LinkedIn is a handy social networking tool for employees and employers alike. Most people who are part of the business world – and many people who aren’t – have a profile on LinkedIn. Even if you’re happy in your current position, a LinkedIn presence can boost your personal brand and ensure that you don’t miss even better career opportunities in the future.
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a social network that focuses on professional networking and career development. You can use LinkedIn to display your resume, search for jobs, and enhance your professional reputation by posting updates and interacting with other people. LinkedIn offers a free version of its site and four paid membership options.
What are the benefits of having a LinkedIn profile?
LinkedIn can help you build a virtual network of contacts without leaving your desk. While it’s easy to misplace a business card, LinkedIn contacts will always be there. This could prove valuable if you are looking for work. Having a LinkedIn account means you can use the site to research companies, interviewers, recruiters and hiring managers. This background is helpful before submitting applications and can give you an edge during job interviews. LinkedIn also offers interest-based and professional groups which can be a great place to connect with like-minded people, share your thoughts and engage in discussions. You can join up to 50 groups and if you can’t find a group that suits you, you can start one.
How can I boost my LinkedIn profile?
Expand your headline
The tag under your name is your chance to shine, so don’t waste this first impression.
Use professional photos
Having a professional LinkedIn photo helps to influence employers’ perceptions of you. Photos help build your personal brand and may even help jog the memory of an employer who has met you before.
Highlight your accomplishments
Avoid using industry-specific acronyms as they run the risk of confusing the reader and make them more likely to move on to the next profile. Avoid generic buzzwords such as “team player” or “enthusiastic”. They don’t differentiate you. Remember the classic advice to “show, not tell” by highlighting your accomplishments and specific responsibilities in each role you have performed.
Ask for and add recommendations
Social media credibility is built on user recommendations, so having a third party recommend you is becoming an important currency. Despite the recommendations section falling at the end of your profile, many recruitment professionals do read them.
It’s the equivalent of an initial reference check on your skills before they even contact you, which is very useful for them.
Keep your contact details up to date
Having a current email address and mobile phone number makes it easier for employers should they choose to approach you. It’s also worth adding other contact options such as Instant Messenger or even a personal website, provided it is work-related.
How recruiters and employers use LinkedIn to find potential employees
By posting a job directly on LinkedIn, employers can attract the right candidates, as the site will present qualified job seekers with your posting. You can post your name and your own profile to the listing. LinkedIn combines job listings, candidate search, trusted referrals, and the power of networks to give employers results. Your job post can be promoted in prominent placements such as emails, across LinkedIn, and mobile push notifications, making it easier for an employer’s matches to find suitable jobs and apply for them.
Get back in the workforce with Recruitment 24/7
Given that many organisations are likely to be ramping up their hunt for new talent post-Covid lockdowns, now is a great time to get your LinkedIn presence fit for purpose.
Wherever you are in your job search, remember you are not alone. Many people are in the same boat and professional advice is never far away. Recruitment 24/7 share their expert tips and are here to help you get you back in the workforce. Recruitment 24/7 is committed to providing specialised and high-quality recruitment agency services. Give Recruitment 24/7 a call on (07) 3281 2489 or submit your resume here. Check out our available positions here.
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