Use LinkedIn to Finish First in the Job Race

This past weekend was full of big hats, fancy bow ties, and high hopes as we cheered on our favorite horses at the Kentucky Derby. I was personally cheering for “Creative Cause,” thinking it was a very suiting name for Profiles. But in the end, there was only one winner wearing the Garland of Roses.

Much like the horse races, a job opening can only end with one placement. So how do you set yourself ahead from the rest in the job race? As a recruiter for an IT and Marketing staffing agency in Baltimore, MD, I know of many resources that can help optimize your job search to the full potential. However, your LinkedIn profile is one of the best.

LinkedIn is more than just a place to post your current position. Use these 5 simple LinkedIn tips to secure your spot in first place!

1) Complete your Profile

It may seem so simple, but most members don’t completely fill out their profile. Employers (and recruiters) use LinkedIn all the time to search for new job candidates, so it is extremely important to make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Don’t just show your most recent position without any skills or education. Employers do not know that you actually had a very relevant internship before your current position, or that you graduated from their alma mater, unless you tell them. The more details in your profile, the more future employers can learn about your abilities.

2) Join Industry-Related Groups

LinkedIn offers groups for every profession and skill set (almost too many to choose from). These are great tools to stay current with news and trends in your industry and also to make connections with people relative to your field. To find the right group to join, search for a skill or software in your field, and choose the best from the results. Members post discussions, ask questions, and even post jobs to groups.

3) Change your URL

LinkedIn automatically gives your profile a URL with a bunch of letters and numbers. Instead, choose a custom URL for your public profile that is much cleaner. For example, mine is www.linkedin.com/in/marissanagy. This will help you look more reputable to people when they search for you, and also brings your name up in a Google search. This is important, because we all know that Hiring Managers will be Googling you when they prepare to interview you. Therefore, make sure all of your social media forums are clean and professional!

4) Create a Resume in a Hurry

So you have been comfortable in your position for a few years now, and haven’t spruced up your resume in quite a while. But a great job opportunity presented itself and you are ready to interview, tomorrow! Well LinkedIn actually has a very handy tool that will build you a resume based off the information in your profile (another reason it is important to have your profile complete and up to date). It will convert your profile to a simple resume that you can print out, export to a PDF, or share on other social platforms. There are 11 templates to choose from, with different design aesthetics. While this is a great instant resource, I highly recommend investing time into optimizing and writing a resume other than a computer generated format. Check out our past blogs providing modern resume and portfolio tips.

5) Research Career Paths

Do you have an eye on your next promotion or next career move? LinkedIn can be an easy way to search that next position and research the skills you’ll need. In the search bar, type the job title that you are interested in and browse through profiles of people in that position/profession. Take a good look at the positions they have held and the steps they took to reach that level. Do you see yourself on the same path? If you need help in determining your next career move, a Profiles recruiter can assist you with your search and provide guidance along the way.

LinkedIn is a free and easy tool that most aren’t using to the true potential. In reality, it can act as your biggest cheerleader and separate you from other candidates in the race. After implementing these easy tricks, all bets will be on you in your next candidacy. Good luck!

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Author Name – Marissa Nagy
Title – Recruiter
Location – Baltimore, MD
Twitter – @MarissaNagy
Byline – Marissa joined the team as a Recruiter in the beginning of 2012, bringing with her experience in advertising and sales, and enjoys learning new trends about the industry. Originally from Pennsylvania, she’s excited to travel and explore her new city of Baltimore.
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