LinkedIn is a great tool when it comes to searching for a new job, it allows you to search for new roles as well as new roles finding you. Treat it like your CV, an opportunity to share your skills & experience with potential employers. A great profile can help you build new relationships with fellow Developers and with people who share the same passion for tech as you. It can also create new opportunities, so it’s important to keep your profile up to date as you never know when those opportunities may arise. Together with a well-presented profile, engaging with your network and sharing content, you’ll be sure to be noticed.
Here are some tips on how to use your LinkedIn profile to it’s full advantage…
1. Add a photo & cover picture
The easiest, yet most effective thing you can do is to add a picture of yourself. Make sure it’s a friendly, professional headshot. This will be the first thing people will see when they click on your profile so make sure you give them a great impression.
Adding a cover picture of something related to your job, your skills or interests can make your profile stand out from others, just make sure it’s appropriate and relevant!
2. Include a headline
The headline is directly underneath your name so this will also be one of the first things people see when they click on your profile, it also appears right next to your name in a search. Use this to highlight your main skills and job title, keep it short. For example: ‘Experienced Software Developer – Elixir / Erlang’.
3. ‘About me’
This section is a great opportunity to explain who you are, showcase your skills & specialities. Briefly describe what you enjoy doing or find interesting; this could be in both in your professional & personal life. Showing a little personality can really help future employers get to know you.
4. Skills and experience
If possible, be sure to add all of your relevant work experience to your profile. Under each job include bullet points describing your role, your responsibilities, accomplishments & list the tech you used. Ensure you include keywords, such as: Elixir, Phoenix etc … as this will make you discoverable when Recruiters & Hiring Managers search for candidates.
Keep the skills listed on your profile up to date. If you have cross-trained from Java to Elixir & you’re still getting mostly Java offers, it may be because Java is more prominent on your profile than Elixir. Try adding more information about your experience with Elixir.
5. Recommendations & Endorsements
This feature is a brilliant way to differentiate yourself from others. Ask your current/former colleagues, managers & employers to write you recommendations and to endorse your skills. This gives potential employers an idea of what you’re like to work with and confirms your skills. Don’t forget to do this for others too!
6. ‘Open to Work’
When you’re ready to look for a new job, make sure you use the ‘Open to Work’ feature. You can list what kind of role you’re looking for, including: job title, level of role, location & remote/onsite. Recruiters and Hiring Managers can search using this function to find candidates that are actively looking for opportunities.
7. Be active!
A few ideas on how to stay active…
Login to your profile regularly to avoid missing out. LinkedIn’s search often pushes dormant profiles to the back of results.
Like, comment on and share content you enjoy and find interesting.
Join groups that you’re interested in. Hiring Managers can see mutual groups in their search results.
Follow the companies you would like to work for. When LinkedIn shows job applications, it has a ‘Follows your company’ icon, if you’re already following the page, it immediately shows how interested you are.
Share your own articles & blogs in the featured area of your profile.
Although some of these points may seem simple & obvious to some, they are very effective and can made a huge difference with looking for a new job.