Books have been composed about LinkedIn and its role with employment today. While many people praise the social media outlet for allowing professionals to network and connect, it isn’t the job resource many candidates would like to believe it is. In fact, relying on LinkedIn can stall your job search. Ask yourself how many people you actually know who found a job on LinkedIn. Don’t get us wrong, the website is a great tool to network and to brand yourself- but it doesn’t deliver the numbers when it comes to finding work.
Employers, however, do look at your LinkedIn profile. The website can be the item that reflects a term or a skill that pushes you over the edge when an employer is considering your resume versus another candidate. If you’re going to use the website, and you should, below are some tips on creating a great LinkedIn profile. Just remember to not only rely on LinkedIn for a job. Use as many resources (online, in-person, friend referrals,etc.) as you possible can. And we here at Building Team Solutions offer 24/7 applications. Yes, you can apply for a job with one of our represented companies 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!
Tips for using LinkedIn:
1. Post a professional photo and not a logo or a full body shot. A head-shot works best and try to keep your clothing within neutral tones.
2. Your headline is your best advocate. Make sure your headline is original, compelling and tells an employer how you can solve a problem or increase profit.
3. Don’t over write. Many people tend to write detailed descriptions of their employment backgrounds. Don’t bore a potential employer. Save the details for the interview and be concise but engaging.
4. Don’t just join a group, be active. If you want to impress potential employers or connect with the right people then join a group and calendar yourself to engage this group twice a week. This is important to show your knowledge within your industry and to make connections.
Using LinkedIn can put you in touch with amazing people. There are opportunities to learn something new using the social media website daily. If you put the time in, you will get something out of LinkedIn. Maybe it will be a job, but chances are it will be an opportunity to grow and connect.