LinkedIn is the most popular social networking site for professionals. Across the globe it is recognized as a trusted platform to connect with existing and potential business prospects, clients, suppliers and especially recruits. 

If utilized correctly, LinkedIn is one of the easiest ways to secure a good job. Among the many job portals out there, it serves to be a credible choice among employers who are looking for serious professionals with a proven track record.

If you’re a accounting/finance professional who has just completed your CMA and are looking to get a job, here are  5 tricks that will help you stand out among the crowd and be the preferred choice among prospective employers.

1. Use the Right Words on Your LinkedIn Profile

Internet searches are ruled by keywords. The same applies to LinkedIn. Get into the shoes of the recruiter and think what are the likely searches they will do in order to seek a potential employee. 

For example, employers often want to hire those who have initiative, strong attention to detail, etc. 

Once you identify and shortlist few keywords use them in your Linkedin headline so that your name shows first. Include not just your CMA Designation, but also the opportunities you are looking for to make it easy for recruiters to find you.

2. Request for Recommendations from Colleagues

This is where you use the help of peers and colleagues in your network whom you’ve worked with to endorse your financial and accounting skills. It will give you a competitive edge over other candidates since real life people would have vouched for your expertise. This coupled with your CMA designation will ensure for you to be taken as a serious candidate.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log into your LinkedIn account
2. Hover over your image in the top right corner and choose Privacy & Settings – you may be prompted to login again. This is normal
3. Under the Helpful Links section choose Manage your recommendations
4. Request a recommendation from previous employers.

3. Use Additional Features

Actions speak louder than words. The advantage of LinkedIn is that it gives you a lot to play around with. You can make use of the section in your profile where you can add not just your prior financial accounting work experience, but also any projects, dissertations or thesis that you may have undertaken as part of your research.

It will add more depth to your profile and it will show that you have vast domain knowledge. 

You can also upload a video resume where you can highlight your CMA designation as well as any other certificates, experience etc. This gives prospective employers a sneak peek into your personality, as well as a more authentic virtual introduction.

4. Follow your Dream Companies

LinkedIn gives you the option of following the updates of your dream companies. This way you can stay up to date with not just the latest job postings, but also company developments which would eventually help you during the interview stage. 

After getting your CMA designation, you need to identify the companies that would be best suited for you. You can connect with HR managers of those companies, build a relationship and share your intention of working for the company.

5.  Join Groups Related to the CMA Designation

One thing you must absolutely do is to join relevant CMA groups. Finding groups and joining them is easy. In the top menu, choose Interests >> Groups. Using the search bar, simply type CMA like the example below and choose a group that works for you.

They will help you in adding to your existing knowledge bank, give you an opportunity to express your views and gradually become a thought leader in this field. The more regular you are, the more your chances of getting noticed in your prospective recruiter’s eye.

It does not take a long time for you to get started or remain active on LinkedIn. How to use LinkedIn to get a job is an art and science. You have to be alert, useful and skillful. You also need to be proactive and request to be introduced to recruiters by common connections.

For that to happen, you need to be adept at using the platform. Invest some time and you should have no trouble building connections and finding a job. 

Have you used other strategies that have worked for you? Share them in the comments section below. 

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Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!