LinkedIn: The Number One Tool for Your Job Search


It’s the job search topic that everyone is interested in learning more about. With an estimated 850 million users worldwide and 190 million in the U.S. alone, LinkedIn is the number one platform for a job search and a powerful tool to distinguish yourself from the competition to land your next job. 


David O’Brien recently gave an informative presentation during CRC’s program, “LinkedIn for Job Search.” David has been a volunteer in many different capacities—advisor, trainer, and facilitator—with CRC since 1999! He shared his expertise and insights in getting started on LinkedIn as well as leveraging it to your advantage in a job search. 


LinkedIn has evolved over the past 15 years to be more of social media platform where users share content that is more social in nature. People can post articles, videos, and other engaging content. It is used by the professional workforce for more than just a job search. LinkedIn is a valuable resource used by consultants, recruiters, job seekers, and salespeople. 


David’s advice, “Don’t be intimidated! Be active on LinkedIn by making connections, sharing information, and interacting with people.” He notes that the foundation for success on LinkedIn is a good and complete profile, allowing you to be found more often in searches. Complete profiles should include your name, a professional looking headshot, ‘About’ section summary, skills and interests, and a job history of at least the last 10-15 years.


Building your network is another of David’s top recommendations. Take the time to find people to connect with at places such as past companies you worked for, past educational institutions you attended, and other affiliations you may have. “Building your network on LinkedIn is an active process,” David says. “Invite people to connect and accept invitations to connect with others.” 


Increasing your visibility on LinkedIn is driven mostly by the number of connections you have. The more people you are connected to in your network allows you to find more people and more jobs on LinkedIn. Someone already in your network is a 1st level connection; someone connected to someone else in your network is a 2nd level connection. These 1st and 2nd level connections are powerful resources to network yourself into your desired job in your target company. 


According to David, one of the most underrated aspects of LinkedIn is as a research tool for both the interviewer and the person being interviewed. Both can research who they will be talking to during the interview process. This is a great way for each to learn more about the other person’s background and possible conversation topics, making the actual interview a much more smooth and pleasant experience for both. 


Job seekers can use this strategy to their advantage to help themselves stand out from their competition. “Put the time in to mine the LinkedIn database for people, companies, and your connections,” David says. “There’s a lot more to your LinkedIn profile than just your resume. The research power of LinkedIn is where you will find success in your job search.” 


Written by Cathleen McCann, CRC's Manager of Operations

LinkedIn Resources


Marketing specialist, author and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki's article, "Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn," is tried and true advice for both LinkedIn beginners and more advanced users.


Get inspired to write a memorable LinkedIn headline with advice from professionals on creating a profile that pops.

CRC Advisors Meet!

CRC's advisors gathered this week to share ideas and best practices. CRC is grateful to have such a dedicated team of volunteers who donate their time and expertise to help people find their next exciting chapter. 

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Learn about CRC membership and resources during this informational session and ask your questions!


Register for the upcoming Meet CRC: A Virtual Tour of Services on Tuesday 11/15 at 12:30 PM CST

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CRC's Upcoming Programs


Join CRC for our upcoming programs on tips and tools to help YOUR job search.

Fundamentals of Job Search:

Personal Branding



When: November 3

Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Winnetka Public Library, the Lloyd Room

768 Oak Street

Winnetka, IL 60093


Join us for our first in the series, The Fundamentals of Job Search. Our first session will focus on starting a job search (Job Search 101) and the first Fundamental: Personal Branding.


CRC's executive director Nancy Frohman will begin the session with an outline of The Fundamentals of Job Search series, and how to get started in your job search. CRC board member and advisor Brent White will then share how your own personal brand can help you stand out during your job search. Brent will offer tips and tools so you can develop a brand that pops.


The presentation will also be offered virtually if you would prefer to connect online! Please contact info@careerresourcecenter.org if you would like a Zoom connection.

To Learn More, Click Here
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Lunch and Learn: 


How to Make Tough Decisions- with CONFIDENCE


When: November 15, 2022

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT


The ability to make decisions (especially BIG decisions where the stakes are high and the outcome is uncertain like career and job changing) is one of the most important life skills we all need in today’s world. Yet no one teaches us how to do it. If you’ve ever struggled to make a decision in any important area of your life, this presentation is for you.


Join CRC for our next Lunch and Learn on this important topic. In this presentation, you will discover:


  • The single biggest thing that gets in the way of effective decision making
  • How to use a decision making framework to make your decision making easier
  • The 1 important skill you need to master to make better decisions


To Register, Click Here.
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