As previously highlighted in our blog post about hiring trends in 2021 (which, if you haven’t read it already, you need to!), much of recruitment is being done online to minimise the risk of contracting coronavirus. Within this, candidates are being interviewed virtually over Zoom calls which reduces time and money spent conducting face-to-face interviews. With such a focus on virtual recruitment, having a LinkedIn profile that stands out against other candidates is paramount. Here are our tips on making your LinkedIn attract attention from recruiters…
- Choose a (professional) profile picture
While this may seem obvious, uploading a suitable photograph to your profile is key to attracting recruiters. As this would be the first thing that hiring managers see, it needs to be professional and clear – while you may not be able to make a first impression face-to-face, you still can over the internet.
- Create a unique personal headline that accompanies your name
Use this to promote a specific area of expertise, the field/sector of work that you are seeking employment in, or just a small space to let your personality shine through. Be creative and unique with it!
- Make your profile public
Being visible is hard when you’re invisible so ensure your profiles settings are on public. This will allow you to appear in searches and thus be seen by recruiters.
- Write an interesting personal summary
Use this to tell your story. You have 2,000 words to play with so you can expand on what you have included in your headline. Make sure to avoid delving too much on your past experience but focus on your strengths and what can you bring to a prospective employer. While you do have a higher word count, don’t ramble on – keep it succinct. As you can include all the information that is in your CV in different sections in your profile, you don’t need to summarise it here. Highlight why your skills matter in your desired field of work, and how they make an impact on the people your work with. Think of it as marketing yourself to employers – so make it great!
- Grow your network to 500+ connections, to appear as a LinkedIn pro
This is key for getting noticed because of LinkedIn’s first, second, and third-degree system. The more connections you have, the more visible you are to more people. In doing this, you can then work on asking people you have worked with for recommendations which will show employers that others have approved your work and can attest to it. On LinkedIn you don’t have to know everyone you connect with either. You can connect with someone purely because you find them and their content interesting or beneficial. Unlike other social networks. Aim for 500+ connections. As this will appear on your public profile.
- Add your relevant skills
Focus on the skills that set you apart from the rest and avoid including the usual Microsoft Office, Google Docs etc. Within your skills section, it is important include keywords that add to your searchability. In addition, you can have your connections endorse your skills to evidence what you’re good at.
- Take a LinkedIn skills assessment
A skills assessment is an online test on LinkedIn that allows you to demonstrate the level of your skills and, when passed, you can display a Verified Skills badge on your profile. This strengthens your profile and further endorses your skills and abilities and highlights your proficiency to recruiters. There are many assessments ranging from Microsoft Word and Excel to more job-specific skills like Adobe Photoshop and Google Analytics.
- Customise your profile URL link
As your LinkedIn URL is the web address for your profile, it is key that your name is linked to it, rather than have nonsensical numbers in it. Making it neater will therefore make it more memorable.
- Post about anything that you feel passionate about, and engage with others’ content
The LinkedIn algorithm relies on your engagement so commenting, liking, and sharing posts is paramount to be seen by recruiters and employers. As well as giving you prominence within your feed, you can use this as a way of meeting new people are sharing ideas and content. Posting personal content with a professional slant really performs well on LinkedIn.
- Use keywords, especially in your job title/bio
Don’t overfill your profile with keywords but use ones relevant to your audience/target job roles that will be included in searches to help boost your visibility.
As you can see, there are many small and simple ways to enhance your LinkedIn and be attractive to employers/recruiters. So, what are you waiting for?