Lately I have been spending a ton of time on LinkedIn looking at profiles. I see good ones, great ones and profiles that need a LOT of help. In a world where job boards aren’t as effective as they once were, it is no secret that LinkedIn is still considered the best tool to find talent. I am writing this blog for the candidate because I know in 2015 you are considering a change. Why do I know that? I’m watching it happen every day! Passive candidates are receiving multiple offers and counter offers. Well.. Truthfully and bluntly- some of the candidates are receiving offers. Many candidates aren’t getting any views on their LinkedIn profile
I know there are candidates out there that no one can find. I can’t find you! Even if I am the best Boolean search string ninja, I can’t find you. Why are you hiding? Do you even know you are hiding? I bet you don’t. Do you want to increase your probability of a recruiter reaching out to you? Please, do me a favor if you are looking for a job. Spell it out! There are things you can do to make your LinkedIn profile stand out, but today I want to recommend something many of you probably haven’t considered.
Did you know that when recruiters search for candidates in LinkedIn, almost every time they put in the keywords “looking” OR “seeking”? Did you know that I use the keyword search “looking for next opportunity?”! It sounds so basic doesn’t it? I polled a large group of very successful recruiters this week and asked them if they would think any less of a candidate who put “looking for next opportunity” on their profile. Remarkably everyone unanimously said “No” and they said they would look at the skills and abilities above anything else.
If you do put “looking for next opportunity” on your resume, make sure you are easy to connect with. It is amazing to me how many individuals do not include their phone number and e-mail on LinkedIn. Do you want a quick response? Make it easy for the recruiter to connect with you! LinkedIn inmails have a slower response time from candidates. Recruiters have to pay extra to send inmails and many recruiters haven’t invested in an upgrade for LinkedIn recruiter. If you have your phone number on your profile, you are almost guaranteed to get contacted. In an economy where the market is really picking up, speed will win the war for talent.
Don’t lose out to the other candidates because they were easier to find and contact. Stay ahead of the game. If you are with an employer and you don’t want them to know you are looking for a job, “seeking new opportunities” may raise flags to your current employer. My suggestion, work with a career counselor or SEO expert to embed keywords that will help your profile get found.
Be as explicit about what you are doing at your current job and spell out the details of your job duties on LinkedIn. Your resume and LinkedIn profile shouldn’t look that much different. I hope these few suggestions help you get a few more calls from recruiters. We could certainly use a larger pool of candidates to choose from!
Great post. These days LinkedIn is the site where most of the employers find the candidates. This site really helps them find a perfect candidate for their company. It is very important for the candidate to make their LinkedIn profile professional. They should put their profile pic professional if they are searching for a job. LinkedIn is the site where candidates can search the employers also and can also find the jobs. Candidates can also search jobs at Diversityworking.com site also.
Thanks for commenting James! LinkedIn is a tool I use every day as a recruiter. You may say you don’t want to be found, but with the uncertainties in this world, it is important to keep your profile up to date and sharp.
Hi Will thanks for giving such a good advice regarding LinkedIn use to get a perfect job. I will keep the keywords in mind that you have discussed above in your article while finding a job on LinkedIn.
Great post, and advice. Changed my LI profile heading after reading your post as I was not sure if I should. Thanks again.
Thanks Pradeep. Glad you enjoyed it.
Some people may disagree, but I have found some great candidates that way. Good luck!