I frequently donate resume makeovers. As I review the candidate’s resume, I also review their LinkedIn profile and suggest changes.
It’s worth taking the time to improve your online profile.
Lindsey Pollack is a LinkedIn spokesperson, you can read her blog for career tips and job search strategies.
Learn how to use and navigate LinkedIn. You can read and subscribe to the LinkedIn blogs, especially about job and company searches in LinkedIn:
- A revamped jobs experience in LinkedIn Groups
- Discover the new LinkedIn Company Search
- 5 Ways to Make the Most of LinkedIn
- LinkedIn Signal: A new way for professionals to consume information and news
Increase your visibility on LinkedIn
Strive for a minimum of 100 connections. By adding connections, you increase the likelihood that people will see your profile first when they’re searching for someone to hire or do business with
Improve your connectability
Fill out your profile like it’s an executive bio, so include past companies, education, affiliations, and activities.
Include a link to your LinkedIn profile as part of an email signature (for example, my LinkedIn profile link is www.linkedin.com/in/barriebyron). This link enables people to see all of your credentials, which would be awkward if not downright strange, as an attachment.
Improve your Google PageRank
LinkedIn allows you to make your profile information available for search engines to index.
- LinkedIn profiles receive a fairly high PageRank in Google
- Create a public profile and select “Full View.“
- Customize the default LinkedIn profile URL, to be your actual name. Use this link in various places on the web. For example, when you comment in a blog, include a link to your profile in your signature.
Perform blind, “reverse,” and company reference checks
Have you ever thought of checking your prospective manager’s references? Most of us don’t have the audacity to ask a potential boss for references, but with LinkedIn we have a way to scope out the hiring manager.
You can also check up on the company itself by finding the person who used to have the job that you’re interviewing for. People who used to hold the position can provide you with the inside scoop on the job, manager, and growth potential. Search for job title and company, be sure to uncheck “Current titles only.”
Are you digitally distinct? Check your online identity and take the required steps to improve the search results.
Review these 5 LinkedIn Tips You Didn’t Know, including using Signal.
Learn how to create a winning profile.
As with all online memberships, connections, resources, and applications, you will want to stay current with the account and privacy settings. For new settings and a box that you will want to uncheck, see LinkedIn, Privacy, and Notification.
Discussion
No comments yet.