You spent hours creating and polishing your LinkedIn profile. The only trouble? That was two years ago. You haven’t given it much thought since then.
The problem with this kind of hands-off approach is that you’ve fallen off the radar. That means hiring managers and recruiters in Kansas City aren’t going to be able to find you. If you’re about to launch a new job search, it’s an issue, especially considering that according to one Jobvite survey, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and evaluate candidates.
But here’s the good news: you can take steps now to enhance your profile and get more eyes on your experience. Here are some easy tips and tricks for taking back the reins today:
Focus on your headline and job titles first.
These weigh heavily into LinkedIn’s search algorithm. Not only that, but most recruiters and hiring managers search for candidates using job titles. The more relevant yours are, the easier you’ll be to find.
Upload a new photo.
If it’s been a few years since you’ve added a fresh picture, or if you don’t have one at all, then make sure you upload one. Recruiters and hiring managers are more comfortable contacting you when they can put a face to your name. In addition, those profiles without a photo generally come off as incomplete at best and fake at worst. You don’t need to have a glamour shot taken at an expensive photographer. Simply post an image of you smiling and looking professional.
Optimize your profile with keywords.
You won’t come up in a recruiter’s search if your profile isn’t optimized with the right keywords. For instance, if “bookkeeping” is one of your skills and the type of job you’re looking for, then make sure that keyword is used throughout your profile, especially in the “Skills” section. If you’re not sure which others to incorporate, take a look to jobs you’re qualified for and interested for inspiration.
Re-ignite your networking efforts.
If you’re like many professionals, you had every intention of building a solid network when you first signed up for LinkedIn. Then life and work got in the way. But the more you put yourself out there, the likelier it is for hiring managers and recruiters across Kansas City to find you.
For instance, many times those looking to hire join industry “Groups” in search of top talent in a certain field. So find a few groups that interest you, sign up and get active.
Consider turning on Open Candidates.
Open Candidates is a feature that privately signals to recruiters that you’re open to a new job. It’s hidden from recruiters at your own company, as well as affiliated company recruiters. (That said, it’s no guarantee your employer won’t find out about your search.) If you do want to take advantage of it, though, you can find it in the “Preferences” section on the LinkedIn Jobs homepage and then specify the types of jobs and companies you’re seeking.
Ready for job search help from expert recruiters in Kansas City?
Put the team at Morgan Hunter to work for you. We’ll take the time to learn about your background and career goals, then connect you with great-fit opportunities at leading companies throughout the area. Contact us today to learn more or search our available jobs in Kansas City now.
