The tool LinkedIn Recruiter, purchased today by industry leaders and recruiting organizations nationwide, has changed the way talent is searched for and found on LinkedIn. Below are four easy ways to give your profile its best chance at being found:
#1 Searchability by Name
Did you know if your first name is oddly spelled it can hurt your chances of being found on LinkedIn? Neither did I! Increase your chances of being found by including the traditional spelling in parenthesis after your name [example: Jon (John) Smith].
#2 Searchability by Location
Live 50 miles outside of Washington, D.C. but willing to commute? Recruiters often begin their searches by screening candidates that live within a 25 mile radius of the job location. Increase your searchability by selecting a zip code on LinkedIn that falls within 25 miles of downtown D.C.
#3 Searchability by Company Name
Sometimes recruiters want someone with experience at a specific company. Be sure to use your company’s most well known name to ensure maximum searchabiity.
For instance – if you worked for the Endicon division of Johnson & Johnson make sure to list “Johnson & Johnson” along with “Endicon.”
#4 Searchability by Settings
Your privacy settings play a big part in helping (or hurting!) your chances of being readily found by recruiters. Designating your account as an Open Profile ensures you can receive free InMails and that your full profile can be seen by recruiters (and others as well).