Job hunting can turn out to be a long and challenging task. If you want recruiters to find you, you need to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward at all times.
Here are 5 ways in which you can optimize your LinkedIn profile so that you can be found easily on the World Wide Web:
1. Know How Keywords Work
Recruiters search for profiles based on keywords. So are your keywords highlighted in your profile? For example, if a recruiter is searching for ‘Business Development Manager with 4 years of software sales experience’, what are the chances of you being found? The keywords ‘Business Development Manager’ and ‘software sales’ have to be included in the headline right below your name, summary section, job titles and descriptions, education and skills. The idea is to use keywords selectively (and intelligently) and not scatter them all over your profile.
2. Your Headline Matters
Your headline right below your name should tell your recruiter who you are. First impressions matter; so make sure that you use the keywords to introduce yourself.
3. Wow Recruiters With Your Summary
Summary is the most important part of your LinkedIn profile; so, spend some time to write it well. The idea should to tell about your qualifications and experience in a clear and succinct way. Highlight your relevant skills through keywords relevant to your industry. For e.g., for an Account Manager, relevant keywords may include stakeholder management, forecasting, contract negotiations, relationship management, client facing, and solution selling. So, you can use these and other skills according to your experience and showcase them in your summary. This will not only help you come to the notice of recruiters, it will also help you in getting a higher rank for your LinkedIn profile.
4. Validate Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile will be taken more seriously by recruiters when they see solid recommendations. Get recommendations from people who have worked with you in the past in some capacity. Your claims need to be backed up and recommendations can help you do just that.
5. Engage With Recruiters on LinkedIn Groups
Join industry specific groups on LinkedIn. Many recruiters hang out on these forums. Read relevant articles and follow some of the recruiters on these forums. You should make thoughtful comments on the content posted by these recruiters and if your comments are relevant enough, a recruiter should take notice of you after you have commented a few times on their articles. You can then reach out to such a recruiter and send direct messages to them. Make sure that you resist the temptation to directly cold message them without any prior background. This can backfire on you.
These are 5 ways in which you can make sure that recruiters find you on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a valuable tool in a job search. Make sure you make the most of it.
