Explore strategies to improve your discoverability on this employment-focused social platform, including crafting an impactful headline and enabling Linkedin Creator.
A well-crafted resume and cover letter are important for landing your dream job, but without an impressive LinkedIn profile, it can be challenging to catch recruiters' eyes. With 90% of recruiters searching for candidates on LinkedIn, it’s evident that a strong profile can greatly enhance your discoverability & chances. Unlike a resume that condenses your achievements, it offers the space to detail your skills, experience, and accomplishments more thoroughly.
If you’re wondering how to optimise your LinkedIn profile, here are some actionable tips to help you transform your profile and capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
How to optimise your LinkedIn profile
1. Select a professional profile picture
Your profile picture is often the first thing a recruiter sees, so make sure it's professional, high-quality, and friendly. Dress as you would for a job interview, and ensure your face is clearly visible. Equally important is your background image. Use it to showcase your personal brand or highlight your professional achievements, whether it's a custom graphic or a relevant image that represents your field.
2. Craft a compelling headline
Your headline is a snapshot of who you are and what you do. Instead of just listing your job title, consider what sets you apart. Think about your unique value proposition and incorporate relevant keywords. For instance, instead of "HR Business Partner," try "Strategic HR Business Partner | Expert in Talent Management & Succession Planning."
3. Have strong recommendations
Recommendations serve as powerful testimonials of your skills and character. Reach out to former managers, colleagues, and clients who can speak to your abilities and work ethic. Aim for recommendations that highlight specific achievements or projects you've excelled in. For example, if you're a HR Leader, a recommendation from a senior business leader who was one of your key internal stakeholders on your exceptional communication skills and ability to drive change can significantly enhance your credibility.
4. Highlight your skills and certifications
LinkedIn gives you the chance to add up to 50 skills on your profile, so make the most of this opportunity to flaunt your expertise. Include a mix of hard and soft skills that resonate with your industry. Don't forget to highlight any certifications or training courses you've completed to demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional growth. LinkedIn also offers skill assessments. Scoring in the top 30% awards you a skill badge, which you can display on your profile and in recruiter searches.
5. Customise your LinkedIn URL
Personalising your LinkedIn URL not only makes it easier to share but also enhances your professional brand. Edit your URL to include your name or a variation of it, making it memorable and professional. For instance, instead of a generic URL with a jumble of numbers and letters, your customised URL could be "linkedin.com/in/YourName." This small change can make a big difference when sharing your profile with potential employers or networking contacts.
6. Engage with the HR community
LinkedIn is a social network, so be social! Engage with your HR network by sharing relevant HR & Industry sector articles. One of the best ways to get a recruiter to notice your profile is commenting on posts from hiring managers of companies you have applied for, recruiters and HR thought leaders. This will showcase your knowledge and expertise and give you greater visibility. Additionally, congratulate connections on their work anniversaries or new job roles to maintain active engagement with your HR network.
7. Make new connections
Expand your network by connecting with professionals in your industry or related fields. Personalise your connection requests by mentioning how you found their profile or common interests you share. Take note to avoid generic connection messages, as they may come across as spammy. Did you recently attend the same HR conference or are you both members of the same alumni network? Reference these commonalities instead to establish genuine rapport.
8. Keep your profile up-to-date
Regularly update your profile with new experiences such as articles you have had published, key note speaking you have done new courses and key achievements from your current company to ensure it accurately reflects your current professional status. This strategy not only keeps your profile timely and aligned with your evolving career goals, but also ensures that it remains engaging and impactful. You can even set a reminder to revisit your profile every few months to ensure it's up-to-date with new accomplishments.
9. Incorporate relevant keywords
Do a bit of detective work and find out which key skills employers are looking for in HR professionals in your field. Then, strategically weave these keywords into your headline, summary, and experience sections. Don't be shy to mix it up with variations to cover a wider spectrum of search queries. For example, if you're a HR Leader, include keywords such as “EmployeeEngagement," "TalentManagement," and "DiversityAndInclusion" to increase your visibility in relevant searches.
10. Turn on the “Creator mode”
Leveraging LinkedIn Creator Mode effectively requires a commitment to regularly sharing high-quality, original content that highlights your HR expertise. Focus on providing HR insights, industry trends, personal experiences, and actionable advice that resonate with your target audience. This consistent engagement not only helps in building your personal brand, increases your visibility but also positions you as a thought leader in your field.
Put your newfound knowledge to the test
Now that you know how to optimise your LinkedIn profile, it’s time to take the next step. Browse through our latest job listings to discover opportunities aligned with your career goals. With our expertise in recruiting for both permanent and fixed-term contracts HR positions across various industries, you're in good hands. Require additional tips to ace your interviews and secure job offers? Don't forget to check out our career advice page.
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