Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Page

We all want a job when we get out of college, thats a give in. But how fantastic would it be if the jobs found us instead? Thats what LinkedIn is for! However your not going to get that job with that nice vacation picture from two summers ago. You need to optimize your profile and make yourself look like an asset and that you are worth hiring. Its not as difficult as it sounds, I promise. In fact I have compiled a simple list that will help you get on the right track.

1.) Develop a Keyword Strategy: Attach keywords to yourself that you would like to be associated with, because when individuals or job recruiters are trying to find candidates this is how they will be trying to find them. *However keep in mind that most of the keywords you attach will be in terms of yourself rather than what a recruiter would typically search for. An example would be in your profile you may describe yourself as someone who is interested in digital strategy, but a recruiter would most likely search for digital strategist. Make sure you use this tip to your advantage.*
2.)Have a Professional Picture: This is very important because this is the first thing people see on your profile, and believe me they will make judgments. Make sure your picture is just of you, no cats, moms, ex girlfriends. Make sure you are wearing professional business attire. The picture should only be of the shoulders up so technically pants are optional for the picture, but really you should probably wear pants.
3.)Make a Vanity URL: Yes you are allowed to be vain, but in all honestly a vanity URL can really make a difference. A vanity URL is a customized link that you create that will lead people right to your LinkedIn page. I would recommend putting your name right in the URL, that way if someone searched your name say on Google your LinkedIn page will pop right up. Here is an example of a vanity URL: www.linkedin.com/in/KylieZywicki

4.)Make Strategic Connections: Linked in is not Facebook, the goal is not to have the most connections; think quality vs quantity. The connections you make are very important because they will be viewed by other professionals,recruiters, and possible employers, who you have on your connections list can either make or break you. You want high level established professionals preferably in the field in which you are looking to work.


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