It can be easy to ignore your LinkedIn profile when you have a job. You might log in every now and then to add a few people you met at the last networking event you attended. You might even look at connection requests and actually accept a few, but everything else? Meh, you’ll get around to it the next time you really need it.
We definitely do not recommend this approach! You never know when someone from your dream company might search for you…it could happen! This unimaginable occurrence is why you should review your LinkedIn profile regularly and give it an overhaul once a quarter – minimum!
For this reason, we’re providing a few tips to trick out your LinkedIn profile and to give your profile some serious shine to help you get noticed by the recruiter from your dream company. Read on:
Put in some time
The more you complete your profile, the better the odds that a potential employer or recruiter will find you. Completing your profile is probably one of the most important parts. Make sure you fill out the skills section, where you’ve worked and what people think about you. Don’t be lazy – fill it ALL out!
Get a LinkedIn custom URL
Instead of having an automatically assigned URL that reads, LinkedIn.com/123456789, you want one that reads LinkedIn.com/JoeSmith (or some sort of simple variation of your first and last name, if you have a common name). So, how do you get a custom URL?
- Click on edit profile
- Look toward the bottom of the gray window that shows your basic information
- Look for Public Profile URL
- Click edit next to the URL
- Specify what you would like your address to be
- Click Set Custom URL when you’re finished
Add a photo
Always choose a clear (not out of focus), friendly, professional image and add it to your profile. A profile photo goes a long way to convey who you are.
Write a rocking headline
Don’t just put your job title and company in your headline, especially if you’re looking for a job. Use this valuable space to succinctly showcase what sets you apart from the competition, and be specific!
Take advantage of target job descriptions
Take a look at the job descriptions of positions you’re looking for and then dump them into a word cloud tool like Wordle. Do you see words jumping out at you? More than likely, those words are what recruiters are searching for in an employee. Sprinkle these words and phrases throughout your summary and experience.
Use the summary space wisely
Your summary space should be no more than 4-5 sentences (with a list of skills if you can’t quite fill out that much space). This section should walk the reader through your work passions, key skills, qualifications that make you unique, and a list of industries you’ve worked in.
Remove any buzzwords
Words like, responsible, creative, effective, analytical, strategic, patient, expert, organizational, driven, and innovative are the most overused buzzwords on LinkedIn. We know you can do better than that!
Highlight your achievements
High performers are top of the list when recruiters spend hours scouring LinkedIn, so serve yourself well by adding them to your summary and experience sections.
Add your work experiences
Showcase your work experience by adding company websites, projects you’ve worked on, articles you’ve written, or anything else that will provide them with a look at your work. Add photos, videos and slideshow presentations to your summary. All you need to do is scroll down to your summary, click on the box symbol and then click on “add file.”
Make sure people can find you
Add your email address, blog, Facebook profile, Twitter handle or anything else that allows recruiters to find you. Don’t forget to join and participate in groups and connect with leaders in your industry.
A great LinkedIn profile is not only robust, active, and thorough, but searchable as well. When recruiters search keywords for new talent, are you getting noticed? With Executive Drafts’ LinkedIn optimization service, you’ll start getting noticed by recruiters and watch the employers come directly to you! Contact us today to get started.