When updating your LinkedIn account there is always the question, what will employers be looking for? The job market is so scarce these days that just an extra few previous employers on your resume could help you "one-up" your competition. Forbes has thought about this as well, and submitted an article with the top 6 "LinkedIn Tips". These tips range from using brand names in your descriptions, to personalizing your cover letter to the job you are seeking. These 6 tips could help anyone, but specifically a recent college graduate earn a few extra interviews, or get a job quicker than others. The tips are as follows:
1. "Actually read the job description"- companies and employers are going to want to see in your resume that you are knowledgeable of all the job details and what it will entail. Make sure you read and understand what this potential job will include.
2. "Customize your cover letter"- be personal in your cover letter. Any "generic cover letter" is not going to give you a boost. Employers want to know why you are the best candidate for the job, with details.
3. "Know that we will check you out"- employers WILL google you, and try to find further information than what is listed on your resume and cover letter. If you have previous employers who have gone out of business, or are no longer practicing, make sure you update your LinkedIn account accordingly.
4. "Boost your brand mentions"- with the mass searching for potential employees using LinkedIn, employers will use key words and do searches based on these key words. The more you use key words and brand names, the more your profile will come up during the search.
5. "Using a connection or connection words"- as with all levels of work and networking, connections are what matters. The more people you know, the better chance you have of getting a job. Network with people and try to get closest to the hiring manager and this will help your chances of getting a job.
6. "Get to the point quickly"- as it says, don't beat around the bush. Employers want to know that you are serious about the job and not wasting their time. The more precise and specific you are, the easier it is for them to see that you are serious about the job and know your stuff.
Hopefully these tips will help anyone with a LinkedIn account who is searching for a job.
Does anyone have any specific examples of LinkedIn and how it has helped you find a job?
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/gyro/2013/02/05/want-a-job-here-are-six-linkedin-tips/
I think this is a very relevant and interesting post. I have not considered using brand names in descriptions on my resume before but it seems like a great idea! What exactly are 'connection words', though?
ReplyDeleteOne interesting thing that I have seen was a resume and cover letter formed and plastic wrapped into what looked like a bag of popcorn. The personal information and other information that would be on these documents were edited in the form of nutritional facts and ingredients.
ReplyDeleteThe moral of the story is that the person hiring is looking for something that makes the candidates stand out.
-Mitchell Anderson
My idea of "connection words" would be descriptive words, possibly any special degree you have, or anything that will set you apart from the competitors. I think the author was just trying to get across that you need to be descriptive in your profile, and not too vague.
ReplyDeleteI believe a "connection word" would be words that possibly connect you to the job a little better. As Samantha said a degree in the field will help your resume connect better to the job.
DeleteThese are great tips for a LinkedIn account. I have one, but I don't have it up to date or have anything relevant on there. A few potential employers have contacted me through it, so I know people look at this website constantly. Also, the recommendation section is new, which is a great idea. You can have past employers or employees write on your profile to help boost your credibility and work ethic. Just think of this site as a very up-to-date resume. These tips are good to know since some of us are getting ready to enter into the job search or internship market. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDelete-Lauren Gorowski