Are you in the middle of a job hunt? There are many different approaches you can take when searching for a new opportunity, including updating your resume, reaching out to a recruiter, and applying to job boards. One of the most effective things you can do is ensuring your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized to position yourself for success throughout the entire process. LinkedIn is a tool that both the employed and unemployed should update regularly – not just to find a new job opportunity but to grow your professional network. Here are 3 quick changes you can make in 30 minutes or less.
Update your Headshot
First impressions still matter, even in a digital space. Having an up-to-date professional headshot is a simple way to receive more engagement on your page and start off on the right foot with hiring managers searching your profile.
Include a Genuine Career Summary
Your LinkedIn profile is one of the first places recruiters and hiring managers are going to look during the interview process. It’s important to have a well-written and concise summary of your career trajectory at the top of your page, as well as your professional goals and objectives. Essentially, it’s a place to “sell” yourself with a mini elevator pitch to hiring managers everywhere.
Ask for Recommendations & Endorsements
Hearing others recommend you or praise your past work can speak volumes to future managers. It’s one thing to read about someone’s experience, but to hear it from other sources will push your resume to the top of the interview stack. Ideally, you want recommendations that speak to a specific project or achievement, instead of a general remark.
These are just 3 simple things you can do to improve your profile, if you’d like to take it a step further, read more here, or follow these additional tips:
• Keep your experience up to date
• Let recruiters know you’re available and open to new opportunities
• Research companies you’re interested in and follow their page
• Build up your 1st degree network with industry-related connections
• Leverage your network and ask for introductions
• Search for alumni associated with your college or university
• Get involved in LinkedIn professional groups related to your industry
Your LinkedIn profile is an extremely effective tool to use, both while job hunting or simply networking. If you’re looking for additional resources in your job hunt reach out to your Per Se Recruiter at info@persegroup.com