Undoubtedly, LinkedIn is the work world’s primary search engine and yet most job seekers do not maximize it. Instead, they copy and paste their resume thinking someone might reach out to them. As a former introvert, I needed to manipulate LinkedIn if I wanted to prove my marketability.

I have gotten assignments, requests for interviews and networking meetings, invitations to do presentations, calls for pitches, paid tests all through LinkedIn. It’s a gem of a free resource, but only if you know how to use it.

Typical writing and editing jobs (remote, contracted, freelance) include:
•  white paper writer
•  freelance (digital/content) writer/editor
•  brand writer/editor
•  junior/senior copywriter/editor
•  SEO (content) writer
•  web writer
•  copywriter
•  blogger
•  communication specialist
•  creative writer
•  technical writer

Use these insider tips to leverage your job search using one of the work world’s most undervalued search engines.

1. First, continually expand your professional network. The more contacts, the higher your visibility and credibility. Using the “people filter” add people to your network by niche, location company, 1st, and 2nd tiered connections. After a while LinkedIn will begin to make suggestions based on your searching history.

2. Search jobs by position, location, company. Many companies outsource remote work to freelancers. Just do your due diligence and research that company. For example, in the search area of the upper left side enter the term [remote] [freelance] [copywriter] [New York City] alternative with any of the job titles above. You can then “save” or apply for the job in which case LinkedIn will pull in your profile information. Turning on search alerts will give you notifications to those jobs! The “All filters” options will provide additional ways to narrow down the search.

3. Ask mutual connections who can make introductions on your behalf. This is what often gets me noticed!

•  Apply for the job
•  Reach out to the hiring manager, director, recruiter, talent acquisition specialist and alert them to the fact you submitted an application
•  See if that same person has mutual contacts you can approach
•  Reach out to that contact and ask if they wouldn’t mind introducing you
•  Offer to send over a one-liner. Extract some of the details from your LinkedIn profile

4. Set up 1:1 coffee networking meeting either with or without the help of mutual contact. Insider conversations are gold and meeting professionals in real-life cuts the chase. Offer to meet these people either in their office or offer to buy them a cup of coffee. Typical insiders include CEOs, digital marketing officers or managers, marketing VPs, talent acquisitions or recruiters – basically, anyone who hires freelancers.

Even if that company or organization isn’t hiring currently, I still pursue a meeting. Why? To show my marketability. You just never know when these places might be hiring in the future.

Things I ask:

•  Do you know of any open writing/editing positions in my field of expertise? Any companies I might add?
•  I’m not so well-connected in xxx industry or xx niche. With whom should I connect?
•  Are there particular areas within the agency or company that may be a good fit or perhaps openings for me to look out for the future?
•  Would you be able to look at my marketing plan and perhaps make an introduction to other employers that might be a good fit?

My marketing plan typically includes contact information, a professional objective, job titles I’m actively seeking, and names of dream companies and organizations which I’m constantly adding. Most recently, an insider I had met reached out to me with a lead. These meetings work!

Yes, it can take a bit of practice to feel comfortable using the “LinkedIn ropes.” But when used intentionally and strategically, LinkedIn can be one of the most productive and profitable ways to find a freelance writing or editing job.

Bio – Dorit Sasson, award-winning author of Accidental Soldier and writer coach also supports authors and writers with her knowledge of keyword research and search engine optimization (SEO) so they can reach the right audiences.