Build Your LinkedIn Profile for a Job Search

As a job seeker, one of the most useful job search tools at your disposal is your LinkedIn profile. You need to ensure that your profile is optimized and presents you in the best light possible. Showcase your skills. Highlight key accomplishments throughout your experience. Make your profile attractive to prospective employers. 

START WITH A STRONG HEADLINE

Your headline is the first thing people see when they view your profile. On LinkedIn Recruiter, this is also what shows to employers in a list of candidates. It should grab their attention and give them a brief overview of your experience and expertise. Instead of listing your current job title, highlight your unique selling point. For example, instead of “Accounting Manager at XYZ Company,” you could use “Results-driven Accounting Manager with expertise in ASC-606 and Driving Month-End Close.”

ADD A PROFESSIONAL PROFILE PHOTO

Ensure your photo is professional, and not a casual snapshot. Dress appropriately, smile, and use a high-quality image. While the pandemic has led us to blend work and home life, have this picture only includes you.

WRITE A COMPELLING SUMMARY 

Make the profile reader feel the need to reach out to you without going any further. Write in the first person and should give readers a sense of who you are and what you bring to the table. Use bullet points to highlight your achievements, and make sure that your summary is easy to read.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR EXPERIENCE

Your experience section is the heart of your profile. List in reverse chronological order and ensure your dates align with those on your resume. Make sure that you highlight your achievements and quantify them wherever possible. For example, instead of simply stating that you increased sales, provide specific numbers such as “increased sales by 25% through targeted marketing campaigns.”

SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS

LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 skills to your profile. Spend time here – this will match you to job opportunities and will also match you to the open positions on the Recruiter side. Make sure that you choose skills that are relevant to your industry and showcase your expertise. Don’t be afraid to include both hard and soft skills. 

REQUEST RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations from your colleagues, managers, and clients can add a lot of credibility to your profile. LinkedIn allows you to request recommendations from your connections. When requesting a recommendation, be specific about what you would like the person to focus on. For example, if you are applying for an accounting position, you could ask for a recommendation that highlights your technical knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to meet all deadlines.

REGARDING THE ‘OPEN FOR WORK’ TAG

This is one of the most controversial topics especially when you are employed and looking for a change. Unemployed? Make that big green circle around your profile public. Employed, choose the more incognito option that allows you to specify how you want to be viewed. This will also allow prospective employers on the LinkedIn Recruiter side to know you are open to hearing about opportunities.

Additionally, LinkedIn is also a great platform to connect with industry professionals and stay up-to-date with trends. Engaging with others also shows your passion for an industry, function, and other areas that matter to you.

JOIN RELEVANT GROUPS

Join groups related to your industry or job function to connect with like-minded professionals and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. Participate in group discussions and share your expertise to increase your visibility and credibility.

ENGAGE WITH CONTENT

Engaging with content will expand your visibility within your network. Liking, commenting, and sharing industry news, insights, and thought leadership demonstrates your knowledge and expertise.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: KEEP YOUR PROFILE UP-TO-DATE!

As you gain new skills, experiences, and accomplishments, add them to your profile. Don’t be afraid to edit your profile regularly to ensure that it best represents you! 

Your LinkedIn profile is an important tool in your job search. Make sure that you take the time to create a strong profile that showcases your unique selling points and sets you apart from the competition.