When you’re looking for a new job, LinkedIn can be a very valuable resource to use. This is true for any career path, but it’s particularly helpful in the business or corporate world. Millions of companies and individuals use this platform to network, post and apply for jobs, and make valuable connections.
However, some profiles are more effective than others. If there are gaps in your profile, it may cost you some promising opportunities. Thankfully, this problem is easy to fix.
Here are five quick tips you can use to enhance your LinkedIn profile when you’re searching for a new job in any industry:
Add a Profile Photo
Studies have shown that LinkedIn profiles with a picture get significantly more views than those without one. This is one of the worth mentioning tips to enhance your LinkedIn Profile. Profiles without a picture, at first glance, look incomplete. Also, your favorite personal selfie in casual wear in most cases won’t suffice. Many times you need to make a strong impression in that first glance in order to get someone to investigate your page further. Use a clear, professional photo to show that you’re a real person, you’re putting in the effort, and get recruiters and network contacts clicking onto your page.
Update your Headline
Just as the profile photo will pique interest in potential connections, the same is true for your headline. It’s important to keep it updated, compelling, and descriptive without being too lengthy. It’s hard to describe yourself professionally in such a short amount of space, but it’s worth the effort. Recruiters have to skim through tons of profiles, so a compelling and applicable headline will make them want to take the next step.
Create a Strong Career Summary
Getting people onto your page is just the first half of the battle. Once you get them there, you need to get them interested enough to read on and connect with you. The career summary is a great way to accomplish this goal. Many users think that they don’t need the career summary if they have their resume entered toward the bottom, but that’s not the case.
The career summary provides a 2,000-character opportunity to showcase your individual personality, and highlight your personal and professional goals and skills. These things may not come through as well in a bulleted accomplishment list at the bottom of the page.
Make as many connections as you can
This doesn’t mean that you should go on a connection spree and link yourself to every profile you come across. Just take some time to go through the contacts in your address book, think back to managers and teachers that stick out to you, and search for current and past co-workers. You need to have a minimum of 30 connections in order to make the most of LinkedIn. At that point, they’ll send you more personalized suggestions, jobs you may be qualified for, and other helpful hints.
Ask for help
There is a section on every LinkedIn profile for professional recommendations and endorsements. This confirmation from other people that you’ve worked with can help to set you apart from other networkers and applicants. Ask co-workers or supervisors, present or recent past, to help validate your skills by vouching for them on your page.
Read more “8 Tips to Ace an Online Job Interview“
