3 Ways Maximizing LinkedIn Activity Helps Your Job Search

• Make sure it is up to date and accurately reflects your resume. Your profile and resume should tell a consistent story.
• Use a clear and professional-looking headshot. This is not Facebook; we do not need to see a picture of you and your dog playing in the backyard.
• Update your headline. Your headline, along with your photo, are the only items people see when they do a search. Use your professional title. This is not the time to be kitschy like “Professional Chocolatier”.
• Highlight your recent experience. Make sure your profile is clean and easy to read.
• Use an ample amount of skills to describe what you have done. This is how you will be found when recruiters are searching for candidates. You never know what that ‘magic’ keyword is going to be that recruiters are using to find candidates so make sure you are thorough when filling out the “Skills” section of your profile.
• Let hiring managers know you are available. Update your profile status to “open to new opportunities”.
• Customize your profile link. Your default URL is usually a portion of your name plus a bunch of random numbers. Change your URL to something more visually appealing like your name along with your profession.

Frequent and professional. It’s that simple. The more you interact and post as a professional, the more you’ll be noticed and start to build recognition (especially from hiring managers).

• Use the “Post” category to write LinkedIn articles. This gives you an opportunity to share your expertise. This is a great option if you haven’t published elsewhere or haven’t started blogging regularly.
• If you are not in a confidential job search, let people know you are available. Publicize that you are looking for a new role. You might be surprised whose attention you might catch or the amount of leads or referrals that are sent your way.
• ‘Share’ other subject matter expert’s work. If you are scrolling through your feed and stop at an article that catches your attention, share it. This shows that you are staying up to date with what is going on in your industry.
• Be active. Like, comment, and help keep conversations going.
• People want to do business with people. Show hiring managers who you are, but make sure to remain professional. Share pictures of you being actively involved in the community. Post pictures of volunteer work you participate in or if you have recently attended an industry conference.

• Become an active member of LinkedIn groups. This can help expand your network and possibly connect you to companies you want to work for. When searching for groups, look for ones that have a large member number and those that have had recent activity, otherwise you are wasting your time.
• Build your network. Add strategic connections. An easy way to do this is to import your email lists. Look for alumni associated with your college or university. This is a great way to make an introduction to someone who has a common interest.
• Investigate your future boss and coworkers. Before going in for an interview, check out the profiles of the people you will be meeting with. Find some common interests to reference during the interview; this shows that you have done your homework.
• ‘Follow’ companies that you are interested in. This is will help you stay up to date about company news and any openings that become available.
• According to Mashable, statistics show that most Americans use LinkedIn after business hours. Knowing this, try updating your status or making connections with people and companies after business hours.