5 Ways To Make Your LinkedIn Profile “Work” For You

As recruiters, we check out A LOT of LinkedIn profiles, so we get to see what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t. The majority of profiles reveal the usual- a litany of past employment experience with a sprinkle of recommendations and endorsements. Yet there are a few that really grab our attention

…Here are some ways to make your LinkedIn presence work for you, so you can stand out topotential employers and recruiters:

• Create a catchy headline.          

Use a unique job title as your headline, using keywords that will help people find you. Take a look at the profiles of other people in your industry for ideas.   

• Dress (your profile) for the job you want- not the one you have.

Too often LinkedIn profiles are merely “dressed” as your past and current job experiences.  Here’s the problem—what if you’re on the hunt for a new job? Be sure to emphasize any transferable skills and aspects of your work history that will fit with your future career goals.  

• Showcase your interests and volunteering experiences.

Don’t leave this section blank. Sometimes they can be just as important as your work experience.  The key here is to show that you’re a well-rounded person who has interests and passions outside of the workplace.

• Join Groups and follow companies & Influencers that are relevant in your field.

Joining groups on LinkedIn allows you to extend your personal brand and also reach out to new people outside your network. Groups are useful for news postings,industry updates, discussion boards, networking, etc.

• Publish posts and share updates to get noticed.

You don’t have to be a professional writer to publish posts on LinkedIn.  With the LinkedIn publishing platform, you can follow other publishers and build your own followers in the process. 

The best LinkedIn profiles go far beyond a real-time resume. Make sure yours tells a good story and shows off your personality (a.k.a. “personal brand”). This will allow us recruiters to know exactly what employment opportunities would appeal to you, and will make it easier to find you!

*Looking to make a change in your career? Contact us today.