LinkedIn is a potent tool when you’re looking for new job opportunities. The issue is that many candidates only view LinkedIn as an active resource. Essentially, they focus on the platform when they’re actively seeking positions, otherwise remaining relatively stagnant on LinkedIn.
Ultimately, there is a better way to use LinkedIn. By making specific edits, you can increase the likelihood that your profile gets noticed by recruiters, both when you’re actively participating in a job search and when you’re remaining passively open to opportunities. If you want to ensure your LinkedIn profile isn’t just professional but attention-grabbing, here are some changes you may want to make.
Complete Your LinkedIn Summary
Also known as the About section, your LinkedIn summary is a chance to showcase who you are as a professional beyond what’s featured in your work history. In some ways, it acts as a makeshift cover letter. You can discuss your most noteworthy achievements – using various keywords that align with your field – and mention your professional goals.
Often, your LinkedIn summary is a chance to showcase the best of what you offer, including your personality, motivations, and experience. Plus, it lets you expand on details that aren’t otherwise discussable in your profile due to character limits elsewhere, which is helpful.
Use a Professional Photo
While photos don’t usually have a place on traditional resumes, having one on LinkedIn is essential. Profiles with photographs get more views than those that don’t. However, you want to ensure the picture is suitably professional, allowing it to make the best possible impression.
In most cases, you want to go with a classic headshot. Keep the background neutral and wear attire similar to or one step above what you’d usually wear to work. Ensure the resolution is high enough to keep the image clear and the lighting flattering, too.
List Your Location
Many recruiters use location information as part of their search criteria when looking for candidates. Since that’s the case, not including your metro area or city means your profile isn’t showing up on the results page when recruiters are targeting a specific region.
When you choose a location, you do have the option to be a bit strategic. For example, if you live in a town that’s functionally a suburb and don’t mind commuting into the city, listing that city instead of your town is worth considering. The odds that recruiters are relying on larger cities for their searches are relatively high, so that could help you show up in more results lists.
Add Your School, But Not Your Graduation Year
Having education data on your LinkedIn profile works to your advantage. First, it can help you connect with other alumni, which may lead to job opportunities. Second, if a particular education level or degree is a requirement for a job, recruiters viewing your profile know you meet that criterion.
However, don’t include your graduation year on your LinkedIn profile. In many cases, recruiters can use that year to estimate your age. As a result, it’s better not to provide that information, reducing your odds of facing age discrimination.
Connect With Our Team Today!
Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you get noticed by recruiters on LinkedIn. If you’d like to connect with a recruiter right away, TekCom wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
