Candidate Advice: Preparing Your LinkedIn Profile for The Job Hunt

While there are so many social media platforms now available, no channel is more useful during the job-hunting process than LinkedIn. As a professional social media site, setting up and managing a LinkedIn account can play a key role in helping you secure that ultimate career goal.  

This is because many recruitment agents and employers will look at LinkedIn accounts in order to gauge a candidate’s eligibility and suitability for a role. So, if you are looking to make a big career move, take the below LinkedIn account tips on board.  

Image  

While you may have read that a professionally-taken black and white headshot is the only way to go with your LinkedIn profile image, we would disagree. In our opinion, a LinkedIn users’ profile image should reflect them and the industry they work in/want to work in. For instance, if you are applying for a job in the creative industries, having a bit of fun with the graphics surrounding your headshot is absolutely fine.  

Biography 

Your LinkedIn biography needs to be concise yet captivating, drawing attention to your top professional qualities and career aspirations. Below are a few things to include:  

• Your current employment status  

• An overview of your best skills and professional qualities  

• Ultimate career aspiration 

• A call-to-action i.e. ‘contact me to discuss career opportunities’  

While this may have a similar feel to your CV description, there is no harm in making it a little more direct and friendly.  

Job History  

If you are using your LinkedIn profile to find a vacancy, it is vital that you include all relevant job history. This is because in many ways your LinkedIn profile will act as a sort of CV, with recruiters wanting to understand what you are capable of and what roles you have recently occupied. Including the job title, dates of employment and a breakdown of duties and responsibilities will give readers a rounded view of your experience.  

Connections  

Now that you have your profile looking and reading well, it is time to build out your list of connections. It is important to be strategic about this. Instead of just adding your friends and people you know, think outside the box and connect with recruiters and decision-makers in companies you would like to be a part of. This will ensure the right people are seeing your content!  

Looking for a new job?  

Are you on the search for a new job? Maybe the pandemic has resulted in you being made redundant? Whatever your situation, we can help you attain your career goals. Register with us today via the below link:  

https://vacancies.rhinorecruitment.com/register.aspx