How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Job Searches

LinkedIn is the top professional networking platform for anyone who is in their job search process. Certain factors can prevent a job recruiter from finding your profile. So, I have gathered these helpful tips to help optimize your ability to be found online!

Find a Professional Profile Picture

Unlike your Facebook profile picture, your LinkedIn picture should contain a business professional representation of who you are. Dress for success- a headshot in professional clothing or whatever attire is acceptable for the industry. A smiling photo, with eye contact, shows that one is calm and confident in themselves. Do not hide behind sunglasses or dark colors. This profile is the opportunity for you to shed the best light on your professional self.

Effective SEO in Your Resume

Your LinkedIn profile should contain the same information as your resume, if not more. Discover keywords like marketing, communication, sales, etc. to help boost your profile’s searchability. Active words allow you to show off the many skills you have gained through past work experience. Consistency throughout your profile will create a clear picture of the type of job you are searching for.

Headlines Matter

The headline and summary allow you to create a short story of who you are and what you are looking for. The headline draws the job recruiter to your profile while the summary gives a bigger picture of who you are. According to LinkedIn Insights, only 8 out of 10 people won’t read past your headline. Which means your headline is as important as the first time you shake someone’s hand. With that in mind, it is important to come up with a unique phrase that will draw the job recruiter past the first level of your profile.

Connect

Lastly, LinkedIn is an incredible online networking platform. It was created to easily connect professionals with one another. So, my advice is to connect with anyone and everyone- past professors, friends from high school, or even bosses from old internships. The more connections you have the more likely your profile is seen as a legitimate connection!