Creating the perfect LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is widely used as a respectable online platform to communicate your professional background to prospective employers. Many employers or hiring managers will, upon receiving your CV, proceed to Google you to find out more about your online presence and a strong LinkedIn profile is just what you want them to find. So how do you make sure your LinkedIn is going to leave a positive impression?

Make sure your summary is specific and targeted: Even if you have an array of different work experience make sure that your summary targets the particular roles you are currently applying for. If it is too unfocused the employers may think you’re not suited to that particular job role and lose interest in your application. It is suggested that a good summary should be around 300 characters in length.

Describe your personality and skills without using generic terms: When describing yourself it is easy to gravitate towards the same buzz words. Rather than stating how you’re “hard working” and “motivated” consider more dynamic language such as “I thrive in progressive and stimulating working environments where I can give 100% into all aspects of my work.”

Keep your work experience, education and accomplishments up to date: This should be fairly easy to update at the same time as your CV, and is a great way to highlight additional skills and experience that might clutter your CV. It is also worth keeping your job summaries concise, to the point and make sure they highlight your key responsibilities in that role.  

Take advantage of other aspects of the platform: After all, LinkedIn is a community, not just an online CV. Write, share and comment on articles about your industry, if your potential employer can see you are actively involved and interested then it will show you’re are passionate about your area of employment.

For expert advice from the recruitment specialists on any aspect of your career, email consultants@1strecruit.co.uk or call 01534 875444