5 ways you're missing out on LinkedIn

This seems obvious, but many people forget that LinkedIn won’t automatically display your email address or phone number. (For what it's worth, the site did show your contact details prior to a recent update.)All LinkedIn users are prevented from seeing your contact information, unless they’re already a first-degree connection on your profile!To fix this problem, first check out what’s already in your contact information by viewing your Profile’s “Advice for people who want to contact you” subsection (under Additional Information).To change the information in this area, go to Settings (hover the mouse near your name at the top), then look for Email Preferences on the bottom left-hand side.Select “Types of messages you’re willing to receive” and you’ll see a box called “Advice to People Who are Contacting You.” Here, you can add not only basic information such as your email address and phone number, but entire paragraphs full of data on what you offer and the best way to get in touch with you.You might have joined some LinkedIn Groups to collaborate with like-minded professionals, or to enhance your professional reputation.However, belonging to less than 10 Groups often makes it harder for others to get in touch with you.Here’s why: Since recruiters often pay (more than you do) to use LinkedIn, they are on the hunt for ways to reach out to you for free.Recruiters often use the benefits of Premium memberships and InMails (LinkedIn internal email messages) send messages to candidates on LinkedIn. However, they're able to send you a note for free if you belong to a shared Group!So by hanging out in the same place as a hiring manager or recruiter, you’re making it much easier for them to send you an inquiry.To find more Groups likely to produce results, run a quick search on Groups using keywords, such as your job title, industry, or career level.Where does your job title or skill set appear on LinkedIn?If you had to pause to answer this question, it’s a good bet you didn’t specify these values in your Headline, Summary, Interests, or Contact information (and probably only added them under Experience).The more hits you get on terms used by recruiters to source candidates, the higher volume of traffic your Profile will receive – and the more likely you are to be contacted for an opportunity.So, take a look at these fields to see how to add more keywords. Your Headline is a great place to add job titles and industry specialties. You can also add job titles in the Interests section, and populate the “Advice to People Who are Contacting You” area of the Contact information with skills and career goals that demonstrate what you’re seeking.Your Summary section can also be used to engage readers with a first-person description of what you offer, followed by some job titles that fit your goal and skills to back it up.By taking these steps, you'll automatically increase your LinkedIn profile traffic, with the potential for more contacts from the site.View the list »
How to use LinkedIn for your job search

Jobs newsletter

Is your LinkedIn profile failing to generate attention from recruiters and employers?

Related topics

Advertisement

If so, you might find that you’re actually making it difficult for them to find you, projecting a less-than-friendly demeanor, or even preventing them from contacting you.

However, there's no reason to panic, even if you're in the midst of job searching. While LinkedIn makes it easy for you to join and fill in your basic information, it's actually quite common for many users to realize they haven't employed a strategy to capture the notice of desirable companies and recruiters.

Therefore, if you’re not getting the leverage out of LinkedIn that you want, it might be time to reassess (and correct) the obstacles that are hindering your accessibility and viability as a candidate.

Here are some reasons behind a low volume of job search success on LinkedIn – along with fast fixes that can generate more interest, bring more traffic, and generate results:

View the list
  • Where does your job title or skill set appear on LinkedIn?If you had to pause to answer this question, it’s a good bet you didn’t specify these values in your Headline, Summary, Interests, or Contact information (and probably only added them under Experience).The more hits you get on terms used by recruiters to source candidates, the higher volume of traffic your Profile will receive – and the more likely you are to be contacted for an opportunity.So, take a look at these fields to see how to add more keywords. Your Headline is a great place to add job titles and industry specialties. You can also add job titles in the Interests section, and populate the “Advice to People Who are Contacting You” area of the Contact information with skills and career goals that demonstrate what you’re seeking.Your Summary section can also be used to engage readers with a first-person description of what you offer, followed by some job titles that fit your goal and skills to back it up.By taking these steps, you'll automatically increase your LinkedIn profile traffic, with the potential for more contacts from the site.
  • You might have joined some LinkedIn Groups to collaborate with like-minded professionals, or to enhance your professional reputation.However, belonging to less than 10 Groups often makes it harder for others to get in touch with you.Here’s why: Since recruiters often pay (more than you do) to use LinkedIn, they are on the hunt for ways to reach out to you for free.Recruiters often use the benefits of Premium memberships and InMails (LinkedIn internal email messages) send messages to candidates on LinkedIn. However, they're able to send you a note for free if you belong to a shared Group!So by hanging out in the same place as a hiring manager or recruiter, you’re making it much easier for them to send you an inquiry.To find more Groups likely to produce results, run a quick search on Groups using keywords, such as your job title, industry, or career level.
  • This seems obvious, but many people forget that LinkedIn won’t automatically display your email address or phone number. (For what it's worth, the site did show your contact details prior to a recent update.)All LinkedIn users are prevented from seeing your contact information, unless they’re already a first-degree connection on your profile!To fix this problem, first check out what’s already in your contact information by viewing your Profile’s “Advice for people who want to contact you” subsection (under Additional Information).To change the information in this area, go to Settings (hover the mouse near your name at the top), then look for Email Preferences on the bottom left-hand side.Select “Types of messages you’re willing to receive” and you’ll see a box called “Advice to People Who are Contacting You.” Here, you can add not only basic information such as your email address and phone number, but entire paragraphs full of data on what you offer and the best way to get in touch with you.
  • While it’s true that a photo can seem like an awkward piece of information for a job search, it’s also a critical part of the engagement process on social media.When you leave the photo blank, others may feel uncomfortable approaching you, or become wary of your intent in using LinkedIn. (It's not Facebook or Match.com, of course.)Some recruiters have even stated that they’re reluctant to contact a job seeker with no picture on LinkedIn, which shows how much stock they put in it.Many employers will also refuse to reach out to a candidate with a photograph that looks unprofessional (especially those taken in a beach, bar, or other casual setting).To obtain a LinkedIn-worthy photo, you can either have a professional headshot done, or have a friend take a few shots of you in professional attire. Either way, you’ll want to get this crucial item up onto the Profile – showing that you’re ready to welcome inquiries.
  • It’s easy to believe that your LinkedIn network should be carefully cultivated, with a select few contacts that you can trust.However, this approach is more commonly associated with personal social networking sites, such as Facebook.If you believe in and adhere to this policy, your LinkedIn Profile will appear to be a half-hearted effort, and others may avoid reaching out to you. In fact, some recruiters are wary of users who appear to have less than 100 contacts.You’re best off evaluating potential Connections with a more open approach, accepting invitations from the majority of contacts unless there’s a serious reason not to do so.Opening your network will also give you the advantage of becoming a 2nd or 3rd degree connection to others interested in talking with you. 
View the list

, Resumes Examiner

Executive resume writer Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CIC, TCCS, CPBA, COPNS of An Expert Resume (www.anexpertresume.com) is a global award-winning resume writer and former recruiter whose work opens doors to top jobs through powerful personal branding.

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...