LinkedIn is more than just a social network for professionals. It is also a great way to look for new job opportunities and connect with recruiters eager to make a hire. But simply having a profile is not enough. If you want to use LinkedIn to further your career, you need to fill out your profile completely and strategically. Here are a few tips:
Fill Out Every Field
An incomplete field is a wasted opportunity in terms of being able to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements. Recruiters will be better able to match you to fantastic positions if you’ve provided plenty of details. On your profile page, there is a profile strength graphic that will tell you if your profile needs more information or if you’ve reached All-Star status.
Use Keywords throughout Your Profile
LinkedIn, like any other website with a search feature, uses keywords to connect results with queries. Make sure your profile makes organic use of keywords related to searches that recruiters might conduct. Whenever possible, use these keywords in your heading and summary, and try to work them into your skills and experience section as well. Don’t go overboard and force in keywords. The content still needs to be readable for anyone viewing your profile.
Add a Photograph
No LinkedIn profile is complete without a photograph, but be sure to choose your picture carefully. This is your online professional identity, and your photograph should reflect that. You should be dressed in professional attire and avoid casual settings or group shots. With the always-improving technology of smartphones, use proper lighting and modern technology to save the money of a professional photographer.
Change Your Public Profile Link
If the link to your profile is the website address followed by a long string of numbers and letters, it tells recruiters that you are a LinkedIn novice. Make sure that your public profile link is short, simple, and directly related to your proper name. Then include this link in your permanent email signature to drive traffic to your profile. That link is free advertising, even if only one person clicks it.
Solicit Endorsements
Endorsements are a great way to enhance your profile and get objective confirmation of your skills and positive qualities. Seek out past employers, friends, family, and coworkers to endorse you, but caution them not to go overboard. Having too many suspicious looking endorsements hurts your cause and can appear fake or contrived.
Join Groups Strategically
Once your profile looks great, start joining groups related to your profession/industry, companies located in your geographic region, and interests that are important to your career. Making these connections is a great way to get more profile views and to establish yourself as someone deeply engaged in your industry. Over time, you can leverage this reputation to help you get better jobs and more competitive compensation.
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is a powerful asset for your future career. Contact Resolute Technologies for more information regarding your future career opportunities.