Advice from a recruiter: How to sell yourself on LinkedIn

Posted June 15, 2021

LinkedIn has over 756 million members (and counting) and is arguably one of the best places to start when you’re looking to take the next step in your career. So, what’s the problem? Well, marketing and selling yourself on the platform can seem really tough in a world where everybody seems to be a self-designated ‘guru’, ‘ninja’ or other vague and quirky title.

If what you really need is a few actionable and helpful changes you can make today to increase your profile visibility whilst making yourself more desirable to recruiters who are actively using the platform to look for the best talent; we’ve got you covered.

1. Update your status

Of course nobody wants to advertise the fact that they’re job hunting to their current employer but LinkedIn’s functionality lets you subtly advertise your status as ‘open to new opportunities’ only to those advertising roles or using a recruiter license. Most crucially, your boss won’t be able to see it but the right people will.

This will put you in the direct line of sight of those looking to employ someone with your skills and be a good opener to the conversation.

How can I do this? Directly under your photo and name on your profile page is a section titled, Show recruiters you’re open to work. By selecting this you can give more information on the kind of roles and locations you’d be interested in working in.

2. Explain your career journey and tell us some highlights

It goes without saying that you should set out your LinkedIn profile like a virtual resume with all of your positions and the companies they were within listed as a timeline.

But don’t overlook the text you can add into these sections and the header you give yourself. Think about key achievements in each role and tell us about them in bullet point form, for instance if you:

– Lead a team of 12
– Grew my division by 50%
– Worked alongside business leaders and decision makers

Then above is exactly how you should present it to us!

Don’t shy away from telling us about how and why you moved from role to role. Potential employers want to know your career journey in order to find you something in line with your talents and ambitions.

Finally, use your profile header to explain where you are currently and where you want to be next. It’s as simple as that!

3. Create a network of contacts and groups relevant to your industry

We’re always impressed by someone who has a network of contacts that overlaps with our own as it displays your activity in the industry.

So join that networking group (LinkedIn has plenty of fantastic ones for every industry and location), send that connection request and make sure to connect with all the people you work alongside like colleagues, clients and other business contacts.

4. Share with and interact with your network

We know that not everybody has the time or the inclination to find and create content to share on LinkedIn regularly.

However, by updating your network on any key news, achievements or career developments you will increase your visibility on the platform whilst creating an online portfolio referenceable by any potential employer or contact.

5. Be more specific with your location – especially if you want to work close to home

As long-term flexible working becomes more prevalent and other organisations are relocating out of city centres be sure to update your location to a suburb or more specific area.

The benefit of this is that businesses will come to you with far more relevant opportunities if you want to stay working in your local area whilst also establishing your boundaries upfront.

If you’re looking to step up your career in 2022 the market is ready and waiting! Get in touch with one of our specialist consultants for advice and guidance today.