5 ways to create a dynamic LinkedIn profile

You’ve probably spent hours on LinkedIn applying for positions. You see the intimidating number of applicants applying for the same jobs you are and feeling like you have little control over the outcome of your efforts. And yet, 3 million people are hired annually through LinkedIn. So, where’s the disconnect?

The idea that simply working on your LinkedIn profile could affect not only your chances of being viewed by a recruiter but also how many reach out directly to you seems far-fetched. But the fact is when finding candidates for roles, 72% of recruiters search LinkedIn to find candidates.

As a job seeker, standing out is all about knowing how the algorithm works. Recruiters use search terms and filters to find the right candidates. Landing in a recruiter’s search results doesn’t have to be left to chance. By crafting a search-optimized LinkedIn profile, you can rank higher for the types of jobs you’re most interested in.

Here are five ways to create a LinkedIn profile that increases your chances of getting an interview and the job offer you want.

Ace the basics and achieve All-Star Status

LinkedIn algorithms are designed to prioritize users with complete profiles by ranking them higher in search results compared to users with incomplete profiles. Job seekers with complete profiles receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages. That makes it imperative for job seekers to reach All-Star Status to be most visible to top recruiters.

It might seem like a lot, but checking off the items listed below puts you further ahead of your competitors. So put strategy to the sidelines for now and get going! Make sure this key list is completed to round out your profile:

Profile Photo: A professional photo will get a user 14 times more views than other types of profile pictures. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression. Check out LinkedIn’s tips for picking the right picture.

Experience: Use this section to build your story of where you have been and what you have accomplished. List the value you provided and the difference you made while at your past companies.

Skills: For All-Star status, you must have at least five skills listed. Aim to keep them directly related to your expertise to keep your profile focused.

Industry & Location: This is vital as many recruiters find candidates on LinkedIn by searching the industry of the specific job description they are seeking to fill.

Education: Simply add in your education and any degrees you’ve earned and you’re set. This also gives you an opportunity to connect to fellow school attendees and alumni.

Connections: While you don’t need an abundance of connections, creating a modest network makes a difference. The more connections you have, the more people are likely to share, like, or comment on anything you publish on LinkedIn. Aim for a minimum of 500 connections. This opens your profile to more networking and job opportunities.

Create a dynamic headline and summary

Now it’s time to put a dose of strategy in your LinkedIn profile. The profile headline and summary are weighted heavily in LinkedIn’s search algorithms. A recruiter is likely to begin their search with specific job titles. Candidates with a matching job title in their headline and experience will appear higher in results. Your headline is 120 characters of prime real estate that can be the difference between you standing out from the crowd or fading into the background. It should be optimized with keywords both in your job description (if applicable), but also in your industry and expertise.

The summary (About section) allows for 2,000 characters and it’s your time to shine! It should mirror your resume, but be written in the first person and highlight what makes you unique. Whether you have a passion for storytelling as a marketer or an accountant with a proclivity for thinking outside the box, you must show your personality and your strengths through this part of your profile.

Avoid discrepancies that can later become red flags

Ensure the dates, job titles, or other facts on your LinkedIn profile match your resume. Discrepancies between your resume and profile could be red flags. Stay detail-oriented and avoid any inconsistencies.

The great thing about LinkedIn is that it gives you more space than a resume to explain those gray areas. If your role changed at one of your previous companies, you can easily designate dates and specific responsibilities for the various roles or provide a short explanation for the change (e.g. business shifted priorities; new role created). This might come up in your interview, but it’s another touchpoint for you to expand on something in a way your resume couldn’t do.

Recruiters read your thoughts

LinkedIn is a social network at its core. Posting meaningful content shows the level of activeness and professionalism that hiring managers look for in a candidate. Additionally, posting content that links to your portfolio or work examples is a great way to show your skills in an accessible way that anyone can view, including a hiring manager who might not be a LinkedIn connection.

Be careful about what you post. Political or overly opinionated posts can backfire when viewed from the perspective of the hiring manager. Pay attention to what you like, what you engage in, and what you comment on. LinkedIn is unique from other platforms in that the content you engage with is extremely visible to anyone that follows you — and even those who don’t.

Build your network

Have you ever received a LinkedIn connection request by someone you sort of knew professionally — but didn’t work with directly — and wonder, why did they add me to their network? Well, they are doing something right. Many job seekers limit their requests to those they only worked with closely, but the fact is that LinkedIn is a professional support network!

Creating new connections is an asset for future job opportunities, networking, and boosting engagement on your own LinkedIn posts. On the other side of the coin, avoid adding everyone and anyone, as they are less likely to accept and engage with your content and add value to your network. Also, like any social network, there are spammers and bots out there or people looking to inflate their numbers. While it’s great to make new connections, make sure to check out their profile before clicking “accept.” As a bonus, adding a personalized note on how you know them and why you would like to connect is a great way to make a seemingly nonpersonal interaction just a little more human.

Ready to start the job search? Addison Group can help. Our recruiters have been matching top talent with established companies for more than 20 years. Visit our jobs page or reach out to us today to find a job right for you.