How to Write a Professional LinkedIn Profile

No?

If you’re truly honest, you’re probably like me in the sense that you would welcome the occasional chat with a recruiter/ search consultant, especially if it could represent a better future for you and your family – after all, things change quickly in the world of recruitment software and CRM’s.

Sure, I’m loyal to my current employer but things change, and often do, and so I like to keep my options open – I’m what recruiters might call ‘passive’.

So, are you perfectly happy in your dream job? Everyone, on one level or another, is ‘a passive candidate’.

To explain my situation (and probably yours):

• I’m up for a chat, but I’m not ‘actively looking’
• I’ll swap emails about my dream job, but I’m not going to type up my CV for you
• I’m not on the job boards, but I’ll start looking when I’ve been fired

And so, here’s the thing…

If an employer is looking for a Sales and Marketing Director, based in the South of England, who’s helped over 750 recruitment organisations to recruit smarter & faster with their software & technology, how will they find me?

Well, one way is by searching LinkedIn and so, if you’re looking for a job now, or further down the line, you should probably have a well written LinkedIn profile, and most importantly – keep it up-to-date.

LinkedIn is HUGE!

LinkedIn has over 575+ million users, with more than 260 million monthly active users who are engaging with the platform every month. 40% access it on a daily basis and of those apparently 61 million LinkedIn users are senior level influencers and 40 million are in decision-making positions – so, it’s a pretty big deal. You should probably be on LinkedIn, and there are a few other places too, like www.gatedtalent.com

No search firm or recruiter would claim to have as many connections as LinkedIn, or even as many as www.gatedtalent.com. Also, consider that if the recruitment firm has been following the letter of the law they’ll also admit that the GDPR has meant they’re working on a smaller talent pool than ever before, and so, whilst some argue that the ‘digital profile’ hasn’t quite replaced the CV, it’s close to doing exactly that.

That being the case, you’ll need a fresh and professionally written digital profile if you want to be in the race for your next career move. However, if you think it will take you 10 minutes think again. You can’t just copy and paste your CV into LinkedIn, that’s not what this is about.

Even if you don’t use LinkedIn to keep your finger on the pulse, and don’t want to ‘link in’ using the messaging, groups and networks, you probably should have a LinkedIn presence and ensure your digital profile doesn’t put recruiters off making contact with you.

What makes a good LinkedIn profile?

Having a basic LinkedIn profile probably isn’t going to get you the attention you deserve in today’s market. Indeed, a basic LinkedIn profile might actually mean you’re discounted for that next perfect role, so it’s worth putting in a bit of effort.

In summary:

1. Create an eye-catching headline – that represents what you do best
2. Craft an interesting summary – remember there are literally millions of ‘Project Managers’
3. Highlight your experience – but focus on what’s relevant to you
4. Use visual media – link to videos, presentations and images where possible
5. Customize your URL – it’s simple and free
6. Start making connections – just a few, nothing crazy but over 50
7. Ask for recommendations – think ‘references on a CV’
8. Keep your page active – ensure it’s updated regularly with a few posts
9. Check your LinkedIn profile strength
10. Hack the LinkedIn job search
11. Get your name in lights
12. Make the most of your tagline
13. Have a professional-looking profile headshot
14. Use a background photo for additional personal branding

Is this all beginning to sound like too much?

I agree, get someone to do it for you, and perhaps the new LinkedIn profile and update will give you the sort of exposure I’ve experienced since getting mine done.

I used Louise and her team at Gated Talent, so please pass on my regards…

If you want to keep your digital profile gated from the recruiter zombies trawling for the next passive candidate, why not get a GatedTalent profile, thus being selective as to who you engage with and the CRM’s your details are added too. (you can find me there too ????)

▶️ HOW YOU CAN CONTACT ME:

Blog by Paul.Thompson@Voyagersoftware.com 

Email me at p635lba@hotmail.co.uk or give me a call on 07976 696 474.

If there is something new and exciting which impacts recruiters – I’d love to hear about it!

Voyager Infinity and Voyager Mid-Office are software solutions that make Recruiter’s lives easier. Voyager Infinity is a CRM used be thousands of Recruiters globally to source, nurture and maintain the relationships of tomorrow placements, and Mid-Office manages the entire Pay and Bill process.

Voyager Infinity and Voyager Mid-Office are software solutions that make Recruiters’ lives easier. Voyager Infinity is a CRM used by thousands of recruiters globally to source, nurture and maintain the relationships with their clients and candidates, and Mid-Office manages the entire Pay and Bill process (IR35 ready).