LinkedIn is an integral part of job searching and the platform offers multiple benefits for users but many make common LinkedIn job search mistakes that can diminish the impact LinkedIn can have.
If you use LinkedIn correctly, you’re able to unlock many useful tricks to help find the right job for you. It allows you to connect with contacts about job opportunities, network with individuals in the filed you’re interested in, gives you valuable information about positions, companies, and much more.
If done right, your next job will find you so here are some LinkedIn job search mistakes to avoid.
1. Having an empty profile: This is an area every job seeker should capitalize on. Use your profile as another resume – showcase accomplishments, skills, background, and even recommendations if given.
Create an impactful summary to introduce yourself and add valuable information about you as a professional. It needs to be a keyword-rich description of you and your career aspirations/background.
Other sections of the profile include Experience, adding relevant work history and achievements to support your experience. Recruiters also look at Recommendations, Certifications, and Languages so adding to these sections only increases your chances of grabbing peoples attention.
2. Empty Profile Photo: Your profile photo is your first impression, make sure it’s professional with no noise in the photo. Nothing says “I don’t care” like not adding a photo so take the few seconds that it does to upload something that displays you professionally to others. Profiles with professional looking pictures are 11 times more likely to be visited by recruiters and other professionals than ones without a photo. People like to put a face with a name, so adding a profile photo is a must.
3. Not Adding The Right Connections: You don’t have to accept all people who want to connect, but it is a good idea to connect with others in the same field or the field you want to get into. Think of it as quality over quantity, this way when connections share job opportunities you’re able to see what’s out there and reach out directly to that person.
If you have a low number of connections, recruiters can often look at you as new or as if you don’t care. Add a few valuable connections each week to build up your credibility and network so you’re ready for the next job opportunity.
4. Inactivity: LinkedIn can be one of your biggest resources when searching for a job, but if you don’t consistently check and update your profile, you might miss out on something good. Add relevant posts about the field you’re in or want to be in and comment on group posts. The more you contribute, the better.
5. Generic Communication: When you connect with others, it’s suggested that you don’t use the generic message. While it’s easy to just click and send, take time to personalize messages especially when connecting to hiring managers or professionals at a company you’re interested in. This shows you’ve taken the time to write something personal and not mass send to grow connections.
6. Disregarding Privacy Settings: If you’re searching for a job while employed, it is especially important to remember privacy settings. You will have conversations with people that you may not want your current employer to see so use these settings when necessary. While you want to be aware of privacy settings, it’s an important step to make your profile public so recruiters and hiring managers can find you and access your information.
7. Boring Headline: Having a vague professional headline provides no value to you or your profile. Your headline should describe you and your career aspirations when you’re a job seeker. Add valuable keywords to grab readers attention and for the chance to be found in searches.
LinkedIn can be your secret weapon to finding the right job, but there are many mistakes people do make using the platform. If you avoid these common LinkedIn job search mistakes you will increase your chances of landing a great job.