LinkedIn is a phenomenal networking site that can be incredibly valuable for your job hunt. But with more than 500 million active users, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to make your profile as attractive as possible to potential employers.
Stay Active
If you’re like many people, you probably don’t spend a lot of time on LinkedIn, especially when you aren’t job hunting. But you never know when the right job could find you, so it’s important to keep up with your profile. Most important? Make sure your location and industry are current. Also helpful? Keep building your network of contacts. You can also update your headline now and then, and occasionally share credible articles that are relevant to your industry.
Personalize, But Stay Professional
A background photo and a headshot are great ways to customize your profile page. It’s okay to show off your personality, but make sure you remain professional. Skip the pics of your family, your pets, and your Saturday night bar crawl.
Likewise, your summary is a great place to explain a bit about who you are as a person. Talk about your passion and your hobbies, as well as your professional accomplishments. Keep it clean and pay particular attention to your grammar and spelling. Add a few keywords, but be careful not to stuff your summary full of jargon.
Show Off Your Writing
People with writing ability are always in demand, across virtually all industries. If you have the ability to turn a phrase, write some articles and publish them directly in LinkedIn or start a WordPress blog and link it to your profile.
Find Your Tribe
Everyone knows that LinkedIn is a great networking site, but it can be tough to know where to begin. LinkedIn Groups may be your answer. Joining a few groups lets you connect with others in your industry, get tips for your job search, and build your network organically.
Be Sociable
At its heart, LinkedIn is a social site. Being sociable and enthusiastic will draw others toward you, and you never know when someone you meet will turn out to be a valuable resource.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
If you’re ready to take your career in a new direction, Custom Staffing can help. Take a look at our available positions, and then apply today.
