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Using LinkedIn to Land the Job

January 4, 2017

Searching for a new job? You likely know about the importance of a traditional resume, but in today’s digital age, a LinkedIn profile is nearly as essential. With 6.5 million job postings on LinkedIn and more than 90% of recruiters using the site to look for job candidates, it’s a great place to be if you want to find the right position.

Here are 7 LinkedIn profile tips to help you land the job:

1. Include a professional headline. Your headline is the first thing recruiters see, so it’s important to make it stand out. If you are currently unemployed, start your headline with “Currently targeting opportunities in” and add the industry in which you’d like to work.

2. Add a summary and general information. Describe your current (or most recent) role in 2-3 lines. Include responsibilities, areas of expertise, interests and key projects or initiatives. You can also include relevant links and upload documents, photos, videos and presentations.

3. Upload a professional photo. Adding a photo makes it three times more likely that people will engage with you. Make sure the photo is professional with a simple background. You can also add a custom header image to show off your personality.

4. Select a personalized URL. Original LinkedIn profile URLs are quite long and hard to remember. Switch it to something shorter, such as your first and last name. Under your profile photo, you will see your URL. Hover over the link and click the Settings icon to make the update.

5. Include your previous work experience. Similar to a traditional resume, the Experience section of a LinkedIn profile should contain current and previous titles, as well as a description of roles and responsibilities in each position.

6. Add your education information. List your highest level of education first and work backward. If you don’t have a degree but have certifications or other training, list any courses that are related to the job you want.

7. Ask for endorsements and recommendations. LinkedIn allows your connections to vouch for you either by endorsing you for specific skills or by providing a longer recommendation. Similar to traditional references, those who recommend you can provide a nice third-party overview of your skills and abilities.

By adding some (or hopefully all) of the above, you can make your LinkedIn profile stand out among other job-seekers.

For more career resources, visit the Manpower Career & Job Search Resource Center.

 

Source: ManpowerGroup