LinkedIn is now an essential tool for job seekers and their visibility. But with its various paid versions and dozens of parameters, it can be difficult to know how to use it effectively. Here are some tips to best set up your profile.
While many job seekers tend to use the the LinkedIn search engine directly to find an employer, Google remains the tool of choice for recruiters. In fact, according to Philippe Douale, a French social media expert, many of them begin their LinkedIn search through Google since its algorithm lets them find candidates with a few keywords.
Making your profile public
While the trend is to a confidential profile on Facebook, it has to be completely the opposite on LinkedIn. Indeed, making your profile public helps increase your online presence in search engines and get the most visibility. Remember that Canada is the 6th most represented country on social media, with over 11 million users!
To make your LinkedIn profile public, all you need to do is to activate the “Your profile’s public visibility” in the “Settings and privacy” section under your photo. You can also authorize access to your profile by recruiters who use authorized services such as Outlook by activating “Visibility outside LinkedIn”, in the same section.
Personalize your URL
When you create an account on LinkedIn, a URL is granted to you by default. This can be changed by clicking “Edit public profile and URL”. It is best to personalize this URL with your name. According to the guide by LinkedIn, this boosts your presence in search engines.
Opt for keywords
Since LinkedIn and Google are closely linked, highlight yourself with catchy phrases with keywords. In addition, a LinkedIn study reveals that the most used words in 2016 were: leadership, specialized, passionate, strategic, focused, experienced, expert, excellent, certified and creative. So that you can differentiate yourself from the masses with recruiters, it would be better to avoid using these terms in your profile.
Follow LinkedIn’s tips
LinkedIn has the advantage of helping users improve their profile. It points out, among other things, when an empty section should be filled in to get more visibility. It also awards a rating based on the information recorded. From professional experience to education and accomplishments, fill out the sections as much as possible to reach “expert” level.
Interact with your network
Have you created a profile? Do you have a good number of professionals in your network? Take the opportunity to interact with them and publish content likely to interest them. The LinkedIn algorithm favours active subscribers in the home page interface… a good way to get spotted by one of your contacts!
Define your goals
Obviously it all depends on your goals for the network. That’s why, even before creating an account, you have to define your expectations. Do you use LinkedIn to actively seek a new job? To stay abreast of new opportunities? Or just to enrich your network of contacts? The use you make of the professional social media and your profile settings will depend on your answer.