We had the amazing Victoria Effer speak to us this week about How to Rock Your Linkedin Profile.
It was a really interesting presentation and there were a lot of top tips for us to consider.
We began with 4 Myths about LinkedIn:
- Myth 1 – LinkedIn is just an online resume platform? Not true – LinkedIn does so much more than just show your resume. You can connect, network and be interactive on the platform.
- Myth 2 – You only need LinkedIn when you are looking for a job? No! It is best to interact and be active on LinkedIn at least 3 months before you start the job search. Be yourself and make people start to see you.
- Myth 3 – Networking is only for extroverts? No! I hope iwibdus has taught you that! We love all types of people!
- Myth 4 – LinkedIn Premium guarantees me a new job? No, sorry! But it can help. You need the basics right first.
Getting the Basics Right
Be your authentic self in your picture but make sure it is just you and you are smiling.
You can record your name when you are on the mobile version. This is a great tool to make sure your clients or connections are saying your name right. It is also helpful to hear other people’s!
You can record a 30 second cover story video on your profile so people can really see who you are. This is again on the mobile version. Here is a link to explain how to do it.
Add your industry as LinkedIn sells tools to HR professionals who are looking for you via your industry and key words to filter the applicants. These are normally Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that will be looking for specific things from your CV.
How do I know if my resume is ATS friendly?
- Traditional, reverse-chronological format.
- Relevant keywords used throughout the resume.
- Simple formatting with clear headings.
- Degrees and abbreviations are spelled out.
- All experience relates to the same career target.
Victoria recommended that you check your CV against a resume checker. Here is one that I found from ZipJob
Descriptions – what makes you, you? This is the place to tell new employers
When you add featured content on LinkedIn, have it rich in media – photos, diagrams, and text. Think about adding a video. It all helps recruiters find you.
Updates vs Publishing
Ask questions, make a headline, make people aware of you, are all important in both updates and published work.
You need to think that updates are short and maybe 4 lines. Publishing is longer, more in depth and a bigger chance for you to talk about something that you are passionate about. You should be doing both if you can.
Networking
You all know that networks are important! But on LinkedIn you can help your application by finding the recruiting manager and talking to them before you apply for a job. Maybe create a network by introducing yourself to the company that you are interested in so you can learn more.
It is a numbers game – make sure you are aware that more connections, make more referrals, make more opportunities.
Victoria said that often people wait until your 3rd contact before they engage with you. So keep it up!
It can all seem overwhelming but we asked Victoria some Q&As and we found that….
The Top Three Things to Do?
- Basics Right
- Publish
- Network
What about if I have had 3 or more careers?
Always have one LinkedIn Page but explain your different careers with your experiences. Be yourself and storytelling is your friend here! Tell them what you learned in your last posting, what you learned by moving abroad or not working for 5 years to look after a family member. Be honest and people will understand.
Thank you Victoria for the presentation and answering our questions! We will be able to ROCK OUR PROFILES!
