As I mentioned in a previous post I learned a lot from the FAVAR Method of LinkedIn Profile Creation webinar I recently attended, which focused on how purchasers of LinkedIn Recruiter view profiles and search for qualified candidates.
Much to my surprise, what you and I see when we view LinkedIn is in many ways quite different from the way accounts appear using this recruiting tool. Given that LinkedIn Recruiter has fast become THE recruiting tool for online candidate searches, writing your LinkedIn profile with it in mind can garner a huge ROI. Here are some more tips:
#1 500+ Connections – it’s a Numbers Game
Expanding your connections is the single greatest way to maximize the power of LinkedIn’s network that today stands at 300 million accounts with two new users joining EVERY SECOND!
Maximize your ability to acquire a huge second and third-degree connection network by 1) ensuring you have at least 500 connections and 2) targeting those with a large roster of connections themselves.
#2 Summary Skills Placement is Key
Unless yours is an Open Profile a LinkedIn Recruiter user can only view the top part of your summary along with your headline, name and education. Overcome this challenge by including a list of skills/keywords within the first 50 characters of your summary section.
#3 Make Sure You Can be Contacted
Place your name and best ways to contact you (email, cell) within the first 100 characters of the summary if you choose not to have an Open Profile. Similar to Point #2, this ensures a recruiter can get in touch with you when your account is not fully visible to all. Also be sure to check “Contact for Career Opportunities.”
#4 Attached Resumes
It was a huge shock to me to discover that attached resumes in PDF and MS Word cannot be viewed in LinkedIn recruiter. Be sure your resume is seen in this tool using something like SlideShare.