A tremendous networking site with over 500 million active users, LinkedIn is a wonderful asset for any job hunter. But it can also be tough to set yourself apart from your competitors. Follow these tips to make your LinkedIn profile truly stand out.
Keep It Current
It’s important to show regular activity on your LinkedIn profile. Keep your industry and location up to date, even when you aren’t actively job hunting. Update your headline periodically, share industry-relevant articles from credible sources, and perhaps most importantly, keep building your contact network.
Be Professional Yet Personal
Be sure to customize your page with both a background photo and a headshot that show off your personality. Just be careful not to take it too far. Your LinkedIn profile is not the appropriate spot to upload pics of your pets, your relatives, or your Saturday night activities.
Use your summary to describe not just your professional accomplishments but also yourself. Discuss your hobbies, passions, and causes. It’s fine to use a few keywords, but your summary should naturally flow rather than appearing stuffed with industry jargon. Be sure to proofread, as typos or grammatical errors are huge red flags to potential employers.
Write a Few Articles
Writing skills are highly valued across a wide range of industries. If you have some natural talent, write up a few articles related to your field. You can either start a blog and link to it from your profile or publish it right to LinkedIn.
Find the Right Groups
Networking on LinkedIn can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re new. Fortunately, LinkedIn Groups can be a great starting point. Find the groups that make sense for you, and you’ll be well on your way to making new contacts.
Show Your Social Side
Though it’s primarily business-oriented, LinkedIn is still a social site. Be warm, inclusive, and enthusiastic to make others want to spend time with you. Every person you meet could turn out to be a valuable resource in your job search.
Ready for a new position?
If you’re in the market for a new job, contact Total Staffing Solutions. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to match you with your next position.