LinkedIn is vital to job searching success. In fact, 94 percent of today’s recruiters use it as part of their process, whether it’s to find, vet or network with candidates. That means if you don’t have a profile, or if you have one but it’s not put together well, you could be missing out on top job opportunities.
Not only that but in many cases, your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. If a recruiter sees a weak profile, they’re going to remember it – and not in a good way. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to ensure your profile is polished, professional, and avoids these 3 common mistakes:
Using your profile as a job application.
Don’t approach your LinkedIn profile like you would a standard job application, just filling in the blanks as needed. Instead, tell a story, show some unique personality, demonstrate your professional talent with videos, testimonials and portfolio samples. And don’t forget to include a professional headshot. This is your opportunity to shine – and to highlight why a recruiter should choose you.
Not speaking in an authentic language.
There’s a difference between “resume-speak” and the way professionals really talk to each other. Opt for the latter if you want to stand out from all the other candidates using canned language. When creating your profile, aim for one that’s easy to read and also holds the attention of the person reading it.
Lack of focus.
You may have held a variety of job titles over your career. But when a recruiter clicks off your profile without understanding what you really do, then you’ve missed the mark. Instead, strive to be both selective and strategic with what you include in your profile. You don’t need to describe your entire job history in detail. Just think about where you want to go in your career and how to best tailor your profile to the recruiters or employers offering the kinds of jobs you want.
Once you’ve got your profile in place, here are a few more quick tips to follow to position you for the best opportunities:
- Put your headline to good use. Use it to display not only your job title but also what you do and the value you offer. Avoid silly phrases like “IT Superstar.”
- Update your status regularly. You can share posts you think might be of interest to your audience, author your own, or simply tell people what you’re working on. Whatever you do, just strive to stay top-of-mind.
- Use keywords. Be sure to include keywords that will help recruiters and potential employers find you on LinkedIn. For instance, if you’re a Support Analyst, include that phrase in your headline and elsewhere in your profile.
- Connect with your recruiter. And don’t simply send them an invitation to connect. Follow their recruitment firm’s profile page and engage with them on LinkedIn. Staying on your recruiter’s radar during the job search process will ensure you’re their first thought when a new job opportunity comes across their desk.
Ready to put a recruiter to work for you in your job search?
Contact Morgan Hunter Healthcare. We work with some of the top healthcare organizations in the country, helping them find the Healthcare IT talent they need for their EHR projects. Whether you are seeking a contract, contract-to-hire, or direct hire (perm) position, we can assist. We are continually looking for the most talented and experienced Healthcare IT candidates on the market. Contact a Sr. Recruiter today to learn more about current opportunities.