Is it true that I need a job on LinkedIn to get a job? If your job search is going tickety-boo, then no. If not, then you may need a strategy change.

As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Stick with the plan. But if your job search is taking longer than you thought or you are not getting calls, you have to reevaluate your process and take a good look at your LinkedIn profile.

One area to consider on your LinkedIn profile is your work experience. Do you have a job with a start date and an end date, or do you have a job with a start date and a – present?  If it’s the first scenario, you may need to change that and see if it makes a difference.

Only certain gatekeepers know the algorithm at LinkedIn, so we cannot verify this information, but we can research and see what others are saying.

So how do you get a – present job when you don’t have a job?

Simple! One option is to volunteer for a nonprofit. If you believe in their mission, it should be a delight to help pay it forward. The only thing is that you hope they have a LinkedIn Company Page.

Also, you would want to put this work experience in your experience section and not the volunteer section. Once you land a job, you can put it in the volunteer section.

For the job title, hopefully, you can contribute your knowledge and skills so that the title and keywords you use will help you in your future forward position. Make the last word(s) of the 100 characters “volunteer” or “nonprofit volunteer” so that it’s clear that it is unpaid work and you are readily available.

If you visit my nonprofit’s company page, you will see 25 employees listed who are volunteers either filling the gap, working or self-employed and believe in the mission, or board members. Each one of them could embellish their job titles to 100 characters.

For further information on this topic, read some articles. They may vary in their opinions or spark some ideas for you.

Unemployed? Create a “Current” Role on LinkedIn to Score Higher for Jobs

The Best LinkedIn Job Title When You are Unemployed (but follow my suggestion for keywords for the embellished job title)

What to Put on Linkedin When You Are Unemployed

3 Options to Update Your LinkedIn Job Title and Employer When Unemployed

Good luck, and let me know if this technique made a difference for you!

Missed the previous article with a hilarious video – I fed the cat and slayed a bat. Should I ask for a LinkedIn Review? Read it here.

To register for these events, visit the events page on the #GreatCareersPHL website and follow that hashtag too!

• 8/27 Fri – Interview Techniques
• 8/27 Fri – Job Seeker Power Hour: Career Pivot Part 2 (on Clubhouse)
• 8/30 Mon – Career Success Group
• 8/31 Tues – From Meh to Memorable! Create IMPACT in Your Virtual Presentations
• 9/1 Wed – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind Resilience Building Call
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