If you are a regular reader of my career advice blog then you know that I am a professional recruiter by day and blogger and resume writer by night (and weekends). I have written extensively about using social media and specifically Linkedin to help you find a new job. I am happy to say that I started a new job this week and I found it…or I should say…it found me via Linkedin.
Here is how I leveraged Linkedin to find my next job and hopefully these tips will help you in your job search.
Keyword Rich- It is very important to include your keyword(s) multiple times in your profile. This is extremely important and will move you up in the Linkedin search results. In my profile the word “recruiter” or “recruiting” appears over 13 times. This is how I appeared on the first page for the search result “recruiter” in my geography. You will not be contacted by recruiters if they can not find your profile.
When you are found, make sure your profile is complete.
It is essential to have a complete profile. This should include a headline, career summary, specialties, work experience, and education. Linkedin will let you know where you are in regards to being 100% complete an then provide suggestions on what you can do to complete your profile.
Here are a couple of other minor things to keep in mind and I do believe that they really helped me once the recruiter found my profile.
Attach resume – I have noticed that very few people actually have their resumes attached to their profile. Your profile is a good starting point for a recruiter to get an understanding of your background but it is important to have your resume attached to your profile to provide a deeper insight into you experience and accomplishments.
Include your email – Again, I have noticed that very few people provide a way for a recruiter to connect with them. In my case, I was contacted through an inmail and email but there are some recruiters out there who will not send inmails and will want to connect via email.
Include a picture -
This adds a personal touch to your profile and helps establish a connection. Remember this is Linkedin and not Facebook so a professional picture is required. You do not have to wear a suit (like my picture) but it wouldn’t hurt.
There you have it – 5 tips that I am passing along that worked for me and will hopefully work for you.
I would love to here about other success stories. Leave me a comment if you found a job through Linkedin or if you have any other tips to add.
Thanks Dan! I just love being able to help people. It seems that people need help more now than ever. We all have our own unique talents and abilities that we can contribute to making this world (and economy) a better place. If everyone gives a little, the impact can be enormous!
Hi Donna – great comment and great advice about posting responses and creating your own post. The more you put in the more you will get out. I am a big fan of the “pay it forward” movement. Please let me know if I can assist you in your search.
You are welcome Jeri. Good luck in your search!
Dan….Thx for sharing the tip about the resume on box.net — who knew??? Not me! I’m currently working….but the boss has privately told me my position will soon be eliminated….I’ve been working on my LInkedIn and happened upon your blog! Lucky for me!
Box.net loaded….resume uploaded…..and the job-hunt continues! Thx again!
Your words ring true Dan! I have really built my network since the more people you can have seeing your profile and resume, the better. Another good thing to do is to post responses and create your own post. I am noticing that I get more connections that way! I haven’t found a job yet but I know that I will have one soon! Another great thing to do is to use linkedin to “pay it forward”. Maybe you have a connection that is perfect for a job that another connection has listed. If so, connect those two people. I have almost 140 connections and have a good feel for what each of them needs. If I am able to help out, I do! This is not for my own benefit but in this economy both employers and employees can use the help and I am glad to do my part! Thanks for the post!
Marina- I do not think this would be wird at all. That is the nice part about Linkedin, it is not like your employer coming across your resume on Monster or Careerbuilder. If you are stilll not comfortable you can always provide the contents of your resume in your Linkedin profile.
I am currently employed and looking for a new job. Do you think it would be weird for me to post my current resume? I don’t want my employers to think that I am actively looking. Thanks!
Thanks Sara!
Right you are Benjamin. Good luck with your interviews!
Very interesting suggestions – I will definitely add these to my profile. Good luck on the new job!
Hi Dan,
This is exactly what I did, even before finding this great article, and it worked wonderfully. You must complete your profile to a 100% in order to achieve maximum exposure and networking contacts.
Another great feature that does wonders is joining groups, that will keep you abreast of job opportunities and things going on in your career field.
After I completed my profile, all kind of recruiters and headhunters started contacting me and telling me about job openings they were working on.
Next thing you know I’m on my way to 3 different interviews in less than a month, came out with 2 great offers, and landed a really nice job in a great company.
It does work!!!
Jeanne,
Thank you! In regards to the third position, perhaps you could list the same company but a different title that you held at the company.
To attach a resume you will need add the “box.net” application. This will allow you to attach documents to your profile. You can find the application under the “More” tab on the navigation menu on Linkedin. Hope that helps.
Hello, Dan,
Thank you for your writeup about using linkedin for your successful career search.
I am 85% complete. I have an issue – apparently I can only be 100% complete if I add another position to my profile. I don’t have a third at this time. I spent 19 years in one career and spent the last five in another. Together they cover alot of expertise and knowledge. I don’t have a third. Any ideas or suggestions? Also, I don’t see how to attach my resume. I’m thinking I need to upgrade from the basic linkedin service. Can you please confirm or tell me if I’m missing something.
Thanks again for your help…and congratulations on your new position!
Warmly,
Jeanne
Thank you Dan for those tips.
Everybit helps. Good luck with the new job.
Larry Waithe, Jr,
Computer Operations/Desktop Support
Thanks for these very simple but extremely useful tips Daniel. I’ll be looking to use LinkedIn to help secure my next job and will keep you informed!
All the best
Daniel, great article proving a strong Linked in profile with key words can create interest from recruiters and hiring managers. One tip-start your own group with a great topic or service which many members can relate-I just started one on “Creating Outstanding Customer Service Values” in which I have received many positive comments and the growth in 3 days amazing.
Bob Snyder
Hello Dan,
Good insights, and thanks for sharing. However, I failed to find out how does one attach a CV to Linkedin profile. There have been instances where people found me on Linkedin and wanted a copy of the CV. Their public emails were unavailable and InMail of Linkedin is out of bounds for me. In such a situation, it would have been better if they could access my CV from within my public profile. This, alas, was not to happen.
Could you please give me a hint as to how to attach my CV to Linkedin profile? Many thanks in advance.
Warm regards
– Nirmalya
Thanks, will take on board your tips and improve my profile now…..Let you know how i get on.