Jun 17, 2014
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How To Put Your Best Foot Forward
Social media has quickly become one of the most powerful marketing tools in the industry for several reasons. Mainly because social media allows companies to get to know their customers and competitors on a personal level. While social media makes your company more vulnerable to the public, it also bridges the gap from the corporate office to the home of the consumer. But what about the flip side of the equation? With LinkedIn there is now a way for an employer to get to know possible employees through social media. And with employment rates the way they are, everyone should have a LinkedIn profile, and keep it updated.
Here are some tips to help you stand out to employers that are searching LinkedIn.
Post a Picture
There is only one kind of picture that should EVER be on your LinkedIn profile, and that’s of your face. Seriously. Do not post a picture of your favorite cat Mr. Snuggles or even a picture of you playing golf. Employers are visiting your page because they want to get to know YOU. They want to know what you look like so that when they read about all your accomplishments they can have a face to associate with all your experience. Here are some more tips about how to choose an appropriate profile picture.
Make Your Headline Worth Reading
Employers use LinkedIn to find individuals that will fit with the position that they are looking to fill. When they search for people they usually will use words like “talented” or “motivated” followed by the profession. They will never search for “unemployed” so keep that word out of your headline. This also goes for students. Get the word “student” out of your headline. Instead write “aspiring” in front of your major or career goal. Keep it simple, but make sure that it encompasses what you’re looking for in employment.
Post Statuses
Posting things on your LinkedIn account will make your face and name appear in your connection’s news feed. Make sure to post things that will be interesting or relevant to the people that you are connected to. Don’t post about your weekend trip or last week’s vacation. Keep it professional.
Join Groups and Participate
You can gain a lot of valuable information by joining a group. Just make sure that the group is legitimate and not spam. Also sometimes employers will look within a specific group for possible employees. This article contains a list of good foundational groups job seekers should join.
Overall remember that you want to put your best foot forward. Always keep your profile updated and professional. You never know who might send you a message for an interview at their company.