HOW TO GET DISCOVERED BY RECRUITERS ON LINKEDIN
LinkedIn is the main digital hub for recruiters, and it’s often the first place they look when they’re searching for new talent.
As a job seeker, it’s important not to underestimate how much LinkedIn could help you find your dream job. But first, you need to understand how to use it properly so you can be discovered.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to stand out on LinkedIn:
1. Make sure your profile is complete
Before doing anything else, you should check your LinkedIn profile to make sure there are no gaps, as this can make your profile less visible and put people off if they do find it.
Your profile shouldn’t be just the bare minimum – everything needs to be filled out. To stand out and become more searchable across the LinkedIn network, you will need:
- A professional photo. Ideally, you should use a clear headshot of just you. You should try to look as approachable as possible, as this can help bring more opportunities your way.
- An attention-grabbing summary that shows recruiters who you are and what you do.
- A comprehensive list of your skills and any relevant experience. The list should be appealing to your target group and can be tailored depending on your dream job.
- Your up-to-date contact information, including your email address, phone, number, website, or professional social media accounts.
- Your current location. This is essential, as recruiters often search by location.
2. Optimize your profile using keywords
Optimizing your profile can boost your visibility and help your LinkedIn page show up in more searches. This means that more recruiters will find your profile,
One way to optimize your profile is by adding keywords, particularly in the headline, job title, or summary sections, but also in other sections like skills and endorsements.
Keywords can be industry-related or experience-based, and ideally a combination of the two. By tweaking your profile and adding more specific terminology, you can maximize your searchability and reach more potential employers.
3. Let recruiters know you’re available
Making sure your profile is visible is crucial. But you also need to make it clear you’re available for work. With so much competition, it’s best if recruiters can see this immediately.
To do this, you can use LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork feature, which lets recruiters and other people in your network know you’re keen to hear about new job opportunities. It also increases the chances of your profile showing up in recruiters’ search results.
You can change your settings on #OpenToWork to suit your needs. For example, if you want extra privacy, you can prevent LinkedIn Recruiter users who work at your current company and related companies from viewing this information.
4. Link to your website or social media
If you’re in a really competitive industry, having your own website or work-only social media accounts can give you the edge. It’s a great way to show off your skills and accomplishments.
A website should provide key information for recruiters, including:
- Your skills and experience
- Current contact information
- A portfolio if this is relevant
- Testimonials and reviews
If you don’t have a website but think it would be helpful in your job search, you can create a simple one using Wix or WordPress, which both have free options and easy-to-use templates.
It’s also a good idea to set up a separate social media account for work. Twitter is a popular option, as it allows you to follow individuals and companies within your industry.
Not only is this useful for networking purposes, but it also shows recruiters that you like to stay updated on the latest industry news and updates and that you take your work seriously.
5. Customize Your URL
One of the biggest benefits of using LinkedIn for a job search is that all of your information is clearly displayed in one place and your profile can be shared with others easily.
This makes it a much easier way to show recruiters what you can offer. However, if you’re looking for ways to appeal to potential employers, customizing your URL can give you the edge. You can change it to reflect yourself or your business which is much more professional.
6. Make Sure You’re Using LinkedIn Regularly
Lastly, if you want to get noticed by recruiters on LinkedIn, you need to use the platform regularly. Rather than just setting up a profile and logging off, you can use it to network and interact with others, which can help you stay updated and engage with the right people.
You should aim to log in every day and join in with conversations, follow people who inspire you, post articles, and join industry-related groups. All of these things can help you get noticed!
