How to use LinkedIn Effectively for Employability.

Make sure your profile image is appropriate, it’s visual so it will make the first impression to any potential employer looking to find out more about you. Your future employer does not want to see your favourite holiday photo from Facebook, or a picture of you on a wild night out! An in-focus image from the chest up, preferably on a plain background is much more appealing and makes a better first impression. You should also think about what you are wearing especially if you are using LinkedIn to find a new job. Consider if your choice of clothing is appropriate for the audience you are trying to reach. 

This is a key way you can help to build your credibility, well connected people stand out more to a potential employer. Consider keeping up to date with everyone in your Network, you could think about connecting with people you know personally, professionally and academically. If you have any professional qualifications or are a member of any professional institution it is equally important to connect and associate yourself with these networks too.  

Think about what impression you are trying to make. If you are employed, consider ways to make your headline stand out. If you’re not in a job at the moment this would be a perfect place to advertise yourself, your availability and what you are looking for. If you are looking for a career change it is also useful to put this in your headline too, so you don’t get approached by people with unsuitable jobs. If you are currently employed make sure your headline outlines what you have done/ are doing to make it easier for potential employers/ recruiters to find you, for example if your job title is ‘strategic people implementation manager’ however your responsibilities are that of an HR manager, make sure your headline highlights this to make it easier to be found.  

It would be an idea to see if you are following, displaying and keeping up to date with all your interests on your profile, this could help generate interest and help you stand out. You will be able to access more relevant content and information when you are associated with different groups and topics of interest, it will also enable you to connect with likeminded people, which could enhance your employability. 

Think about how much of your work experience is listed, this can help you find important connections. Why not list your skills? When you have more connections, you can get lots of endorsements. Employers may be looking at which skills your connections have endorsed on your profile, endorsement are a good way to prove your skills.