How to Use LinkedIn to Boost Your Job Search: A Guide for Job Seekers and Supporters

For job seekers with intellectual or developmental disabilities—and the people who support them—tools like LinkedIn and MyJobMatch.ca  offer a powerful way to explore opportunities, connect with employers, and build confidence. With over 27 million Canadians on LinkedIn, it’s become one of the most important places to be when you’re job hunting.

Step 1: Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your professional landing page. It’s often the first thing employers look at, even before an interview. A strong profile includes:

• A professional photo: A clear, friendly headshot goes a long way.
  
• A headline: Use a simple phrase that explains what you’re looking for (e.g., “Motivated and Reliable Worker Seeking Customer Service Role”).
  
• An About/Summary section: Write 2–3 sentences about who you are, what you’re good at, and what kind of work you enjoy.
  
• Experience section: Add any jobs, volunteer work, school co-ops, or training programs you’ve completed.
  
• Visual content: Include photos from events, projects, or job fairs if available.
  
• Recommendations: Ask a teacher, job coach, or employer to write a short recommendation about your work ethic or skills.
  

Step 2: Keep Your Profile Updated

Just like a resume, your LinkedIn profile should be updated whenever something changes, like contact information, work experience, or new skills. It shows employers that you’re active and motivated.

Step 3: Post and Share Content

You don’t have to post every day, but sharing once or twice a week shows that you’re engaged. Some ideas:

• Share a photo or story from a job fair or placement
  
• Talk about what you’re learning on the job
  
• Celebrate a milestone or a certificate you earned
  
• Share a job-related article and comment on it
  

Use 2–3 hashtags to help others find your post (e.g., #JobSeekers, #InclusiveHiring, #CustomerService).

Step 4: Connect With Employers

The best way to grow your network is to engage with employers directly. Here’s how:

• Search for businesses you’re interested in
  
• Like and comment on posts by managers or company pages
  
• Send a personalized message when you request to connect
  
• Reach out to 5–6 employers a day to build momentum
  

This shows initiative and helps you stay top-of-mind when a position opens up.

Step 5: Combine LinkedIn with MyJobMatch

Use MyJobMatch.ca to apply for inclusive jobs that fit your interests and skills, and then use LinkedIn to:

• Learn more about the companies you’re applying to
  
• Connect with hiring managers
  
• Share your MyJobMatch successes and progress
  

Together, these platforms give you a strong online presence and a targeted job search strategy.

Step 6: Track Your Progress

Create a simple daily or weekly checklist:

• Number of profile visits
  
• Connection requests sent
  
• Posts liked or commented on
  
• Messages sent to employers
  

Tracking small actions keeps you focused and builds confidence as you go.

LinkedIn may feel intimidating at first, but with the right support and guidance, it can become one of your most powerful tools for building a career. Combined with MyJobMatch and your employment services team, you’re not just job hunting—you’re building a professional network, telling your story, and opening doors.