How To Get Noticed By Employers On LinkedIn

Are you using LinkedIn correctly?

LinkedIn has revolutionized the recruiting world and made it easier for employers to reach out to job candidates directly, whether they are actively or passively looking for jobs. This has especially been more beneficial in the face of the pandemic, where interactions have been kept to a minimum.

Truth is, simply having a LinkedIn profile is not enough. To get found by employers on LinkedIn, you must cut through the noise of half a billion LinkedIn users.

With such a large number of employers finding candidates through LinkedIn, how do you then make sure that you are found?

Here are 4 tips to make yourself noticeable on LinkedIn:

1. Optimize Your Profile

Being available on LinkedIn makes you more searchable, but it’s not the only thing. If you don’t set up your profile correctly, availability won’t matter.

To increase your chances of coming up in an employer’s search, you need to optimize your profile. Just as you would when writing a CV, try to incorporate keywords throughout each section.

For example, if “Project Management” is one of your skills and it matches the qualifications required in the jobs that you are looking for, it should appear several times throughout your profile. Make sure you add it to the Skills section, your job descriptions, and summary. These keywords should match your experience and the experience required in the roles you aspire to have.

If you’re unsure what keywords to use, check out a couple of job postings that you’re interested in. Notice the top five skills they have in common and weave them into your profile.

2. Update Your Headline

Your headline is the first thing employers see when you come up in search results. LinkedIn pulls your latest title, but don’t leave it at that. Your headline should reflect what you do and what you can do. If you have a specific niche that you’re focused on, don’t be scared to add it.

For example, if you’re a Graphic Designer with experience in logo design, but want to move into web design. Rather than just “Graphic Designer,” your headline could read: “Graphic Designer with experience in Corporate Branding and a passion for Web Design.”

Consider taking a LinkedIn course to expand your knowledge in areas you want to grow and to show off on your profile.

3. Add a Professional Picture

You’ve added a summary, keywords, top skills, and job descriptions. Your profile is set to “open,” but you haven’t put a face to the name. Without a picture, you won’t get noticed. People, in general, don’t trust a profile without a face they can relate to. Your picture should embody the kind of professional you are. Make sure you are smiling, wearing professional attire and there isn’t a lot going on in the background. Present yourself as the professional you want to be.

4. Build Your Network

Last but not least: network, network, network. Join appropriate groups and add professional remarks on what others are saying. Post news that’s relevant to your industry. Reach out to the employers posting jobs you like. Send a message to those in a position to offer advice and feedback on how they got where they are in their career.

Who you know can get you further than you think and in a digital era such as this, LinkedIn is most likely your place to meet the right people.

In Summary,

LinkedIn is a great tool for you to bring eager eyes to their qualifications. To reap the benefits of employers relying on LinkedIn more and more, do what you can to improve where you come up when employers are searching, and make sure your profile is compelling enough to click.

You never know what opportunities might come your way if you set yourself up to be open to them.