Job hunting? Let your LinkedIn profile do the talking for you

Your LinkedIn profile can help you out a lot during your job search. An optimized LinkedIn profile will help you attract the attention of recruiters, hiring managers, and potential employers. Just like any other job search tool, LinkedIn is also a helpful application for those who know how to use it. Here’s how you can launch a successful job search using your LinkedIn profile:

Use a professional profile picture

Don’t upload a picture of you from vacation with a Mai Tai in hand as your LinkedIn profile picture. Use a professional photograph. You must wear something appropriate for a professional setting. Use a plain background for your picture and maintain a pleasant facial expression. This article explains how you can take a good photograph for your LinkedIn.

Enrich the headline with keywords

Your LinkedIn profile must have a powerful headline that grabs the attention of viewers. Consider your headline the opening statement in an important article. What do you want potential employers to know about you first when they step onto your profile?

Give yourself a solid introduction

A well-written introduction about your skills, experience, and qualifications can compel viewers to take an in-depth look at your LinkedIn profile. Highlight how you add value to companies in your LinkedIn summary. If you are targeting a particular employer, let your summary show how you are a great cultural fit as well.

Build your network

If you don’t add people to your LinkedIn network, you are missing out on a lot of benefits for your job search. There is no use of a great LinkedIn profile if no one is there to see it all. Add your teachers, professors, coworkers, past colleagues, employers, and industry leaders to your LinkedIn network. Connect with influencers in your field of work for relevant content.

Be specific with the details

Your LinkedIn profile must align with your resume, cover letter, and other job search materials. If you mention a particular job on your resume that isn’t mentioned on your LinkedIn profile, you may run into trouble with recruiters. Be specific with the dates, job titles, and company names you add to your profile. Vague dates or details on your profile will be considered hiring red flags by recruiters.

List your certificates

Recruiters will search LinkedIn for qualified candidates using credentials. If you want to be visible to more hiring managers, you need to update all your qualifications on LinkedIn, starting with your certificates and licenses.

Give and receive recommendations

First, you must give out a few recommendations through your LinkedIn profile for your supervisors, colleagues, or peers. If you have completed a particularly complex project for a client, you can ask them to give you a recommendation on LinkedIn. Giving and receiving recommendations on LinkedIn must be a mutual favor.

Show your passion for your work

Even if you are searching for a new job, you should advocate for your employer on LinkedIn. Share articles and posts related to your company’s projects. Talk about how your employer takes work-life balance, diversity and inclusivity, and a positive work culture importantly. It will show potential employers that you are passionate about your job.