How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile for Better Job Opportunities in 2024

Whether you’re actively seeking new opportunities or simply open to hearing about the latest roles in your industry, a well-rounded and polished LinkedIn profile shows your value to potential employers and increases the likelihood of receiving your dream offer! But what makes a good LinkedIn profile?

Whether for a diverse marketing role or advanced architecture jobs, over 70% of hiring managers and recruiters use LinkedIn to source top candidates. With over 2.5 million active users in NZ alone and the global user population expected to reach 1 billion, 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.

Below, we’ll share our expert tips on how to improve your LinkedIn profile for better job opportunities in 2024.

Your headline, profile picture, headline, bio, and work experience immediately stand out to an employer or recruiter. Here are some tips for improving them:

Your profile picture is often the first thing an employer will see on your profile, so it’s 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. A professional doesn’t need to take the photo; simply grab a mate with a phone, put on a nice 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 optimise 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 and highlight your accomplishments in an easily digestible manner. Your bio is also a place to showcase your personality, which can be helpful in connecting with potential employers and networking.

Although the landscape is changing, and there’s more room for people to jump between jobs without adverse effects, tenure is still a factor most employers and recruitment consultants consider. There’s a difference between strategically moving up the career ladder and moving around every six months to suit your mood. Feature quality longer-term positions, and include a description of your main responsibilities.

Recommendations from previous colleagues, supervisors, or clients can significantly impact how potential employers view your profile. These endorsements serve as a testament to your skills and give employers a better understanding of the value you can bring to their organisation. Consider reaching out to trusted and credible connections to ask for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to give recommendations to others.

Having a LinkedIn profile, even if it’s not regularly updated, can still provide some benefits. It allows you to have a professional 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 LinkedIn’s benefits and appeal to as many potential employers as possible; at the very least, keep your work experience as up-to-date as possible.

In recent years, LinkedIn has introduced several new features that can help you stand out in 2024:

• Stories: Use stories to share daily updates, behind-the-scenes content, and insights into your professional life. Stories are a great way to engage with your network in a more casual and personal manner.
• Skill Assessments: Take LinkedIn’s skill assessments to earn badges that display your proficiency in various areas. These badges can help validate your skills to potential employers.
• LinkedIn Learning: Regularly take courses on LinkedIn Learning to stay updated with your industry’s latest trends and skills. Adding completed courses to your profile shows your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

If you’re in the market for a new role, 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. Alternatively, 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 civil engineering work. Our team will be 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 updated with the latest industry opportunities and continuously improve your LinkedIn profile. You never know; your dream job could be just around the corner!

Best of luck, Grada