LinkedIn is easily the best way for job hunters to cultivate a great network and open up new job opportunities. The obvious answer to the question of how to attract head-hunters on LinkedIn is to make sure you have an optimal LinkedIn profile. Keep it nice and succinct – detail can be the enemy of clarity, particularly on social media. Fortunately it’s not a complicated process and following this guide will get you most of the way there.
Basic tips for LinkedIn membership
There are a few simple steps that will help you perform well in the LinkedIn search algorithm. Firstly, make sure you have filled as many fields in your profile as you can – the aim is to get to 100% completion. Research suggests this will boost recruiter contacts by up to 40%. Secondly, paying for the premium membership, even if only by the month while you look for work, will mean LinkedIn will prefer your profile. Finally, spend time on your photo and banner picture; think friendly, focused, professional, likeable.
Take the time to create a great profile
For many years, you could get away with just doing the basics on LinkedIn. Cut and paste the CV, maybe a few words as a quick summary and a list of employers with job titles. This is no longer adequate – think about the message this sends to potential employers. They want their candidates to take their presentation to the job market seriously; phoning it in just won’t cut it. Would you make this kind of unprofessional shortcut at work? Show that you take your career seriously by getting your profile as close to best practice as you can manage, and most recruiters will appreciate it, and respond accordingly.
Optimise keywords
LinkedIn search identifies candidates for recruiters by matching region, skills, education or experiences. Every field in LinkedIn is keyword-searchable, so it’s key to make sure your profile contains the keywords that are common in your target job descriptions, particularly the skills required. Make a list of the top keywords and make sure they’re featured in your LinkedIn skills list and the professional LinkedIn profile summary, as well as in the content that describes you and your work history.
Interact with groups, industry experts, etc
Demonstrate that you’re staying up-to-date and relevant to your field by following key industry players or joining groups that align to your skills, strengths and industry sector. Those groups will likely contain agency recruiters and talent acquisition specialists at potential employers. This gives you opportunities for interaction and new connections, but they will also help to curate your feed, make your content more relevant and help you stay up to date with industry news and initiatives. Contribute to discussions and make new connections; perhaps show that you are an interesting finance SME and thought leader.
Let recruiters know that you’re available
Agency recruiters and talent acquisition are both attracted to currently available candidates who are highly motivated to accept an offer, so if you’re ready to get going immediately, say so. LinkedIn has an ‘open to work’ button, plus recruiters in your network may well notice if you make general updates to your profile. Other subtle, time-efficient moves include visiting recruiter profiles, so they know you might be thinking about a move. If you’re currently between jobs, carry off the unemployed ‘look’ with confidence. Stay positive and maintain the focus on your skills and knowledge, rather than former employer disaster stories.
If you’re a qualified accountant or other senior finance professional who needs help writing your CV or resume, why not contact an expert at devintill@gmail.com.
