Benefits of having a profile on LinkedIn

Networking and Social Media have now become the most popular and effective way not only to fill a vacancy, but also to find one. More than 65% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their main source for finding suitable candidates, and even more use it to screen candidates, which means that how your LinkedIn looks can have a direct impact on increasing (or decreasing) your chances of getting the job!

Here are some of the benefits of having an up-to-date, well-presented LinkedIn:

1. making a positive first impression

When a hiring manager or recruiter reads your profile on LinkedIn for the first time, they usually form an opinion of you within the first 20 seconds. A professionally written and completed profile that includes up-to-date information about your skills and experience will automatically grab the reader's attention. Placing key achievements, examples of value-added projects and skills at the top of your profile will keep the reader's attention and create a positive first impression. Don't forget to include a photo - this will help humanize your profile and put a face behind the name. Remember that your photo is a representation of you. If you're applying for a corporate position, a photo of you at three in the morning holding a beer will not portray a professional image of the company.

2. be found

Not all jobs are advertised on job boards or company websites, which means you may never hear about them if a recruiter or hiring manager doesn't know you exist. Even if you're not actively looking for a new job, just having an account can make a difference in your career.

3. Networking

The benefits of LinkedIn are almost endless, with no downside to having a LinkedIn profile. Engage in forums, join groups and meet like-minded people. Best of all, LinkedIn is completely free. Looking for a job is a tough business, and applying to online job postings every day is a job in itself. From a job seeker's perspective, LinkedIn is another tool you can use to help give yourself an edge when looking for a new job.

Don't forget one important aspect. While the advantages and benefits of having a profile on LinkedIn can help open doors to opportunities that may not have existed before, having an incomplete or unprofessional profile on LinkedIn can actually have a detrimental effect and give a negative impression of laziness or lack of attention to detail. If you decide to create a LinkedIn profile (which I suggest you do) prepare it properly and take advantage of everything LinkedIn has to offer.

Not sure how to complete your profile? click here