Helpful Tips For Sprucing Up Your LinkedIn Profile
Did you know that 94% of
employers use LinkedIn to vet candidates?
It is no surprise that LinkedIn has quickly taken
hold in our increasingly social world.
This platform has essentially become an online
resume for jobseekers, which can work to your advantage or disadvantage
depending on how well you use it.
You're LinkedIn should showcase your expertise,
and broadcast your professional brand. It should answer the "So
what?" question that many employers have in searching through resumes.
Because, in today's world, employers can afford to
be picky, and only hire top talent. Online sites such as LinkedIn allow them to
do just that.
Therefore, in your job search, it is important to
fine-tune your LinkedIn, so that it can work for you rather than against you.
Check these five tips below for easy ways you can
make your LinkedIn profile better than ever before.
1. Take Time to Optimize Your LinkedIn
The most important point to make is that a great
LinkedIn profile takes time to make.
This is mostly because the more complete your
profile is, the more likely you are to generate interest from potential
employers.
Therefore, fill it out in its entirety, which
LinkedIn will kindly let you know what areas are lacking.
As well, update your LinkedIn if your situation
changes or you improve on certain skills. An updated profile is more likely to
be seen by employers.
2. Choose the Perfect Photo
Your LinkedIn picture should not be the same as
your Facebook profile picture. It is important to consider who your audience
is.
The bare minimum is to have a
professional looking, close-up image of just you.
Even better, a professional picture that shows you in action, so long as it is
relatively easy to see and understand.
3. Don't Waste Your Headline
Your headline does not need to be your job title,
which is also a relief for anyone that is currently unemployed or in
transition.
The headline is the perfect place to advertise
your skills, experience, and brand, rather than your title.
Employers will be able to see your title from your
resume and work history so that prime space for what matters most.
4. Use Numbers Up Front
Recruiters love hearing numbers, so it can be in
your best interest to use them. Include these in the summary with your skills
if they are relevant, or just make sure to use them later on in your work
history.
5. Don't Leave Current Position Blank
One common mistake by those who are unemployed or
in transition is that they leave the "current position" area blank.
This is not a good idea, as employers and recruiters often find candidates by their current job title
In order to work around this, consider putting
your ideal position as your job title, but add the term "in-training"
or "in-transition" afterword. This will make sure that employers see
you in their search, without pushing the truth.
Take Steps Towards a Better LinkedIn Profile
A great LinkedIn profile is an essential part to
successfully finding your dream job.
It may feel difficult at first to use this
platform, but just remember what it was like to use Facebook for the very first
time. Over time, you will get used to how it works.
For more advice on how to streamline your job
search, check out our article on four
resume examples for any profession.