Is LinkedIn worth it for you?
LinkedIn matters most for office, professional, tech, finance, health admin, project, sales and management roles, and for anyone who wants to reach decision-makers. For hospitality, retail, labouring, farm and many trades roles, Facebook groups, SEEK, Trade Me and word of mouth often matter more. Even then, a basic profile is a useful online reference because most employers look candidates up before an interview.
Set up your profile (in order of importance)
- Headline: say what you do and want, not just your last job title. Example: 'Operations Coordinator | Logistics and Supply Chain | Waikato'.
- Photo: a clear, friendly head-and-shoulders shot, plain background. (A photo is normal on LinkedIn, even though it doesn't belong on a NZ CV.)
- Location and industry: set these to your region. Recruiters search by location.
- About: 3-5 short paragraphs or bullets covering what you do, your strengths, a result or two, and what you're looking for.
- Experience: match your CV; add achievements and keywords.
- Skills: add 10-20 relevant skills and ask former colleagues to endorse the top three.
- Custom URL: shorten your profile link (linkedin.com/in/yourname).
- Privacy: check your profile settings so you aren't broadcasting every edit to your boss while still employed.
About section template
I'm an operations coordinator with nine years' experience in logistics and warehousing in the Waikato. I help distribution teams ship accurately, on time and with fewer headaches. What I do well: - Coordinating high-volume freight and courier workflows - Stock accuracy: I reduced variances from 3.4% to 0.9% in 12 months - Training new staff and building safer, simpler processes I'm currently looking for a coordinator or supervisor role in Hamilton or Cambridge. Kia ora if you'd like to connect.
'Open to Work' and being found
- LinkedIn offers a recruiters-only 'Open to Work' setting and a public green photo frame. Recruiters-only is discreet if you're still employed or serving notice. The public frame is fine if you've left and want to be seen.
- Add the job titles and locations you'd accept so you show up in searches.
- Turn on job alerts and follow companies and local recruitment agencies.
- Post occasionally: a short comment on an industry article or a note that you've completed a course. Visibility is more important than polish.
Reaching out to people
The best use of LinkedIn is to start conversations. Ask for advice and information, not a job. People like helping if the ask is small and specific.
Connection request (under 300 characters)
Kia ora [Name], I'm a [your role] in [city] exploring [field/industry] and I really liked your post on [topic]. I'd value connecting and would love 15 minutes of your advice some time.
Follow-up message after they accept
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I was made redundant recently from a [role] position and I'm now looking at [target role/industry] in [region]. Would you be open to a short call, or a quick coffee if you're in [town], so I can learn how you got into this and what you'd focus on if you were in my position? Happy to work around your schedule. No worries at all if you're busy.
Staying safe on LinkedIn
- Fake recruiters exist. Never pay a fee, buy equipment or give bank details to someone who contacts you on LinkedIn. See the job scams guide.
- Check the person's profile age, connections and the company's official website before replying.
- Don't share your IRD number, passport or bank details until you have a written job offer from a verified employer.
- Don't badmouth your former employer online. It sticks, and it could breach your employment agreement.
Sources
- Tahatū Career Navigator: Looking for a job (opens in a new tab)
- Tahatū: How to create an online job profile (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.