LinkedIn has been around for 20 years. That’s a long time for a job-hunting-turned-social-media site. In the past, most of us would simply upload a resume, format it for LinkedIn, and let it ride as our profile. Back then recruiters would only be seeking candidates in your area for mostly onsite employment. But with the rise in work-from-anywhere and freelance opportunities, it’s unfortunately no longer as easy as it once was to be found on LinkedIn.
Don’t lose hope, though! Because LinkedIn operates a lot like Instagram and Facebook, jobseekers who put in the effort will find that some of the “work” they do to get noticed is actually fun. Here are some ways you can boost your visibility for recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn:
Optimize your Profile—and Keep it Updated!
- First, research the SEO keywords you’ll need to use for your desired job and incorporate them into your resume. As you search for new jobs, you can use your most desired job descriptions to help you add relevant keywords to your profile. You can also use AI, asking ChatGPT “I’m looking for work as a _______, what are the most in-demand skills that I need to list on my resume?” You might be surprised to find that robots are very helpful. If all else fails, read through the job description of a dream role and paraphrase the points that you did in your previous roles.
- Make sure your most applicable skills are front-and-center, your sentences are scannable, and that your info reflects the success that’s quantifiable within work experiences.
- Providing statistics and achievements is really important to help you stand out. Reach out to former coworkers for this information if you don’t have it—and while you're chatting with them, it can't help to mention you’re available for new opportunities.
- Speaking of, be sure you’re letting recruiters know you’re open for work by filling out the “Open To” button prompts under your name.
- Update your profile constantly. Keep up-to-date with new and trending skills by taking courses and listing certifications. This will show hiring managers that you’re an engaged learner who stays on top of industry trends.
- Be your authentic self. Make sure your profile picture and background are on-trend, too, especially if you’re a visual artist. It’s a great place to showcase some more of your work.
Actively Post and Engage with Communities
- This is the fun part—post about anything interesting that’s relevant to your industry. Begin discussions by posting interesting questions about your field or the state of your work. The post could even be about yourself and the opportunities you’re looking for! Posting is a great way to keep yourself top-of-mind within your network. Be sure to research and use relevant hashtags in your post, too, so strangers can find you.
- Join groups that you’re interested in and engage with their posts. Feel free to ask questions, take polls, and keep conversations going. This is a great way to introduce yourself to strangers and broaden your network.
- If you feel comfortable, offer to swap recommendations from former or current colleagues that you trust. Both of you will benefit and increase your visibility!
Be Strategic While Networking
- As we’ve covered, it’s important to do your research first on the recruiters and hiring managers you want to connect with before ever reaching out.
- When you find the right people to network with, send them a thoughtful message that’s short and to the point about who you are, what you do, where you’re located, and what position you’re interested in. Then offer something in return—like a coffee date (you’re buying!) or to help them fill other job roles through your personal network. Networking should be mutually beneficial in order to be ongoing and successful.
Bonus Tip: Consider Linkedin Premium
- We know, this part is totally optional and, TBH, not an option for anyone with limited means. But if you are thinking about investing in Linkedin Premium, it would allow you to see who is looking at your profile, and provide ways to upskill, all while offering a little boost to your visibility. Then networking becomes a little easier. You could always do this for a month or two, to see if it is helpful. If not, at least this subscription could be a tax write-off and you can cancel at any time.
TLDR; Ensuring that you’re visible on Linkedin takes the same amount of grit and effort as any other social media site. But if you’re willing to keep your profile optimized regularly, engage often with posts, and tap into networks strategically, you can definitely boost your chances of being discovered on Linkedin.
Another place to find great jobs? Right here at Artisan!