Updates

Optimising your LinkedIn profile to stand out from the crowd

Posted on 16-06-22 by Jack Woolsey

LinkedIn is the most widely used platform by hiring managers and recruiters looking for new talent.  When searching for prospective candidates, they use a number of criteria to search for people who skills match those of the job.   

So when you are looking for a new role, how do you make sure you are seen and don’t miss out on your dream job?

Clear Edge director, Terry Batty provides his top 10 tips for optimising your LinkedIn profile and improving your chances of standing out from the crowd…

1. 1. Make sure you use the most obvious and relevant industry code relating to the industry you work in. For example, if you work in iGaming or Sports Betting then select Gambling & Casinos, rather than Entertainment or Computer Software.

2. 2. Use a more generic job title that would be commonly used to describe your role. You may have a jazzy and exciting job title internally but think about how your role would be perceived externally. So, if your colleagues know you as Captain of Culture and People, you’re more likely to be found if you use the title HR Director or Chief People Officer!

3. 3. In the spoken languages field, include all the foreign languages you speak and keep this up to date with the correct proficiency level.

4. 4. If you speak English to a high level, then ensure your profile is written in English ahead of your local language. English is an international business language and any international headhunters are likely to be using English to identify suitable candidates.

5. 5. Ensure your location is up to date, and if you are willing to relocate, ensure you add as many locations that you will consider moving to as possible.

6. 6. Add plenty of detail to your role description which clearly outlines what you do. When a recruiter just sees the company name and job title they are having to guess a little if you are suitable or not, which can lead to them contacting you about irrelevant jobs, or worse still, missing you out for relevant jobs! This is especially important if you have a job title that can be used to describe roles with very different skills, duties and responsibilities, such as Product Manager.

7. 7. Ensure you add lots of key words into the text that a recruiter is likely to search for to identify you. For example, if you are a marketing expert, then ensure you add any channels you have experience of such as PPC, SEO etc. If you are a Software Developer, then include the coding languages and tech you are experienced in using.

8. 8. Keep your skills field up to date with your relevant experience that a recruiter is likely to be searching for, this can include specific sector experience within your industry. For example, if you work in the food & beverage (FMCG) industry as an Account Manager and manage grocery customers, ensure grocery, food, beverage, and FMCG are listed as a skill. Even better, list the specific product categories you have experience in, for example Dairy, Bakery etc.

9. 9. Let recruiters know you are open to opportunities by selecting this option. And when doing so, list as many relevant job titles and locations that match your experience and personal requirements.

10. 10. Follow any recruitment businesses or consultants that specialise in your industry or function. Then you will keep up to date with any relevant jobs being posted, enabling you to apply and not have to wait to be found and approached.

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