How to Use LinkedIn to Get Hired Abroad

LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help you find job opportunities anywhere in the world. Whether you’re looking for full-time work or a seasonal job, LinkedIn allows you to connect with employers in any industry and any country. With a well-crafted profile, strategic networking, and targeted job searches, you can leverage LinkedIn to land your dream job abroad. This guide will provide you with the essential steps to use LinkedIn effectively for finding work in different countries.

Requirements to use LinkedIn:

There are NONE! Anyone can create a profile.
A high level of English will give you more opportunities globally

LinkedIn is a website and an app for professional development. There are an unimaginable amount of jobs available through this platform. If you take it seriously and use it to your advantage, LinkedIn can open doors around the world.

Tips to using LinkedIn to it’s full potential

1. Make a Complete Profile

One of the most important tips to using LinkedIn to its full potential is to make a complete profile. Your LinkedIn profile serves as your digital resume, showcasing your professional experience and skills to potential employers and connections. Here are the key elements to include for a standout profile:

Your CV/Resume: Upload your CV or resume to provide a comprehensive overview of your work history and achievements.
A Professional Description: Write a compelling summary that highlights who you are, your career goals, and what you bring to the table. This should be a concise snapshot of your professional identity.
A Professional Picture: Use a clear, high-quality photo where you look approachable and professional. This helps create a positive first impression.
Your Skills & Competencies: List your skills and competencies to give employers a clear idea of what you excel at. Be sure to include skills relevant to the jobs you are seeking.
Educational Background: Detail your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework. This helps establish your qualifications and expertise.
- Additional Information: Enhance your profile by uploading any additional information that could impress potential employers. This can include:
- Positive Feedback: Share any positive feedback or testimonials from customers or colleagues. This demonstrates your value and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Previous Salaries: If relevant and appropriate, you might consider including your previous salaries to give employers an idea of your compensation expectations.
- Volunteer Work: Highlight any volunteer work to show your motivation and willingness to contribute beyond paid roles.
- Letters of Recommendation: Include letters of recommendation to provide credible endorsements of your skills and work ethic.

A complete and well-rounded LinkedIn profile not only increases your visibility to potential employers but also enhances your credibility and attractiveness as a candidate. By showcasing your professional journey and accomplishments in detail, you make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to see why you would be a great fit for their organization.

2. Don’t Be Shy to Reach Out to Others

Another essential tip for using LinkedIn to its full potential is to not be shy about reaching out to others. Building a strong network is crucial for finding new opportunities and advancing your career. Here’s how to effectively connect with people on LinkedIn:

Connect with Past and Potential Colleagues: Start by connecting with people you’ve worked with in the past. These connections can provide valuable endorsements and introductions. Also, reach out to individuals you’d like to work with or who are in your desired industry. This helps you stay informed about potential job opportunities and industry trends.
Maintain Professionalism: While LinkedIn is a social platform, remember to maintain a professional tone in all your interactions. Treat your connections as professional relationships, not casual friendships.
Express Your Availability: Clearly state on your profile if you are looking for new opportunities. This increases the chances that managers or directors will notice your profile and reach out to you with job offers.
Initiate Contact: Don’t hesitate to take the initiative and send messages to potential employers or companies you’re interested in. Here’s a sample message you can use:

“Thank you for connecting with me. I was wondering if you were looking for someone as a [position]. I am very motivated to work with you and have heard so much about your company.”

This approach shows your proactive attitude and enthusiasm, which can make a positive impression on potential employers.

Reaching out to others on LinkedIn can open many doors for you. By building and maintaining a professional network, expressing your career goals, and initiating contact with potential employers, you increase your chances of finding the right job opportunities and advancing your career. Don’t be shy – start connecting and see where it takes you!

3. Understand the Different Profile “Levels”

To use LinkedIn to its full potential, it’s important to understand the different profile levels available. LinkedIn offers both free and premium accounts, each with its own set of features and benefits.

Basic (Free) Account: With a basic account, you can create a professional profile, connect with others, join groups, and apply for jobs. This level is sufficient for most users, especially those looking for seasonal or entry-level positions.
Premium Accounts: LinkedIn offers several premium account options that provide additional features. These accounts can be especially useful if you are looking for a more permanent position or want to take full advantage of LinkedIn’s networking capabilities. Here are the main types of premium accounts:
- Premium Career: Starting at around €25 per month, this level helps job seekers by providing access to more detailed insights on job listings and allowing them to directly message recruiters.
- Premium Business: At approximately €50 per month, this account is geared towards professionals who want to expand their network and gain deeper insights into businesses and their own profile views.
- Premium Recruiter: For around €100 per month, this account is designed for those actively recruiting talent. It offers advanced search tools and the ability to see who has viewed your profile.
Free Premium Trial: LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial for their premium services. This is a great way to explore the additional features and decide if upgrading is worth it for your career goals.

While the basic account is effective for most users, a premium account can offer significant advantages if you are seeking a permanent position or want to make the most of LinkedIn’s networking tools. Evaluate your career needs and consider trying the free premium trial to see if the enhanced features align with your professional goals.

3. Use the Filters & Research Potential Employers

One of the key tips for using LinkedIn to its full potential is to effectively use the filters and research potential employers. LinkedIn offers a range of filters that can help you narrow down job searches to match your specific needs and preferences, making your job hunt more efficient and targeted.

Utilize Job Search Filters: LinkedIn allows you to filter job listings by location, industry, job type, experience level, and more. By setting these filters, you can find job opportunities that align with your career goals and preferred destinations. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal job in Greece or a permanent position in Dubai, these filters help you focus your search on the most relevant opportunities.
Research Employers: Before applying for a job, it’s essential to research the potential employer. Look into the company’s profile on LinkedIn to learn about their mission, culture, and recent updates. You can also see if you have any connections who work there, which can be helpful for gaining insider information and potentially getting a referral.
Engage with Content: LinkedIn is not just for job searching; it’s also a platform for professional engagement. Write articles about your job experiences, share industry-related content, and post pictures that showcase your professional journey. This increases your visibility and can attract the attention of potential employers.
Networking: Building and maintaining connections is crucial. By keeping in touch with managers and colleagues from past jobs, you create a network that can support you in finding new opportunities. For example, staying connected with people you met while working abroad can lead to more job offers in different countries.
Be Responsive: When employers contact you with job offers, respond promptly. Even if you’re not interested, it’s courteous to let them know. This keeps the communication professional and leaves a positive impression, which might be beneficial for future opportunities.

By using the filters and conducting thorough research on potential employers, you can find job opportunities that are well-suited to your skills and career aspirations. This approach not only makes your job search more effective but also ensures that you are well-prepared for the roles you pursue. Taking these steps can open doors to exciting job opportunities around the world, just like it did for me.

4. Use Your Connections to Build New Relationships

One of the most powerful tips for using LinkedIn to its full potential is to use your connections to build new relationships. Networking is a crucial aspect of career growth, and LinkedIn makes it easier to stay connected with people you’ve worked with and to expand your professional network.

Leverage Existing Connections: Your past colleagues and managers can be valuable resources. For instance, I once posted on Facebook that I was ready to work anywhere for the upcoming season. My ex-manager from Dubai, an Italian named F., helped me secure a job in Capri, Italy. This opportunity allowed me to learn Italian and gain new experiences. Similarly, LinkedIn lets you stay connected with former colleagues who might help you find new job opportunities.
Stay in Touch: Even if you’re not actively using LinkedIn, maintaining relationships with people you’ve worked with is essential. The hospitality industry, in particular, is a small world where you might work with the same people in different countries over time. Staying connected ensures that you’re always in the loop about potential job opportunities and industry trends.
Expand Your Network: Use LinkedIn to connect with new people in your industry or areas of interest. Engaging with your connections’ posts and participating in group discussions can help you build rapport and establish new professional relationships.
Professional Engagement: Regularly update your LinkedIn status, share your career achievements, and post about your availability for new opportunities. This keeps your network informed about your professional journey and might prompt them to reach out with relevant opportunities.
Cultural and Language Learning: Working in different countries not only enhances your professional skills but also gives you the chance to learn new languages and cultures. For example, my job in Capri allowed me to learn Italian, broadening my personal and professional horizons.

By using your connections to build new relationships, you can continuously open doors to exciting opportunities. Networking is not just about finding jobs; it’s about creating a support system that can help you throughout your career. LinkedIn provides a platform to easily maintain and expand this network, making it an indispensable tool for professional growth.

Conclusion

Using LinkedIn to its full potential can significantly enhance your career prospects, especially when looking for opportunities abroad. By making a complete profile, reaching out to others, understanding the different profile levels, utilizing filters, and leveraging your connections, you can maximize the benefits of LinkedIn and find exciting job opportunities around the world.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Profile Active

A bonus tip to keep in mind is to stay active on LinkedIn. Regularly update your profile with new skills, achievements, and experiences. Engage with posts, share industry news, and participate in discussions. An active profile shows that you are engaged and serious about your professional growth, making you more attractive to potential employers. Keeping your profile active not only increases your visibility but also helps you stay connected with your network, opening up even more opportunities.

By following these tips and staying active, you’ll be well on your way to leveraging LinkedIn to its fullest and advancing your career globally. Happy networking!