Having a robust LinkedIn Profile can serve several purposes including building your personal brand and your network. Another advantage of being engaged on the LinkedIn platform is learning about career opportunities even when you’re not in an active job search.
Recruiters generally run searches on LinkedIn to identify potential candidates as part of their overall recruiting strategy. If your LinkedIn Profile shows up in search results and your background appears to be a potential fit for an opening, Recruiters will message you via LinkedIn.Two of my family members recently accepted new jobs because the company Recruiters “discovered” them on LinkedIn. One is a senior executive who was not looking to make a career move, and the other a college student.
The most complete LinkedIn profiles that provide the closest match to the Recruiter’s search parameters appear first.These searches often produce hundreds and sometimes thousands of profile results and as such, Recruiters tend to work from the top of the list and often use filters to narrow down the results.
Here are a few tips to increase your likelihood of being contacted by Recruiters and ensuring that your profile is closer to the top of the Recruiter’s list:
Upload a Profile Picture
A Profile without a photo is considered incomplete and will likely land toward the middle or end of the Recruiter’s search results.
Highlight Skills & Key Words
Similar to your resume, be sure to highlight your skills and key words that are relevant to the work you do and the position you desire. Recruiters will search for candidates by key words and/or by job titles.Recruiters often include one or more skills in their search parameters to find ideal candidates.Take time to explore the list in the Skills section of your LinkedIn Profile, and include as many skills as you can that capture your capabilities and experiences.
Be Socially Engaged
Recruiters have the option to narrow search results by filtering for those people who are more likely to reply to their messages.LinkedIn will place you in this group if you are active on their platform – i.e. replying to messages, liking or commenting on posts, posting, etc.
“I’m Open to New Opportunities”
Whether you’re in the job market or simply open to learning about roles in the marketplace, it’s beneficial to turn on the “Open to New Opportunities” notification on your Profile. Recruiters often filter results by people who are open to hearing about career moves and contact them first.LinkedIn makes every effort to ensure that Recruiters in your current organization are not able to see your “Open to New Opportunities” is turned on.
Complete Key Profile Sections
Completion is key; be sure to complete as many Profile Sections as you can, particularly the Headline, Experience, Education and Skills sections.A thoroughly complete Profile increases the chances of your Profile landing toward the top of the Recruiter’s search list.
Location, Location, Location!
If you are moving to another city, list that location on your Profile. Recruiters tend to start with people who are currently located in the desired city.
