Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile

It goes without saying that a strong profile is essential to your LinkedIn campaign. It is, after all, what expresses the value you will deliver to employers. There are a few basic tenets to follow when constructing a profile:

It must be complete. This means having a background image, headshot photo, headline, summary, detailed experience section, education, your strongest skills, and other sections LinkedIn allows.

It must show employers the value you’ll bring to them through accomplishments relevant to your industry and occupation, similar to your resume.

It’s not your resume. This is a mistake many job seekers make. They simply copy and paste their resume to their profile and leave it at that.

It must be optimized to attract visitors, such as recruiters, through LinkedIn Search.

It must show your personality. Look at your profile as an online networking document. Write your profile in first-person point of view; perhaps 3rd person only if you feel it fits your personality.

Build a Targeted LinkedIn Network

I recall a client of mine who had a strong profile but was only connected to 80 people. When I told her she needed to connect with more people, she told me she only wanted to connect with people she knows.

Herein lies the problem: people need to connect with others they don’t know in order to get to know them. If you are someone who doesn’t embrace the concept of connecting with targeted people, your LinkedIn campaign will be a bust.

Who do you connect with on LinkedIn? Let’s look at some of the people with whom you should connect by tier:

Connect with Former Colleagues

Your first tier will consist of those you previously worked with, as they know your performance and probably will have an invested interest in your success. Many job seekers rely on their former colleagues as referrals to land their next job.

Connect with Industry Peers

Your second tier of connections should be people who share the same occupation and industry. You’ll have more in common with them than the other tiers. Let’s say you’re an accountant in the manufacturing industry. It makes common sense to connect with others like you. They may know of opportunities and provide great leads, especially if they’re currently working.

Connect with Decision Makers and Influencers at Target Companies

Your third tier can be perhaps the most valuable one– if you’re willing to do your research on companies for which you’d like to work. You will connect with people within those companies before jobs are advertised. This will give you allies in those companies.

Engaging with Your Connections on LinkedIn

We’re all familiar with the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” When it comes to engaging with your connections, your goal is to keep your network thriving in order to be top of mind.

This takes some work that many LinkedIn users are unwilling to do. I ask my clients to dedicate at least 20 minutes a day, four days a week to LinkedIn. If they’re good, every day is what I suggest. (Eye rolls.) But I’m quick to say it’s not difficult. For example, one can share:

an article that adds value to your network

an update offering advice or asking a question that elicits great responses

a photo with a witty caption

a shout-out to your connections

How do you get recruiters to notice you on LinkedIn?

To get recruiters’ attention, be proactive! Don’t just wait for them to reach out to you. Instead, do your research and connect with them. Send a connection request and make sure to add a personalized note. For example, compliment them on an article they wrote or even ask them a question about the company they represent. The important thing is to start a conversation with them and make sure you are memorable.

How should a beginner use LinkedIn?

After setting up their LinkedIn accounts with the advice shared above, beginners should focus on networking and sending connection requests. Again, be proactive! You want to get your name out there, make genuine connections with those in your industry, and participate in conversations happening in your feed.