LinkedIn has revolutionized the hiring process and the way we find jobs – but as simple as it seems, there are ways to be found easier on the social media platform that put you ahead of the competition and on the path to getting hired quicker. Follow the items below to ensure you have a standout profile and are maximizing your time on LinkedIn.
Update your contact information and profile
If you’re on the job hunt, you need to be as available as you can be for hiring managers and recruiters. When a job opening needs to be filled quickly, things move fast and you don’t want to miss an opportunity because your information or settings weren’t up to date. A few things you can do to ensure you don’t miss out are:
- Double check the email you have associated with your LinkedIn account and make sure it is your go-to, check every day email address.
- If you are comfortable with it, add direct contact information like your phone number so you can be reached effectively.
- Make sure the name on your resume matches exactly to the name on your profile so you can be found easily.
Add bullets and skills
Beef up your profile by adding bullet points, skills, endorsements, and more.
Job titles can be vague and don’t showcase your talents and responsibilities well. Take the extra time to add bullet points to your profile, expanding on your roles and responsibilities for each position listed. This way, a recruiter can understand exactly what your experience at each company entailed and can help sell your talents to the employer.
Additionally, the skills listed on your profile can double as search criteria that recruiters can use in their queries. Endorsements from friends and colleagues of said skills can get you even further. If you’re experienced in certain software platforms make sure to include that, too. A master of Microsoft Excel might just be what a hiring manager or recruiter client is looking for.
Lastly, reach out to former colleagues and ask them to write a recommendation on your profile. This adds a more personal touch and shows that you are serious about your professional growth. Pro tip: to make it easier on them and ensure it gets done – write the recommendation yourself, and include it in the email when asking your colleague for the rec. They will appreciate the head start.
Turn your availability to open
Make sure recruiters and hiring managers know that you are open to new job opportunities by enabling LinkedIn’s “open to opportunities” feature (this will only be visible to those with LinkedIn Premium). To enable the feature, follow these steps:
1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage
2. Click “Settings & Privacy”
3. Click on, or scroll down to “Job seeking preferences”
4. Scroll to “Let recruiters know you’re open to opportunities” and switch from no to yes
Build a community
Like recommendations, building a community on LinkedIn adds a personal touch to your profile that helps recruiters and hiring managers get to know you. For starters, join groups and follow company or individual pages that inspire and interest you. This gives you access to people, content, job postings, and networking that you would not otherwise have. Make sure you like and comment on relevant posts, which will help you build connections and draw attention to your profile.
Keep it classy
While you’re busy building your community on LinkedIn – remember to always keep it classy. Remember that your profile lists all your recent activity for your connections to see, including likes and comments. Keep all of your activity PG, and don’t comment on a professional article like you would your best friend’s Facebook post. Additionally, when engaging in conversation via chat with colleagues, hiring managers or recruiters, avoid using shortcuts and slang.
Now is also a good time to make sure your headshot is up to date. Hint: if it’s a blurry, cropped photo from your college years – it’s time to update, ASAP. Consider your LinkedIn profile as the employer’s first impression of you, and make sure you are giving off the right vibe like you would in a first in-person interview. If you don’t have the resources to hire a professional photographer, there are other options available to get a great headshot:
- Headshot Booker, a premier agency committed to uniting Corporations with headshot photographers around the globe, has launched a new initiative – 10,000 Headshots, which is dedicated to helping Americans get back to work by providing complimentary professional headshots for 10,000 unemployed workers nationwide. In the largest, single-day photo initiative, taking place July 22, 2020, you have the opportunity for a complimentary, professional headshot to include on your LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts. Click here to find book an appointment in your state and learn more about the initiative.
- Another route is your cellphone. Today’s technology is incredible – and finding a friend with an iPhone is a great option when you’re in a pinch. Dress up, find a professional looking backdrop (think blank wall or in a park) and put the new “Portrait Mode” feature to work!
Put yourself out there
Lastly, when used correctly – LinkedIn can be your best tool for job hunting. Consider upgrading to a paid premium account during your search, which usually includes a free trial to start. Consider this as an investment in yourself – as the Premium feature allows you to see how you compare to other candidates in the field, salary insights, and gives you the ability to message recruiters and hiring managers directly to get ahead. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you see an opportunity that intrigues you. After all, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!
Reach out to us here to see how we can help in your career.
authored by Josh Fisher, founder of District Partners LLC