If you’re looking for a job, one of the biggest tools in your toolbox should be your LinkedIn profile. It’s way more than just a professional version of Facebook (without the mess)! 

LinkedIn helps you connect with people — and helps people connect with you. It’s a great way to get advice on which companies are hiring, which friends and “links” can offer recommendations and referrals, and it’s also a way for companies looking to hire to find YOU and reach out! 

But your LinkedIn profile can only work as hard for you as you allow it. 

Here’s how best to utilize and update your LinkedIn profile as you set out to find a new job. 

•  Start with a great photo. Forget the images you have on your other social media pages.Your LinkedIn profile photo is incredibly important! You want something where your face (and, ideally, a smile) is easily visible, one that looks professional and personable. You want your face to make up about 60% of the circle when the photo is placed. And, in a throwback to pandemic times, be sure to smile with your eyes! 

• Use an engaging background photo for your profile header image. Again, the importance here is setting yourself up for success by looking personable and dedicated. Pick something that adds a little context to who you are — maybe a photo you took of your city’s skyline or, if applicable, something that pertains to your industry, like a painting or graphic you made if you’re a visual artist. It should compliment, not compete with, your personal photo and be easy on the eyes. 

• Your headline should be interesting and say something about you. Yes, you’re on LinkedIn because you’re looking to network and maybe find a new job, but you’re more than your career. What do you do? What do you like? Are you an eager reader who wants to learn all they can about cryptocurrency? Use that! Are you an emerging digital artist who loves the Adobe Suite but can’t wait to get back into working in watercolor? Are you a top-notch programmer who is fluent in all coding languages, including your own? Use the headline to tell a little about yourself but don’t limit it to just your current job title. Make it something that would get your attention if you read it on someone else’s profile.

• Use the personal narrative section as a summary of your passions and skills. The top portion of your page can tell potential employers a lot about you. Stick with the pertinent details but really tell your story! Why should an employer hire you — what do you offer that others don’t? What are you passionate about? What gets you excited to go to work in the morning? And what experience, skills and victories will you bring with you? You want to make them so eager to get to know you that the employer might reach out even before you start your job search — passive candidate contact is real! 

• Be specific. Keywords are important, but buzzwords need to go in the trash. Everyone is “excellent” and “exceptional,” forget “specialized” and “dedicated.” Maybe those words are valid in your case, but you need to use those words as a jumping off point, rather than the sum total of your description of your abilities. How are you excellent? In what ways are you exceptional? Prove your points and back them up with hard numbers when possible. 

• Highlight your work experience, educational background and skills. Remember, what sets you apart from every other application the hiring manager receives will be what you can claim that no one else can. Be descriptive and call out how you’ve gone above and beyond to get where you are today. 

You’ll also want to use various tools within LinkedIn to help expand your network — the more people you know, the more eyes will be on your profile! Ask for and give recommendations; share articles you find interesting and informative, offer feedback and insight. Don’t forget to look for groups that align with your goals and get involved! 

LinkedIn isn’t the only job searching tool at your disposal — if the search is taking a little longer than you’d like, call Davis Staffing! Take a look at the positions we’re working to fill now and then let us know which ones catch your eye. Our recruiters can help take it from there! Call Davis Staffing today and let’s get to work.