How to land Side Gigs: Master LinkedIn™’s Job Search

Feeling like LinkedIn’s job section isn’t for you? Think again. Many freelancers, consultants, and self-employed professionals assume it’s just for full-time job seekers. But there’s a hidden gem within LinkedIn™ that can help you land speaker assignments, coaching gigs, and other contract opportunities.

Why C-Levels and Self-Employed Professionals Should Care About LinkedIn’s Job Section

If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur, LinkedIn’s job section might not be your first stop. Yet companies often post short-term and contract opportunities here. These gigs can range from speaking engagements to consulting roles. Without utilizing LinkedIn’s job search tools, you might miss out on these lucrative opportunities.

Modern Career Paths: Why Speaker Gigs Matter

The concept of a linear career path is fading fast. Today’s professionals often wear many hats—freelancer, consultant, entrepreneur, and even content creator. In this dynamic environment, speaker gigs have emerged as a cornerstone of personal and professional branding.

Speaking engagements allow you to showcase your expertise to a targeted audience. Whether you’re addressing industry peers at a conference or leading a workshop for corporate teams, these opportunities enhance your credibility and visibility. They also open doors to additional projects, such as consulting roles or book deals.

Additionally, speaker gigs are excellent for building your network. Each event puts you in a room full of decision-makers, potential clients, and collaborators. These connections can lead to new opportunities and partnerships, creating a snowball effect for your career.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your LinkedIn™ Job Search Agent

Ready to make LinkedIn™ work for you? Follow these simple steps to set up a personalized job search agent:

1. Access the Job Section: Head to LinkedIn’s job section by clicking the briefcase icon. You’ll find recommendations and job suggestions tailored to your profile.
2. Update Your Preferences: Navigate to the “Preferences” section and click on “Open to Work.” This allows you to customize the types of gigs you’re open to.
3. Choose Relevant Titles: Add up to five job titles. For example, use broad terms like “speaker” or “professional speaker” to ensure you match with a variety of postings.
4. Specify Locations: Whether you’re open to remote opportunities or onsite gigs, add relevant regions. You can select multiple locations, such as “Europe” or “United States.”
5. Set Employment Type: Choose “Contract” for flexible, short-term gigs.
6. Control Visibility: Opt for the “Recruiters Only” option to avoid displaying an “Open to Work” badge on your profile.

Once you’ve saved your settings, LinkedIn™ will act like a personal agent, sending you curated job recommendations. It’s a simple yet powerful way to uncover hidden opportunities.

The Role of Speaker Gigs in Personal Branding

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, personal branding is not optional—it’s essential. Speaking gigs are one of the fastest ways to build your brand. When you take the stage, whether physically or virtually, you position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This visibility reinforces your authority and creates trust with your audience.

Beyond visibility, speaking opportunities allow you to share your unique perspective. This differentiates you from competitors and adds a personal touch to your professional profile. Consistently delivering valuable insights during events builds your reputation as a reliable and innovative expert.

Moreover, every speaking engagement offers promotional benefits. You’ll often be featured on event websites, social media posts, and email campaigns, further amplifying your reach. Over time, this exposure translates into greater demand for your services.

Consistency Is Key

To maximize results, regularly check your job section. This feature works quietly in the background, but consistent engagement ensures you don’t miss out. Many professionals have used it to secure speaking engagements and consulting gigs, so it’s worth the small time investment.

New Opportunities with Minimal Effort!

LinkedIn’s job section isn’t just for traditional roles—it’s a treasure trove for self-employed professionals looking to expand their horizons. With the right setup and regular check-ins, you can tap into a steady stream of relevant opportunities. Start today and see what doors open for you!