There are two main approaches to getting your LinkedIn profile noticed: the content of your profile and your activity. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions on best practices to get noticed by recruiters and others outside of your network.

Your LinkedIn Profile

To recruiters and hiring managers, your LinkedIn profile is the first demonstration of the quality of your candidacy. The goal is to make it informative, polished and ensure it succinctly and eloquently showcases your relevant experience, skills and applicable personal qualities. Throughout the list, we use one of RJR’s recruiters as an example for our suggestions.

The Basics:

• Add a minimum of 500 Connections - LinkedIn does not show if you have 501 connections or 5k, but for those with less, it can be a red flag

• Double-check spelling & grammar - minor errors can be a disqualifier to recruiters

• Use a headshot-style photo with professional clothing

• Fill out your “About” Section:

  • A concise description of your educational & applicable professional experience and an overview of what you are looking for

• Use a Tagline that includes your target role: "Sales Development Representative Looking for New Opportunities"

• Use the "Open to Work" filter to increase searchability for recruiters 

• Include all relevant internships, but only 1-2 non-applicable jobs (example, serving job in college)

• Add all Education, including College Athletics & Associations

• Create and use a vanity URL to be more SEO friendly "https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessabishop/”

• Skills & Endorsements: aim for at least 20

• Recommendations: aim for at least 3, ideally from former managers, peers and cross-functional leaders who can attest to your work

• Groups: You can join up to 50 groups, many of which allow you to message other members without needing a premium account or direct connection. This is very helpful for proactive job searching. 

• Languages: add all fluencies

Your LinkedIn Activity

Before someone visits your personal profile, there are ways to get your name on other member feeds, which ultimately can bring them to your profile. The best way to do this is engagement. Create posts that get your name on the feed of your connections, and each time they react to the content, your name will pop up on their connections’ feeds. Not only does this hit your 1st connections, but 2nd and 3rd connections as well.

Engagement on one of your posts can cause a domino effect on how much exposure your profile receives. Think of your own LinkedIn feed and how often you see “John Smith reposted this” or “Jane Smith likes this” and there’s a post from someone you aren’t connected with. Being active on your LinkedIn profile can boost your exposure to a broader network of people. This network can include recruiters.

Although there are many layoffs happening throughout the tech industry at the moment, there are still many companies hiring. In making a simple post explaining your situation, maybe you’ve been laid off and are looking for a new opportunity or are simply open to work, your post can gain traction through engagement and open the door for your next job.

If you’re looking for a new job but aren’t sure where to start, contact us and we might have the right opportunity for you.