Mastering LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Employer

Mastering LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Employer

In today’s fast-paced job market, simply submitting your resume isn’t enough. To get noticed by top employers, you need to be proactive — and LinkedIn is your best ally. Whether you're a graduate, a migrant, or someone re-entering the workforce, this guide will show you how to use LinkedIn strategically to find employers, make real connections, and land your next job faster.

Why LinkedIn Matters for Job Seekers

LinkedIn is more than just an online CV. It’s a dynamic platform where you can:

  • Explore detailed company pages with insights into size, location, mission, and hiring history
  • View employee profiles to understand career paths, required skills, and team structure
  • Engage directly with recruiters and hiring managers
  • Discover hidden job opportunities not listed on job boards

It’s especially helpful for identifying roles in government, large corporates, and industries like IT, education, healthcare, and public services.

How to Search for Employers on LinkedIn (The Right Way)

Many job seekers make the mistake of only typing a job title into the search bar. Here’s how to do it properly:

  • Step 1: Use the “Jobs” Tab
    Type your target job title (e.g., “Policy Officer” or “Marketing Assistant”), then apply filters like Location (e.g., Melbourne, Sydney), Company, and Date Posted to refine results.
  • Step 2: Explore Company Pages
    Visit the LinkedIn page of a company you're interested in — such as the Department of Agriculture or Telstra. Click on the “People” tab to view current employees, their roles, and backgrounds.
  • Step 3: Use Boolean Search in the Main Search Bar
    For example, type: “project officer” AND “Victorian Government” NOT “intern” — this helps you find more targeted results.
  • Step 4: Join Industry-Specific LinkedIn Groups
    Search for groups like “APS Job Seekers Australia” or “Women in Tech AU”. These groups often share unadvertised roles and tips from insiders.

How to Reach Out Without Being Awkward

Once you find someone in a hiring or relevant role (like a Team Leader or HR Officer), send them a polite and direct message. Here’s a simple script:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company Name]. I’m very interested in applying for [Job Title] and would love any tips or insights you can share. Thanks in advance!”

Don’t send generic “Hi, can you help me?” messages. Be specific, respectful, and show genuine interest.

Who Should You Connect With?

  • Recruiters or HR managers in companies you're targeting
  • Current or former employees in similar roles
  • Department heads or team leads

Tip: Quality Beats Quantity

Focus on building real connections — don’t blindly send out 100 requests. Aim for 5–10 meaningful interactions per day. This will increase your visibility without risking your LinkedIn account being restricted.

Stand Out By Being Active

Even if you’re not applying right away, start building your presence. Here’s how:

  • Share a weekly post about your industry interests or goals
  • Comment on relevant posts by recruiters or leaders
  • Publish a short article about your job search journey or area of expertise

This helps keep your name front-of-mind for potential employers and demonstrates initiative.

Need Help With Your Resume? We’ve Got You.

At The Perfect Resume, we specialise in helping job seekers tailor their resumes to stand out on LinkedIn and in applications. If you're applying for jobs in government, corporate, education, or even healthcare — we can help you get noticed.

📩 Email your resume to info@theperfectresume.com.au for a free expert review. We’ll give you feedback that’s clear, honest, and designed to help you land interviews.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is your secret weapon if used correctly. Don’t just scroll — search with intention, connect with strategy, and post with purpose. Your dream job won’t come to you — but with the right steps, you can absolutely find and secure it.

Let us help you get one step ahead. Send in your resume today for your free review, and start attracting the employers who need what you bring to the table.

Back to blog