LinkedIn is about 95% of recruiters’ go-to tactic for finding new recruits. We hope that you don’t underestimate this opportunity by just ignoring it!
If you’re like many professionals, you probably just created a profile and occasionally go back to add more connections. However, there’s so much that can be done with LinkedIn to advance your career and maybe even find out about job opportunities.
Take charge of your career by designing and using a LinkedIn profile that attracts future employers. Consider these tips to get started!
Designing your LinkedIn profile is an important factor in your job search.
- Craft a snappy and specific headline. Think of who your target audience is when telling them what value you have to offer. Avoid the use of technical jargon when possible so they are more likely to read on!.
- Update your summary. Your summary is where you can add more details and include statistics to demonstrate your achievements. There are plenty of things like videos, work samples etc that you can use to showcase yourself in an attractive way.
- Choose a professional looking image. Poses with your face in them are best so see the most of what people are likely to notice. To get the best looks use flattering lighting that is natural
- Add keywords. Your profile will not appear to automated search tools without them. They can help match you with the perfect job! Use relevant keywords in your profile, like your headline and summary.
- Choose your URL on LinkedIn. If your first name is taken, try adding your middle initial or hometown after it.
- Welcome, recruiters! If you want to be contacted by a recruiter then it’s important that you’ve chosen that in your privacy settings. You need to change this setting periodically if you want to continue with the same frequency of contact.
- Try to stay consistent in your resume and LinkedIn. Your resume is more tailored to a specific opening while your profile is a general statement. Still, it’s important not to have them contradict each other so that people don’t get confused.
- Check the meter. LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter to help you rate yourself. It will give you helpful recommendations about additional steps you can take, such as adding more information about volunteer work and foreign languages.
Your LinkedIn Profile:
- It’s important to go recruiters and ask for recommendations or endorsements. You can do that by asking former employers to provide feedback, or mentioning skills that are in high demand. If you are generous to others, they will most likely be nice to you too.
- Publish and share your knowledge and insights. Create a content strategy and use a calendar to remind you to publish regularly.
- Join communities. Search for groups in your profession and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions. Avoid any temptation to promote yourself excessively or spam other members.
- Track your connections. Make sure you don’t miss out on valuable connections that can help you grow your
- Encourage others and share good content with your connections! Look at LinkedIn as a forum where you can share ideas, receive feedback and support from other members. Engage with other users by liking their posts and sharing them with your connections as well!
- Be discreet. While you’re working to raise your visibility, keep in mind that there could be times when you want to make sure your work-seeking efforts and particularly the search and feedback loop doesn’t interfere with what’s going on at work or with HR. Change your privacy settings so that you can have more control over what can be viewed from others.
