LinkedIn has been around longer than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram – but it’s more relevant than ever, as it hosts more than 600 million professional profiles. This makes for a nearly unlimited source of connections and job opportunities. Up to 87 percent of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn to find candidates.
As you find your next job and continue to build your career, you need to not only be on LinkedIn, you need to stand out. LinkedIn can get you noticed, help you network, and build your brand. Here are some helpful tips:
Use a professional photo.
Your profile picture may likely be the first thing a recruiter sees when they find you on LinkedIn. So be sure it makes you look professional, credible and personable. It’s worth investing in a high-quality image with good lighting. Dress appropriately and look your best.
- Not having a profile photo is a mistake. People may assume yours is a fake account.
Craft a strong headline.
Along with your photo, your headline is one of the few things people see before they click on your LinkedIn profile. So it, too, should be strong. One good option is to use your job title, but add some additional details and keywords.
- Don’t waste words by saying “actively seeking positions” in your headline. A clear example of the value you would add if hired is a much better approach.
Build a winning profile.
Your profile is the meat and potatoes of your LinkedIn content. As you get started, think about the five most relevant skills for your ideal job and add them. LinkedIn Learning Pathfinder is a helpful tool. Hiring managers use a tool called LinkedIn Recruiter to access search filters and will be able to discover you based on the skills you add to your profile.
Keep your content reader friendly.
Be sure your LinkedIn content is crisp, well-spaced and easy to read. Use bullets and keep your paragraphs short. Recruiters typically move through it very quickly and are unlikely to read long, drawn out accounts.
- Nearly 80 percent of recruiters believe pre-recorded videos are useful, so consider this option as well.
Actively engage.
No one can click on your profile if you don’t show up on their screen. So, regardless of how great your profile is, you need to be active on LinkedIn.
- Join relevant groups and post in them. You can ask or answer questions or share content. Just be sure to read the group rules first. Do this in addition to posting in your own feed.
Get some recommendations.
Asking colleagues to write you recommendations is another way to make your profile stand out. Even one or two will catch recruiters’ eyes.
The career coach experts at PrideStaff Northern Kentucky can help you optimize your LinkedIn and overall social media presence, as well as partner with you through every aspect of your successful job search. Let’s talk today about how to get started.
Leave a Reply