How to Enhance your Linkedin Profile While Job Hunting

When’s the last time you updated your Linkedin Profile for a job search? If it’s recent, you might have some tips to share with us but if it’s been awhile, we hope that this article helps you! Job hunting can be tough so we have a few creative ideas to make your profile shine!

Linkedin is one of the top resources that companies and potential candidates use to find their next role. Did you know that Linkedin has 810 million members?

If you’re not impressed by the possibility of connecting with people professionally, then it’s important that we also share that 6 people are hired through Linkedin every minute!

If you’re still not completely sold still, check out our tips below and try them out.

In this blog, we cover a few different ways that you can enhance your Linkedin Profile while job hunting! Ready, set, shine!

Why Establishing your Presence on Linkedin is So Important

In the past, cover letters and responding to classified ads were easy ways to get hired. In this new job seeking world, many people may get hired without resumes and usually all the openings are posted online.

Linkedin is a one stop shop for people to find their dream job and we want to help you optimize your Linkedin profile so you can land your next job!

Linkedin is the world’s largest professional network and it’s one of the best ways to learn about new opportunities, vet companies, and build a strong network.

Did you know that there are 58 million companies on Linkedin? You might not even know about your dream company until you find it while searching for jobs!

With so many companies, you’d think that finding a job would be a piece of cake.

Unfortunately it’s not always that easy but we have a few ways that you can increase your chances of getting hired or found by recruiters.

Simple Tips and Tricks That Will Make your Linkedin Profile shine

• Build your network – when you’re connected with more users, you can use the power of the Linkedin Network to show up in more recruiter searches and you might connect with someone who is working at your dream company. We don’t suggest blindly requesting people but if you have attended the same school, have a common connection or interests, it may be worth connecting! Coffee chats are never a bad way to build a relationship.
• Start engaging with your network – now that you’re networking with other professionals, start commenting on people’s posts, engaging with posts you like, join groups, and feel free to make your own content. The more you engage with your network, the more likely that you’ll be found by recruiters and you’ll also be able to build strong relationships with your connections. A simple congrats can go a long way on a former colleague’s post!
• Follow companies that interest you – if you are set on joining a company, get yourself familiarized with it. Follow the company and stay apprised of what roles they are hiring for. Pro-Tip: Recruiters can search for candidates if they are following the company that they recruit for.

Bonus Tip: If you’re a Software Engineer, Grab a Copy of The Book – Cracking the Coding Interview.

• Revamp your photo – if you have a professional photo that is clear and has a nice background, you can skip this step. For most of us, I’m sure a photo revamp is needed. There’s no formal headshot that is necessary but using a nice plain background (white or something bright) with professional attire will enhance your profile. You’d be surprised at how many people use a photo taken in portrait mode on an iPhone!
• Ask for recommendations – if you do something very well in the workplace and you’ve been recognized for it, do not hesitate to ask for recommendations. Recruiters will often review recommendations and sometimes a strong recommendation from a colleague will demonstrate skills that aren’t on your profile.
• Fill out your profile – in this day and age, some companies will use a Linkedin PDF instead of a resume and you can even click the easy apply button on Linkedin in which your Linkedin profile is submitted. When filling out your profile, make sure dates are accurate, you list your achievements (not only responsibilities), and you call out the major impacts that you’ve had at companies.

• Set up a catchy headline – this is where most recruiters will see who you are or what you like to do. If you are in the recruiting business for example, you can list a headline such as – helping people find their dream jobs. This is fun and doesn’t need to be too long.
• Put together a compelling summary – the summary is like a career journey combined with the things that make you unique. Why did you end up in the field that you’re in? What makes you passionate about your job? What are some key skills that you possess? Where do you aspire to go in your career?
• Set your background – some people will choose to use a company background while other people may choose a background that shows what they are passionate about.
• Add relevant skills to your profile – recruiters will often search for candidates based on skills. You can allow connections to endorse you for certain skills and this will allow you to show up in more searches.
• Create a custom URL – this is a fun one! Your URL can be anything but most importantly it should be reflective of you and professional. Instead of a default URL, a custom URL will make your profile pop even more.
• Add Buzz words selectively – another way recruiters will find you is by entering buzz words into a search. We don’t suggest that you word vomit all over your Linkedin, but it is great to add any technologies that you’re using or skills you have. If you haven’t used a technology/tool – don’t add it! Strategic keywords are a must but shouldn’t be overdone.
• Try adding your contact info – if you are actively looking for new jobs, make it easy to contact you! Add any relevant websites, your phone number, or email.
• Think about where you want to go in your career – if you want to be a manager one day, highlight how you’ve shown your managerial skills. If you’d love to be a project manager one day, highlight project management skills that will help you achieve these goals.
• Use the Open to Work feature – Linkedin helps you show recruiters that you’re open to work. You can list positions you’re interested in, specify if you’re open to full time/contract, and list where you’re open to working. This is also a search feature that recruiters will use to find you.
• Search for help by the term #offeringhelp: this is a pro-tip that we truly love. There are many professionals out there who are open to doing a free resume review. You may even find someone who can help write your resume.

You’ve Optimized Your Linkedin Profile, Now What?

The next step to getting started in the job hunt is to start looking for companies that you’d like to work for. Did you know that on LinkedIn, applicants are 4X more likely to get hired through their network?

Check out your existing network – who do you know at companies, who do you know who is offering help? While we’ve given you a few tips, there are many more out there.

Feel free to share your experience with us below – did any of these tips help you? Do you have some tips that could help other users?

Additional Info:

Course for Job Searching hosted by Linkedin

Job Interview Preparation Tips