Its a . . . well, weird job market out there, to put it diplomatically. If youve suddenly found yourself looking for work among what feels like a never-ending onslaught of layoffs, youre not alone.
Now more than ever, standing out is essential to landing your dream job.
In that spirit, LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of free courses that can help you sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and navigate the job-seeking landscape with ease.
Here are six free LinkedIn Learning courses that can assist you in finding a new job.
Polish up your résumé
This 2.5-hour course covers everything you need to know about creating a résumé that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements effectively.
You’ll learn how to format your résumé, choose the right keywords, and tailor it to different job applications.Additionally, the course provides tips on avoiding common mistakes and how to use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.
By the end, you’ll ideally have a polished résumé that sets you apart from other candidates.
Ace your interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is key to success.
This 1.25-hour course offers expert advice on how to answer common interview questions confidently and effectively. You’ll learn how to research the company, understand the job requirements, and prepare responses to questions about your skills, experiences, and career goals.
Also covered techniques for handling tricky questions, such as addressing gaps in your employment history or explaining why you left your previous job.
Keep your wits about you
Youve sent out hundreds of résumés. The fish arent biting. The ones that are result in rejection. Youre getting discouraged.
This quick course is a half-hour pick-me-up that teaches you strategies for setting realistic goals, staying organized, and managing stress. It also provides techniques for building self-confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and staying motivated even when the going gets tough.
Land a job on LinkedIn
Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is still a powerful tool for job seekers.
This hour-long course teaches you how to finesse your LinkedIn profile to make it more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers. You’ll learn how to create a compelling headline, write a professional summary, and showcase your skills and experiences.
The course also covers strategies for networking with industry professionals, joining relevant LinkedIn groups, and utilizing the platform’s job search features.
Land a job not on LinkedIn (or anywhere else)
Not all job opportunities are advertised publicly, and many great positions are found through networking and personal connections.
This half-hour course reveals strategies for tapping into the hidden job market, where you can discover unadvertised positions and reach out to potential employers directly. You’ll learn how to identify key contacts, craft persuasive outreach messages, and build meaningful professional relationships.
The class also covers techniques for conducting informational interviews and leveraging your network to uncover hidden opportunities.
Always be networking
Even if youre not looking for a new job, building a strong professional network is more important than ever.
This 40-minute course offers practical strategies for connecting with industry professionals, joining relevant online communities, and using social media to your advantage. You’ll learn how to create an engaging online presence, share valuable content, and participate in virtual events and discussions.
Along with all that, youll get tips for maintaining and nurturing your network over time, ensuring that you have a solid support system as you navigate your career.
