LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networks, and the perfect channel for your job search. With over 1 billion users worldwide as of 2024, you want YOUR profile to stand out! Here are a few easy ways to make sure you have the best chance of grabbing the attention of recruiters and professionals in your industry:
This may seem self-explanatory, but first-and-foremost it is important that you include the most up-to-date experience and skills on your profile.
- Update your Profile
Consider also including current contact details or linking a professional website (if relevant) so that you can be easily contacted. This may be helpful when a recruiter cannot InMail you!
2. Use a Professional Profile Photo
Make sure your LinkedIn image represents you as you would present yourself for an interview. In this day and age, LinkedIn is often the first point of contact with your future employer…and first impressions matter. So use a high-quality headshot where you are dressed appropriately, look professional and only you are in the photo.
3. Include a Background
Consider using a background image or graphic banner that is relevant to your industry. This might be more appropriate for some, but make use of this opportunity to show-off your expertise and passions. An attention-grabbing background can help you stand out on LinkedIn, as it might make your profile easier to remember later.
4. Make your Headline Stand Out
Amongst the thousands of profiles that come up on a search in LinkedIn, you want to be the profile recruiters look into further, so SELL yourself.
Think about key skills and experience you hold – maybe you’ve worked in the industry for 15 years, maybe you worked with CEOs and directors, maybe you speak Clingon! Tell the world!
Who do you think a recruiter is going to contact, an “Administrator” or a “Finance Administrative Professional with 15+ years’ experience supporting CEOs and Directors”?
5. Write a Summary
It’s always a little awkward writing paragraphs about how great you are, but a summary will get your LinkedIn profile noticed.
So, introduce yourself and tell recruiters what they want to know about you. Maybe ask yourself, “why should a recruiter hire me, what do I have to offer”? Consider including your key accomplishments, your career goals, your workplace values, what makes you a VALUED employee. And of course, always be honest.
6. Add Relevant Skills
Recruiters narrow down their search using skills to pinpoint the employees they want to hire and your profile should be one of them. So, if you have relevant experience in Search Engine Optimisation or Search Engine Marketing, include it on your profile!
Importantly, make sure you focus only on industry and role specific skills. Experience with Microsoft Word is not necessarily going to attract recruiters who are searching for a sales role. You want to make your profile easy to find, but not generic.
7. Add Recommendations
Try reaching out to former colleagues, employers or relevant superiors. This might be difficult, but it offers a niche perspective on your work ethic, competencies and experience that is alternative to your own. That way, recruiters won’t have to take your word for it, they see that you were a “hard-working research assistant with great attention to detail on a key psychology project at UNSW”.
Having recommendations on your profile also hints at your initiative and interpersonal skills in reaching out to these people.
8. Make More Connections!
While this one may not be considered profile editing, it is important (and easy) to keep making connections. Your connections can recommend job openings, introduce your profile to recruiters and boost your profile visibility!
As you have a limit of 30,000 connections – which is still a lot, it is important to consider the relevance of connections you make. Though, ultimately, networking boosts your chances of recruiters finding your profile!
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Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.