Nowadays maintaining a LinkedIn profile has become mandatory for job seekers. Time and technology have shown their magic on the job market too. Even recruiters are also now changing the hiring process with changing times. Now people have job portals designed to apply for their desired jobs in desired cities. But if you’re wondering where does LinkedIn come in all of this, Patience, When you apply for a job the recruiters are looking at your LinkedIn profile to understand about you. In simple words, you could say your LinkedIn profile is a mirror image of you.
If you’re a potential jobseeker or a person looking to change your jobs, then make sure that your LinkedIn reflects you’re personality and provides a better understanding of you to the recruiters. If your profile is not enticing, they may not even consider you for the job. Your LinkedIn profile acts as your resume, with detailed information about your educational details and previous work details.
LinkedIn is the game-changer and has become a place where a recruiter and job seeker can communicate. If you’re new to the LinkedIn world and are wondering how to create a compelling LinkedIn profile, then worry not you’re at the right place at right time. Stick till the end to know.
Create a Profile
The first step into the LinkedIn world is creating a profile. Create your LinkedIn profile with all your personal information such as your name, D.O.B, educational qualifications, Certifications. Your LinkedIn profile can give an idea about you and your previous work. So, make sure your profile is complete. At the top of your profile, you have 120 characters to describe your job. Most just write their official job title. But you can write a headline that explains your job role using compelling and descriptive keywords. Since LinkedIn is a search engine using right keywords can attract the right people. You can add images, infographics or videos to make your summary as unique and as interesting as possible. Don’t forget to add all your experience in your profile. If possible, mention your job role incomplete details.
Account type
LinkedIn has 5 types of account subscriptions. They are Basic, Job Seeker, Business Plan, Sales Navigator, Recruiter Lite. Each account type has its benefits and if you don’t know on which subscription you’re on then go to account settings and find out. If you’re new to LinkedIn then you can take up basic and upgrade your account based on your requirements. You have some common features in your basic account. But if you want some additional features such as InMail Messages, Who’s viewed your profile, premium search filters then you must upgrade your account and enjoy these features which can make recruiting or job searching way easier.
Add a Photo
In LinkedIn, your image carries a lot of importance. Why, if your wondering? In a resume, you add a photo of yours, so that the recruiter can identify you, same goes to your profile. Make sure you add a professional photo. Remember LinkedIn is not a website for fun, it is strictly for business so don’t add pictures of yourself on a vacation, with your family or with your dog. Always remember to use your professional photo. You should stay professional on LinkedIn, you can have fun on other social media sites. Use your headshot, it would be great if you get your photo done by a professional photographer. Uploading your photo will help you in connecting with people you already know. Make sure your image is not blurry and are in 200X200 pixels.
Skills & Recommendations
It’s time to update your skillset. Include at least 5 of your skills. The more skills in your profile, the better position you’re in. In your profile, you can add up to 50 skills. Stats show that profiles with skills listed receive more visits. Your skills can help you in connecting with recruiters or job seekers and increase your chances in succeeding.
If you’re a job seeker then you must know that recommendations will add up credibility for your profile in the job market. You can receive those recommendations from your previous employers, mentors, mentees. If you’re a freelancer then you can include recommendations from your collaborators and happy clients. These recommendations with stay testimony for your talent for your recruiters. And don’t forget to thank your recommenders, who have taken time out to help you.
Build a Network
Building Network will help you in knowing about new job openings or simply you can help each other, learn and grow together. Connect with people from similar profession. You can help each other in learning new concepts together. You can even connect with people who share similar interests as you. There are more than 1.3 million groups on LinkedIn, join them and interact with people. Join discussions, lend your expertise and learn things you’re not familiar with. Improve your value and build relationships with people.
SEO
In your posts or profile include keywords relating to your industry. Make your content keyword reach and target only industry-related keywords. Don’t forget to include them in your summary too. Visit potential employers profiles and pick the most common keywords around the industry or your job role. Optimising your profile will help you in appearing first on search results and that is the perfect way to fall into eyes of recruiters.
Post Consistently
Post consistently and keep it related to your industry. You can share interesting articles, compelling infographics or fun stats and information about innovations. The best way to improve connections is to update regularly. But make sure your posts are optimised with keywords. Be consistent, make it a habit to post content frequently and interact with your connections on followers.
Fully Completed
Lastly, don’t forget to complete your profile. Include all the required information. Add at least 5 skills, add complete information about your experience and add your last two roles or jobs with complete information about your current role. Add your education and keep your profile up to date. Have a minimum 50 connections, add a profile photo of your self, your location and industry. As LinkedIn is a networking tool and search engine, a complete profile may attract recruiters or people in it. Once your profile is all set you can build connections and interact with your old colleagues or people within your industry.
Conclusion
In the recent past, LinkedIn has gained more popularity within recruiters and job seekers. Simply it is a platform created for recruiters and job seekers to interact. With it, the job search has relatively become easy. LinkedIn has made acquiring talent easy for companies. You can connect with likeminded people who share similar interests as you. You can interact with people and collaborate with the finest talents. Interact with recruiters and companies, if you follow them you can know when there are openings and be an early applicant. If you upgrade to premium account then you can unveil more features that will make job search easy and less painful. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account yet, its high time you create it and increase your chances to get hired.
