Putting LinkedIn To Work For You
For some LinkedIn can seem like one of the less influential social media platforms out there. The fact is, it is fast becoming the “go to” for prospective employers, and in some cases, replacing the need for a formal resume. Many employers are looking to LinkedIn to help narrow their search for the perfect candidate.
How can you put LinkedIn to work for you and get your profile in front of the right employer? Below are a few tips on what to include in your LinkedIn profile.
1. Profile Photo and Personal Link – Your profile should have a good photo that presents your professional self to prospective employers. The photo should be clear and not overly casual. Secondly, be sure to create a personalized link for your LinkedIn profile. This will make it easier for employers to find you and can be added to hard copy resumes.1
2. Creative Headline – It is not enough to just have your name and your current job title. Your headline should give an employer a quick sense of what you’re doing professionally. The headline is the only other piece of information aside from your name and current position that will show up when an employer is searching for candidates. Making it stand out from others with a similar position will help put you at the head of the list.2
3. Creative Summary – What is your goal? How do you view your job or career? The answers to these help employers understand how you can benefit them. The goal of the summary is to help build your personal brand and make you stand out. So be creative!
4. Work History – Your work history should mirror that which you put on a typical resume. Be sure to include dates and responsibilities for each position. If you can include links to Company Pages within your experience this will go a long way to helping interested employers research previous employment. It is also good to include any volunteer experience you have.    
5. Education – As with work history, education should also be listed as you would on a standard resume. Including dates of completion and degrees or certifications earned. 
6. Featured Skills – Here is your chance to call out skills that you have and encourage your connections to endorse these skills. This is another area where you can build your experience and personal brand making your profile more attractive to employers. 
7. Endorsements – LinkedIn now offers the ability to list current skills and get endorsements from previous employers and coworkers. These endorsements help employers easily see those skills that you have excelled at and helps in determining if your current skills match the position they are seeking to fill.
Although these are not all inclusive, having these basic items filled in completely can go a long way to making your LinkedIn profile more robust and interesting to those searching through a plethora of “qualified” candidates. With so many to choose from, it is those profiles that have put effort into their descriptions and have the most useful information that will get put at the top of the list. The key is to stand out and creating a strong LinkedIn profile is a great way to rise above the crowd.
1. 9 Simple Tips to Make a Better LinkedIn Profile – TheBalance.com
2. 6 Things Recruiters Look For in Your LinkedIn Profile – Time.com
 
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