LinkedIn may not be the largest social media network channel. But if you’re applying for a senior-level or executive position, this is definitely one social media network worth using.
Why?
LinkedIn is one of the few social media networks used by business people to grow their network and find new opportunities. Of its over 500 million users, 80% of its users point to the professional connections they’ve built here as integral to their career success.
What makes LinkedIn unique from the others is the way how you present your profile. The layout is meant to showcase and highlight your work experience and skills to attract recruiters, employers, and even potential business partners.
That said, there are things you need to take note of when creating your LinkedIn profile. Here are four of them.
1: Use a professional looking photo.
As simple as this may sound, a professional looking photo on your LinkedIn profile can do wonders in attracting recruiters and employers.
LinkedIn profiles that have a professional headshot photo get 14 times more views and 36 more messages than those that don’t.
You don’t need a professional to take your photo for your LinkedIn profile. You can do it on your own. Here are some tips:
- Wear a collared top for your photo. Coats and blazers are not necessary, but they do help.
- Make sure that your face is visible in the photo. Remember, recruiters, and potential employers want to look at you.
- Choose a background that has minimal distractions.
- Make sure that the room is well-lit to avoid shadows forming on your face.
- Don’t forget to smile. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a profile picture looking like a mugshot.
2: Get endorsements from your connections.
Getting endorsements from your connections is one of the best ways to advertise your skills to recruiters and employers. One study shows that 83% of people trust recommendations from family and friends.
Since the number of LinkedIn users is comparatively smaller than other social networks, it’s possible that someone within the network of a recruiter or employer is also in yours. When they see that person recommending you for specific skills, they’ll pay attention, especially if these are skills they’re looking for in a potential candidate.
There are two ways to increase the number of your endorsements. The first is to endorse other people for their skill sets. Often, they’ll return the favour and do the same for you as well.
Second is to ask for endorsements nicely. You’ll be surprised on how many will say “yes” if you ask them.
3: Highlight your achievements.
Another way to boost the quality of your LinkedIn profile is to include examples of your achievements at work.
Your LinkedIn profile includes sections where you can mention awards and citations you’ve received at work, publications, and certifications you’ve earned. You can even include samples of your completed projects you’ve done in the past.
The best part about adding your achievements to your LinkedIn profile is that the more you include, the more views and messages you get.
4: Let them know you’re available.
Did you know that there’s a way to let recruiters know that you’re actively looking for a job?
If you scroll down a bit on your LinkedIn profile, you’ll find the Career Interest option.
When you turn this on, it tells LinkedIn to include your profile whenever recruiters search for potential candidates. You can specify here as well what types of jobs you are interested in. That way, you receive invitations from the right people.
5: Hire a LinkedIn profile writer
Hiring a professional to write your LinkedIn profile is definitely worth the investment.
A professional LinkedIn profile creator will be able to craft the details in your LinkedIn profile so that they highlight your skills and expertise. At the same time, he or she can inject keywords commonly used by recruiters and potential employers in the details of your profile. This helps not only increase your chances of being found on LinkedIn but also when recruiters and employers search on Google.
If you need help to create a quality LinkedIn profile, get in touch with us. We will be more than happy to help you out.
