Almost 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but most job seekers are overlooking this valuable opportunity.
If you’re like many professionals, you created a profile and occasionally go back to add more connections. However, there is so much more you can do with this platform to advance your career.
Take charge of your future and attract more attention from potential employers. Try these tips for designing and using your LinkedIn profile and let us know in the comments what has helped you (and feel free to add your LinkedIn profile link to the mix)
Editing your LinkedIn Profile:
- Edit your headline. Start by writing a specific headline pointing to your passion and strengths. Tell employers what value you add and make them want to learn more. Keep your audience in mind and avoid technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them.
- Update your summary. Your summary is where you can add more details and highlight your achievements. Provide statistics to describe your impact. Add multimedia attachments like videos and work samples to help you stand out.
- Choose your photo. Pick an image that looks professional and clear. Focus on your face and use flattering natural light. Nobody wants to see you on a roller coaster or person 3 in a 7-person pic. Be authentic, show you.
- Add keywords. Help recruiters and automated search tools to find you. Browse through job descriptions and resumes for keywords that are popular in your field and include them in your profile, including the headline and summary where it fits. Particularly important here to find your balance of using keywords to help and “keyword stuffing” which you absolutely don’t want to do.
- Choose your URL. LinkedIn gives your profile a URL, but you can change it to something that you like better or might work more effectively for you. If your name is already taken, use a slight variation with your middle initial or hometown.
- Welcome recruiters. Is your profile visible to recruiters? Are you looking for a new career? Go into your privacy settings to be sure that you’ve opted to let them know that you want to hear from them. You’ll need to reset this switch every few months if you’re still looking.
- Be consistent. Your resume is usually written for a specific opening while your profile is a more general statement. Still, you want them to be similar enough to avoid causing any confusion.
- 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. Until you get to All-Star there is work to be done.
Maximizing your LinkedIn Profiles value:
- Gather recommendations and endorsements. People want to know what others say about you. Ask former employers and other contacts for recommendations. Use your endorsements to advertise skills that are in high demand. If you’re generous about helping others, they’ll be more likely to return the favor.
- Write and publish. Share your knowledge and insights on the LinkedIn publishing platform. Develop a content strategy and use a calendar that will remind you to publish regularly. From content curation of posts to full on articles. It’s important to provide variety to your followers.
- Join groups. Look for groups in your subject area and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions. Avoid any temptation to over-promote yourself. If you GENUINELY want to be a part of the group, jump in. If your goal is to “get in and promote myself” please don’t even bother. You will just hurt your standing more than anything.
- Monitor your connections. Stay on the lookout for valuable connections to add to your network. Send them personal invitations that will make a positive impression. Sales Navigator is an amazing tool from LinkedIn that can help supercharge your ability to find and connect with the people that matter most to you.
- Encourage others. Think of LinkedIn as a community where you can exchange ideas and support. Comment on posts from other users and share them with your own connections. After-all you want to be social while you are on social media.. right?
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile can make it easier for others to find you opening up new connections and relationships, opportunities, and new business opportunities you may not have had before.
Spend the time and do it right. It’s easy to mail it in and just figure “who cares” but in 2021 LinkedIn is a huge resource for anyone in business. Make sure you put your best foot forward, be positive, and push towards your dreams and goals.
Author Details
Ray Lichtman received his BS from Rensselaer Polytech in 1966 and his MBA from Columbia University in 1968.
After a career spanning 24 years with IBM as a Senior Marketing Representative for new business he formed OMAIUSA and has been the CEO for the last 25 years. Ray is focused on helping technology and consulting firms expand revenue and market share while optimizing staff performance.
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CEO OMAIUSA
Ray Lichtman received his BS from Rensselaer Polytech in 1966 and his MBA from Columbia University in 1968.
After a career spanning 24 years with IBM as a Senior Marketing Representative for new business he formed OMAIUSA and has been the CEO for the last 25 years. Ray is focused on helping technology and consulting firms expand revenue and market share while optimizing staff performance.
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