Background on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an online platform with over half a billion users that allows individuals to create professional profiles detailing their career history. People of all ages and backgrounds benefit from the use of LinkedIn, from fresh graduates to senior executives to small business owners. By highlighting their professional backgrounds and accomplishments, users can use the site to search for new job openings or internships and establish networking connections. The public platform also allows recruiters and employers to reach out to individuals who possess the right skills that are relevant to open positions.

Current Use of LinkedIn (i.e. why it matters)

In an unpredictable economy, job hunting has become an urgent priority for millions of Americans, especially in light of the recent nationwide shutdowns due to the ongoing health crisis. Fortunately, with resources like LinkedIn, users can have a place to start looking for new career opportunities.

Since we live in a digital era, it is no surprise that job hunting has been made largely convenient with the availability of online job search engines and platforms such as LinkedIn. With just a few clicks, one can filter through thousands of open positions across the nation. LinkedIn has also been tested to be a promising source for employment as approximately "87% of recruiters find LinkedIn most effective" when looking for the right candidates.¹

Creating and Optimizing a LinkedIn Profile (i.e. how to leverage it)

To make a LinkedIn Profile, one must first sign up to create one. Once registered, users can start customizing their personal page. In order to attract the attention of recruiters, it is important to pay attention to key areas such as:

• Profile Picture: A clean, professional headshot can help optimize personalization and individuality to one’s profile. It allows recruiters to put a face to your name among the pool of millions of users. When selecting the picture, you should:
  
  • Select a photo that best represents your current look (you don’t want to show up to an interview and be unrecognizable from the photo taken 20 years ago!) Other important factors to keep in mind are head/face accessories (e.g. glasses), hair color, and hair style.
    
  • Wear appropriate clothes. Don clothes that you normally would to an interview.
    
  • Use a high-resolution picture. A blurry photo can make your profile look unprofessional.
    
  • Keep it mostly centered on your face. The full body does not need to show in the photo.
    
  • Pay attention to your facial expression. Remember that first impression matters! Whether you choose to flash a smile or sport a more serious look, your profile photo will give the recruiters a hint of how you carry yourself.
    
  • Take the photo in a clean environment. Keep the background as simple and professional as possible. You want the recruiters to focus on your face and not on what is going on behind you.
    
    
• Headline: Feel free to be creative with your headline! You can choose to simply state your position or throw in a few descriptive words.
  
  
• Summary: Take advantage of this section to talk about your background and boast about any significant career achievements or milestones. The best summaries are engaging while giving plenty of insight into the individual’s capabilities.
  
  
• Keywords: To effectively sell yourself to recruiters, pay special attention to the use of keywords in your headline and summary. As with any other job application supplements (like a resume, CV, cover letter), try to use captivating and impactful descriptors and adjectives rather the usual overused words like "hard-working," "experienced," or "team player."
  

1. SOURCE:  Jobvite.com