My Visibility on LinkedIn?