Here’s how the people you know can help you land your dream job

Getting your dream job is not an easy task.

But you could significantly increase your chances by playing it smart.

LinkedIn has recently published its 2016 Job Search Guide. There are a lot of interesting tips, but for those who don’t have the time for the full deep dive, we’ve put together some of the most useful advice from the slide deck.

Here are some vital and foolproof tips on how to land your dream job.

Although there are 11 million job openings a month in the US, a typical job search takes 6 months on average, according to LinkedIn.

It’s why LinkedIn wants you to be more tactical about your job search. Following these tips will certainly help you get a step closer to landing your dream job.

First things first, make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume are up-to-date. Remember, they are two separate things: resumes should be designed for specific positions, while LinkedIn profiles should be geared towards all potential employers. Here’s former NFL star Patrick Willis’ updated LinkedIn profile.

Image: Linkedin

Next, set up saved job alerts and email notifications for new openings that meet your needs. You can do this in LinkedIn’s mobile app too.

Read news articles to catch up on topics you might discuss in your interview. It can really help with your confidence.
Make sure your photo looks professional. Some simple selfie tricks include: 1) smile 2) dress appropriately 3) shoot in a bright location.
Write descriptive and aspirational summaries on your profile page. And show future potential in your experience section.
Ask a supervisor of each of your jobs to write a brief recommendation. Write one in return too.
Include everything from degrees, majors, and past schools in your education section.
Building the right network is very important. There are 3 types of people to include in your circle: 1) Someone who knows you on a personal level 2) A well-connected individual who’s willing to connect you with others 3) Subject matter expert in a specific industry.
Use your these 3 channels to find job leads: 1) former bosses and coworkers 2) friends 3) cold contacts
If you’re shy about reaching out to cold contacts, follow these tips: 1) Find common ground with the contact 2) Get straight to the point 3) Keep things short 4) Offer something in return and say thank you.

According to LinkedIn, 80% of positions are filled through referrals. That means the best way to get your foot in the door is through your own network.

Once you get to the interview stage, make sure you answer the questions with these 3 things in mind: 1) stay relevant to the job 2) share your weakness head-on 3) Use anecdotes to leave a stronger impression.

As CEO recruiter Jim Citron tells LinkedIn, the most important job interview skill is to “weave those questions into a story, a narrative that gives the interviewer a sense of who you are and what you’re about.”

Follow the S.T.A.R. structure to answer in a more compelling way.

Don’t forget to ask tough questions back, like, “What will I learn if I work here?”
Make sure you send a thank you note (email is fine) after the interview.