If you’ve been looking for a new job, I am sure you have skimmed LinkedIn. Why wouldn’t you, with over 20,000 companies in the U.S, use LinkedIn for recruiting.
Not sure what recruiters are looking for? No worries, we are here to help! A well-designed LinkedIn profile can get a recruiter’s attention and increase your chances of getting hired faster.
Why have a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is all about networking. It helps make more meaningful connections and is a great way to introduce yourself to new career contacts.
Your profile should NOT look like your resume. They should complement each other. You have a chance to include all of the details of your past work history, and since it’s a social platform, it’s less formal than your resume. Use it to show off your personality and interests.
What recruiters want to see on LinkedIn
A picture can say a thousand words, but your headshot only needs to say one thing: employable.
Your headshot is the first thing recruiters notice. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer to have a strong photo, but it could be an option to consider if you have the means.
You can take your professional headshot just as easily. Find a plain background and good lighting. Be sure to bring your smile and crop the image so your face is centered and doesn’t get cut off when you upload your profile.
Your headline is the next thing you should focus on. It is the following item recruiters are looking for. You could be missing out on a potential job by leaving this section blank and allowing it to default with your current position title and company.
Use keywords in your headline. Doing this will allow your profile to come up when recruiters are searching for people in your field.
You could include your job title and the company you work for if it’s a well-known organization. However, choosing to use a combination of keywords targeted towards your industry is the best way to stand out in the crowd.
Tell your story. Your about section is your chance to show recruiters your career life. Ask yourself a few questions like, Where did you start? What motivated you? Where do you want to be next? What are you most proud of achieving in your career? This is where you can expand on your brand from your perspective.
Take full advantage of the endorsements and recommendations. These two functions give recruiters insight into your greatest strengths and how you work with others. A well-written recommendation should highlight how amazing you are at what you do and your soft skills.
Engage with LinkedIn. Recruiters love seeing how active you are with the sire and not just letting your profile sit for months at a time. When active on LinkedIn, recruiters are more likely to believe your profile is up to date and care about professional networking.
You don’t need to be logged in every day if you are not a social media person. Try to check in twice a week. Consistency is key. Easy ways to engage, make a post, interact with one of your connection’s posts, and repeat a few days later.
Now you know what recruiters want to see on LinkedIn profiles yours can impress recruiters and get you to your dream career faster. If you want a professional consultation on your profile, fill out the form on the right!
