Using LinkedIN is definitely easier than you think!
Imagine you’re a hiring manager using professional networking sites to recruit for a company and you see two types of profiles. The first profile is completely empty. There’s no headshot, no reviews, only a brief work history and the about section is only a few sentences long. The second profile is filled with certifications, a professional headshot, positive reviews from previous employers and has a stunning banner with contact information.
Guess what profile will stick out more?
Exactly.
Using LinkedIN for job searching is becoming a MUST for jobseekers. Sure there are other sites out there but when we talk about professional networking in social media, there’s really only 1 major player. Many employers use LinkedIN to check out candidates. Even if you don’t apply through LinkedIn, there’s often a small text box in the application form that’s labeled “LinkedIN” profile! Filling out your profile is important because you have the chance to show a recruiter who you are beyond a resume. So create profile that resonates with your industry and matches with your personal brand.
As professional recruiters, we’re determined to use every tool in the LinkedIN box to help YOU create a high performing profile!
There’s no silver bullet to getting hired but there’s certainly tried-and-true ROUTES to success!
Let’s start.
Here’s part 2 of our LinkedIN Guide for Beginners
Update your LinkedIn Banner
Don’t leave your banner blank! You only have 1584 by 396 pixels to tell the world what you’re about. If you don’t have a designer’s streak in ya, don’t let that discourage you. Canva has plenty of free templates that are perfect for your brand and style. Leave contact information like email or a phone number, highlight skills and a call-to-action like “Contact me for x,y,z” so people immediately know what to do when they land on your profile!
Ask for recommendations
Professional reviews are a form of social currency. Imagine visiting someone’s profile and you see 5 star after 5 star reviews about that person. You might start thinking that this person must be good at what they do to deserve those accolades….right? So if a manager or a higher up leaves you a good review, then that can just slightly tip the odds in your favor about being hired. That review from a boss tells folks that you’re trustworthy, dependable and capable. Ask your colleagues (not your mom or bff!) or former bosses if they can leave a review about your work and performance.
If you scroll all the way down on your profile, you should see a recommendation box and a small link that says “Ask for a recommendation.” Click on the link and a small popup box that states “Who do you want to ask?” should appear. Type in the name of someone who you worked with and ask for a recommendation!
Make the system work for you!
Personalize your URL
A vanity url ain’t such a bad thing! What’s easier to remember “www.linkedin.com/2343fasdfasd” or “www.linkedin.com/Routenetworking”? If you’re like 99% of people then the second url is easier to remember. Why is this important? Because personalizing your url make it easier for people to find you. Plus it looks quite professional!
In Conclusion…
Remember that this advice can be applied elsewhere. Other sites like Glassdoor.com and Angel.co also feature some similar aspects of profile building but no one quite does the professional social networking gig like LinkedIN.
Make sure you read part 1 of our LinkedIn Guide for Beginners and explore our blog!
Ps. Don’t forget to check out our open listings that we update every week!
