LinkedIn continues to be the database of choice for recruiters looking for qualified talent. LinkedIn’s search capability is huge and that is why you need to be SEO savvy when crafting your profile. Now that LinkedIn has made changes to the profile section there are three things you need to know to improve your chances of being found on LinkedIn.
1. Craft a compelling ‘keyword rich’ headline. Your headline is your mini advertisement so make it stand out with keywords that describe the value you bring. For instance, an outside sales person might say something like, ‘Outside sales guru who is all about making big deals in health care'. You have 120 characters at your disposal in this prime piece of LinkedIn real estate. Make sure you use them wisely.
2. Stay active with your updates. When recruiters land on your page they want to find out if you ‘walk your talk’. Post regularly in your activity window by sharing articles of interest related to your brand. Comment on topics related to your field that you feel strongly about. Your opinions are like mini bill boards, demonstrating your knowledge and expertise. Recruiters look for such content.
3. Put some pizzazz in your summary. The point is, you want your summary to be interesting, not just a regurgitation of your resume or a boring list of skills and key words. If you have expertise in a particular area, give your reader some specific examples. Tell accomplishment stories that demonstrate how you operate at work. Tell a story of how you got to where you are today. Add positive comments about what others have said about you. Tip: Look at your recommendations for content!
Remember, your LinkedIn profile is not a static document. It has all the search capabilities of a website and the added advantage that it is easy to update. Keep it current by adding new projects, work accomplishments or any other pertinent information. And be sure to include those searchable key words. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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