First things first. If you’re not using LinkedIn for your job search, you’re behind the times. 94% of recruiters use, or plan to use social media for recruiting. This number has increased steadily for the last 6 years. (Source: Jobvite)
- Optimize your exposure by customizing your headline to state your expertise.
- Don’t put “Seeking Employment” or “Looking for New Opportunity” in your headline. Recruiters often seek employed (passive) candidates and may pass you over.
- Note: it will make you stand out if you have a reflection of your personal brand and expertise, instead of a job title.
- Your summary is your showcase. Write a first person narrative about your brand and story, highlights and goals. People want to do business with people, not skills on a page, so human voice is best. It should not be just a copy/paste of your resume.
- Request recommendations, post pictures of your results, and provide statistics about your achievements to build credibility.
- Have a fully completed profile. Completed profiles are viewed more than incomplete profiles.
- Expand your network and increase your chances of being found by industry leaders and recruiters. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
- Join relevant groups.
- Follow leaders in your industry.
Kristin A. Sherry 