You’ve probably heard of LinkedIn and how great it is for job seekers. According to LinkedIn, however, users are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities if they have a complete profile. So, what’s stopping you?
LinkedIn is a great business social networking tool. And because it is used by job headhunters or recruiters and hiring managers, it is very important to be found as a job seeker.
So here are some quick tips for composing your job seeker profile on LinkedIn. And if you have any questions/comments please post them at the end of this blog entry.
1. Your “Profile Header” is your micro summary. Use the name you are known by. Add credentials or designations. Let people know you are looking for your next great position by including “Job Seeker.
2. Status Profile. Make sure you update this often and add value to your network. Don’t just say why you are/were so great at your job. Link to interesting articles in your field, post helpful tips, links to your blog, etc. Just make them relevant and will make you look like an expert.
3. Your picture is very important. Since LinkedIn is a professional business network, leave your fun pictures that show more of your quirky personality in Facebook or other social networks. Use a professional (looking) head shot. Don’t use one with your cute dog or cat, a full body picture, etc. Show recruiters and hiring managers you are a serious candidate.
4. Use your name instead of the number that LinkedIn assigns you. At the public profile URL section, click on edit, type in your name and then click “set address”.
5. Right under the Your current URL you’ll see Public Profile. Make sure you check off what you want to make public. As a job seeker or business owner, it’s a good idea to make your profile public which will be listed in Yahoo and Google but it’s a personal preference depending on your comfort level.
6. The next sections should be filled out when you are feeling great about yourself. Write enthusiastically and positive. Use your voice as if you are interviewing.
7. Your “Summary” includes two parts. Your “Professional Experiences and Goals” and your “Specialties”. You can put part of your resume in the Professional Experiences and Goals and write about what you can accomplish with your new company – what can you do for your next employer. It’s your longer elevator speech.
8. “Specialties” are the keywords relevant to your target job and industry. You don’t need to capitalize them. Just list them and use commas between.
8. Your “Experience” is your resume albeit perhaps a bit shorter. You may not have as much space as you have on your resume. So use it wisely. Choose strategic words. Add job titles, positions, companies, successes, etc.
9. Get Recommendations. If you can’t pin people down to send positive recommendations, offer to write for them and suggest they put it in their own words. Remember, unless they are on LinkedIn, they cannot post the recommendation.
10. Think sales, marketing and problem solving. And remember, you are the product and the solution!
So, go to www.linkedin.com to start setting up your profile. And please post questions and helpful comments here versus emailing me. I am glad to answer questions and will be automatically notified when you post! And I’m an open networker, I accept all invitations, so send one to me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/joguerra.
