To chase your dream job, you’ll need more than a great resume and cover letter. The modern economy demands a digital presence to push your professional development forward. LinkedIn offers a key pillar of this strategy. But have you done enough to make your profile stand out?
It’s a competitive marketplace. The smallest separation between you and another candidate can make a difference in a hiring decision. As such, you need to take every step possible to distinguish yourself.
Start with your LinkedIn profile. In many cases, this represents a potential employer’s first impression of you. One study found that more than three-quarters of recruiters (77%) use LinkedIn as part of their process.
With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to make your profile stand out and some strategies you can use to get the most out of LinkedIn:
How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out
Start by building and maintaining a winning profile. Here are some steps you can take to separate your page from the competition:
Update Frequently
Keep your LinkedIn profile as current as possible. Experts suggest that you update your profile at least once a week. This way, you can add experience and skills as you go, making sure you’re ready for any opportunity that comes along.
Go Beyond Your Profile
There are other tools on LinkedIn beyond your simple profile. Take advantage of all the functions available on the site. Use the platform to share articles and other content, making you more visible and strengthening your connections. At the same time, engage with content shared by others.
Expand Your Web of Connections
Look for ways to get more out of your LinkedIn profile. By developing a diverse web of connections, you raise the chances of finding people who can help your career. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Transfer real-life connections onto LinkedIn
- Reach out to former coworkers
- Connect with family and friends
- Look to develop your personal brand
- Make your LinkedIn profile a hub of connections by including the link to your emails and other communications
Upgrade Your Ability to Network on LinkedIn
Don’t just build a profile and wait for employers to find you. Instead, take full advantage of the networking potential inherent in LinkedIn. Actively work to expand your web of professional connections. At the same time, seek out opportunities and connect with potential employers.
As you pursue this strategy, develop a good sense of how to make the most of LinkedIn. Use the platform’s tools aggressively but also keep a strong sense of etiquette. You don’t want to push too hard and undermine your ability to land your dream job.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Spam Employers/Potential Connections
- Stay Active
- Respond Promptly to Each Message You Receive
- Personalize Your Communications
- Stay Upbeat and Professional
- Respect Boundaries
Make LinkedIn Part of a Grand Strategy
LinkedIn should serve as a tool in a larger career-development strategy. As such, you should integrate your use of the platform into your overall social media strategy. This, in turn, should play into a broad approach to finding jobs that include multiple techniques.
To get the most out of LinkedIn, connect it with other strategies, like:
- Traditional Networking
- Other Social Media Platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Job-Posting Websites
- Targeting Specific Employers
Looking to Further Your Career Growth?
Ready to find the perfect opportunity? Start by maximizing your LinkedIn profile. From there, you can accelerate your career development by partnering with a top recruiter, like Elby Professional Services.
Contact Elby today to get your skills and background noticed by the best employers.
