Whether you’re actively seeking new opportunities or simply open to hearing about the latest roles in your industry, showcasing a well-rounded and polished LinkedIn profile shows your value to potential employers and increases the likelihood of receiving your dream offer!
Over 70% of hiring managers and recruiters use LinkedIn to source top candidates, and with over 2.3 million active LinkedIn users in NZ alone, it may seem impossible to stand out from the crowd. That’s why our team of expert recruitment consultants came together to discuss the best way to optimise your profile.
What are first things an employer looks at on my profile?
The things that stand out immediately to an employer or recruiter include your headline, a professional profile picture, summary/bio, and most importantly work experience.
Are then any tips for my profile picture, headline and bio?
Your profile picture is often the first thing an employer will see on your LinkedIn profile, so it is important to make a good first impression. Be sure to leave the group photos of you out bar hopping for Instagram, and instead opt for a high-quality headshot; this doesn’t have to be taken by a professional, simply grab a mate with a phone, put on a shirt, and jump in front of a plain background.
Your headline is the next critical element that hiring managers will look at on your LinkedIn profile. Your headline should highlight your current role, showcase your areas of expertise, and demonstrate why you are unique in your field. Consider using keywords relevant to your industry to help optimize your profile for search results.
Your bio section is your opportunity to provide a brief overview of your professional background and achievements. This section should be concise, highlighting your accomplishments in an easily digestible manner. This is also a place to showcase your personality which can be helpful in connecting with potential employers and networking connections.
And what about work experience?
Although the landscape is changing and there’s now more room for people to jump between jobs without the adverse effects, tenure is still a factor for most employers and recruitment consultants. There’s a difference between strategically moving up the career ladder and moving around every 6 months to suit your mood. Feature quality longer-term positions and be sure to include a description of your main responsibilities.
What are LinkedIn recommendations and are they important?
Recommendations from previous colleagues, supervisors, or clients can have a significant impact on how potential employers view your profile. These endorsements serve as a testament to your skills and can give potential employers a better understanding of the value you can bring to their organization. Consider reaching out to trusted and credible connections to ask for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to give recommendations to others as well.
I’m struggling to stay active and engaged on LinkedIn, any ideas?
The content you post on LinkedIn can certainly impact how potential employers view your profile. Focus on sharing articles, updates, and opinions that are relevant to your industry and highlight your expertise. This will help demonstrate your professional knowledge and keep you top of mind for potential employers. It can be tempting to comment negatively on certain issues and even start ranting about matters you feel passionate about, just remember to keep your content professional and avoid posting disparaging or controversial material.
I have a LinkedIn profile but forget to update it regularly, should I just get rid of it?
Having a LinkedIn profile, even if it’s not regularly updated, can still provide some benefits. It allows you to have an online presence, connect with other professionals in your network, and showcase your professional experiences and skills. However, it’s important to keep your profile fresh to fully leverage the benefits of LinkedIn and appeal to as many potential employers as possible, at the very least keep your work experience as up-to-date as possible.
Anything else?
If you’re in the market for a new role, then we recommend setting your profile to ‘Open to Work’, this allows anyone with LinkedIn Premium to see that you’re open to hearing about new opportunities. Or, take it one step further and reach out to a recruiter today, Grada has an extensive team of expert recruitment consultants specialising in Architecture, Construction and Engineering who are more than happy to have a confidential chat about your career.
And remember, even if you’re not actively seeking a new job, it’s a good idea to stay up to date with the latest opportunities in your industry. You never know, your dream job could be just around the corner!
Best of luck,
Grada
