When my firm made a new hire recently, I requested LinkedIn profiles instead of resumes. Because it was for a marketing position, I wanted to see how extensively candidates were using social media professionally and to find out how well they were connected in the industry. I was really impressed by some of the profiles, but I also saw some common mistakes. Here are five that are easy to avoid:
1. Customize the URL rather than using the default.
LinkedIn allows you to use a custom URL for your name so that you can be linkedin.com/in/joesmith rather than linkedin.com/in/pub-246-8793. Changing the URL isn't intuitive though. You have to be in "edit profile" mode, then select "edit" next to the URL listed under your photo. Then, look to the far right, select "custom URL" and follow the prompts from there.
2.Leverage the professional headline.
LinkedIn's search capability prioritizes the professional headline when it is recommending your profile to companies searching for candidates. Using phrases that include relevant keywords like "Technical Director at Community Church" or "FOH Engineer for Live Worship" can make you more visible.
3. Use all the categories.
As I shared profiles with my team, many people came back with comments of "job hopping" on some of the candidates who actually had length of time with an employer. The problem was that many candidates listed volunteer positions under work experience which made it look like they had a series of short-term jobs. There are a lot of categories to enter information, but most you have to add to your profile. While in "edit profile" mode, look to the far right column for sections that you can add to your profile such as "Organizations" or "Volunteering & Causes" so that the information is in the right place rather than cluttering your Experience section.
4.Use the summary.
The summary is the next thing people read after the headline. Take the time to write a short paragraph on who you are and what you are about. It is an opportunity to create more connection than a simple list of job titles, dates and responsibilities.
5. Ask for recommendations.
Recommendations make you stand out--especially if they are from people who have worked with you before. The best way to get a recommendation is to ask. The second best way is to write one for someone you admire. Who knows? They might write one back.
