So, you’ve created a stellar, detailed (but concise) resume, and you are ready to start applying for new jobs. You have this nagging feeling that you might be overlooking something. Hmmm, what are you forgetting?
Don’t Forget Your LinkedIn Profile!
Take it from your favorite recruiting team (that’s us), your second most important tool for your job search, after your resume, is your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has evolved over the years into a social media platform that can accelerate your career. Use this platform to build connections, find a job, and STAND OUT. Here are some of the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile.
Profile Picture
Be Professional
- Ideally a professional headshot
- No selfies, party pics, avatars
- If you don’t have a headshot, have someone take a picture of you with a plain background.
- People want to put a face to a name.
- No profile picture is a red flag.
Headline
Personality and Passion
- This is your tag line. Your “elevator pitch”.
- Include your current job title and company.
- Show some personality- interesting characteristics or interests.
- What are you passionate about?
- Why are you in the position or industry?
Experience
Details
- This section should be similar, if not mirror, your resume
- Make sure employment dates match what you have on your resume.
- Include details, just as you would on your resume.
- Quantifiable achievements
Is My Recruiter Stalking Me?
The most important take-away here is that we are looking! Recruiters and hiring managers alike are stalking your LinkedIn profile. In fact, that is probably the first thing a hiring manager does after they receive a candidate’s resume. They are looking at your picture to try and put a face to the name, checking that your experience and employment dates match your resume, and trying to gain insight about your personality and passions. Hiring managers are looking for hints that you might fit into the company’s culture before they schedule an interview.
Let’s take a little trip back to Kelli’s Corner and see what she has to say about it.
LinkedIn Is An Integral Part of Your Job Search
You should take your time when creating your LinkedIn profile and update it often. For example, include any changes to your job whether it be with the same company or a new company all together; promotions, added responsibilities, new achievements, etc. Don’t create it and just forget about it. This is a tool you need to use for your career. Let it work for you!
There are a couple other details of your LinkedIn profile that are worth mentioning. First, you should ensure your profile is set to “open to work” if you want to be contacted about new jobs. It is also important to include your location, so your profile will come up in local searches. Including what industry you are in helps too, as some companies have industry specific requirements in their job descriptions. Basically, the more information, the better. Take your time and make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Just like you did when you created your resume.
LinkedIn is also a great way to get to know a company you are considering a job with. You will not only get a feel for what the company does, but you will also get a glimpse into the culture and people that make up the team you could potentially be a part of. Stalk them just like they are stalking you. Check NextPath out on LinkedIn to get an idea of what we are talking about and take a look at our open jobs while you’re there!
