For the vast majority of recruiters and hiring managers, LinkedIn is one of the first places they’ll look for information about you, so it’s crucial for job-seekers to learn to use it appropriately and effectively. By following these basic tips, you can create a LinkedIn profile that gets you noticed, which gets you one step closer to the job you want.
Use a professional photo – The purpose of your LinkedIn profile photo is not to impress people with your looks, but to associate an easily recognizable face with your name. You should appear as you would at an interview: neatly groomed and sensibly dressed. The photo should include your head, neck, and the tops of your shoulders, with no other people, pets, or clutter in the background. Resist the urge to use filters or overlays, which can look unprofessional and make you more difficult to recognize in person. The entire point of this photo is to make you look warm, professional, and accessible.
Write a thoughtful summary – Before writing your summary, check out some of the other summaries written by professionals in your field. Identify any keywords or phrases that seem to appear often, and work them into your own summary, while highlighting your own experience and skills. Keep in mind that this is your chance to show your personality, so try to avoid cliches or boilerplate language. Writing with a distinct “voice” can give recruiters a chance to see who you are and how well you’d fit into their company culture.
Experience – This is the part of your LinkedIn profile that is most like a traditional resume. In fact, it may be a good idea to copy and paste sections of your resume into the relevant fields on your profile to ensure consistency. Be honest and thorough, keeping in mind that it is easier than ever for people to double-check your employment history.
Skills & Endorsements – The more skills you have listed, the more likely it is that your profile will be noticed by hiring managers and recruiters. Make sure that the skills you list are relevant to the position you’re applying for and reflect your career interests and goals for the future.
Additional Information – This section is your opportunity to direct recruiters to other aspects of your online presence. Don’t leave it up to search engine algorithms — make it easy for recruiters to see the pages you want them to see. You can include links to your blog, website, or Twitter account.
In the modern era of hiring and job searching, LinkedIn is an invaluable and frequently used tool. Learning to use it effectively can help you stand out from the crowd, making it more likely for you to land your dream job.
For more tips on getting noticed by recruiters, contact us today!
