In today’s competitive job market, having a solid presence on LinkedIn is essential for job seekers in New Zealand. With over 930 million users worldwide, including a significant number in New Zealand, LinkedIn is a vital tool for connecting with potential employers and accessing job opportunities locally and globally.
As a recruitment company, we understand the importance of standing out on LinkedIn amidst the sea of profiles. That’s why we’re here to guide you through optimising your LinkedIn profile to maximise your visibility and increase your chances of landing your dream job!
Critical Elements of an Optimised LinkedIn Profile
When it comes to optimising your LinkedIn profile, several key elements can make all the difference in catching the eye of recruiters and employers:
1. Profile Picture and Background Image
Your profile picture is your first impression on LinkedIn, so make sure it’s professional and inviting. A clear, well-lit headshot and a background image that reflects your professional interests or industry works best.
- 9x times more connection requests
- 21x times more profile views
- 36x more messages
2. Update your Industry
Members with industry info are rocking up to nine times more profile views! Over 300k people search by industry every week on LinkedIn!
3. Headline, aka Your Elevator Pitch
Your LinkedIn profile, starting from your headline, should integrate keywords. A LinkedIn headline serves as branding, as it is the most noticeable part of any profile. The keywords you use in your headline will have a more significant impact on your SEO than the rest of your profile.
Most people only list their job titles. A great headline would be “LinkedIn SEO Expert for Small Businesses Needing Website Traffic.” The more specific details you add to your headline, the higher your profile ranking will be. A LinkedIn headline has a limit of 120 characters, so make every word count.
4. About Section (bio)
Use the About section to tell your story and communicate your career aspirations. This is your opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and expertise, so make it engaging and relevant to your target roles.
5. Add Recommendations and Endorsements
Gather recommendations from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to validate your skills and expertise. Endorsements for critical skills add credibility to your profile and can help you stand out to recruiters.
6. Tailored Experience Section
Customise your experience section to highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments with the company names and dates you worked there. Use keywords and phrases that align with your target roles, making it easier for recruiters to find you in their searches. Remember to add examples of your work as well in this section.
- Members who add five or more skills receive up to 17x more profile views
- Members who have their work experience up to date receive up to 5x more connection requests, 8x more profile views and 10x more messages
7. Volunteer Experience
Make sure you add any volunteer experience to your profile. Members who add their volunteer experience and causes, get up to 6 times more profile views than those without.
8. Job Seeking Preferences
If you are looking for work, make sure your profile is set to let hiring managers and recruiters know this. Click the Open to button on your profile and select “Finding a new job”. Also, go to your Account Settings and look at your Job Seeking Preferences. Let Recruiters know you’re open to opportunities and save a default resume within the Job Seeking Preferences section.
With the right approach, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for advancing your career in New Zealand. By optimising your profile to showcase your skills and experience effectively, you can increase your visibility to recruiters and employers and unlock new opportunities.
But don’t stop there – LinkedIn is also a platform for networking, learning, and staying informed about industry trends. Engage with content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals in your field to expand your network and enhance your job search efforts.
So, whether you’re actively seeking a new job or simply looking to boost your professional presence online, take the time to optimise your LinkedIn profile and watch as new opportunities come your way.
If you found this guide helpful, we encourage you to share it with fellow job seekers in New Zealand. If you’re making a career move, consider talking to one of our consultants or checking out our latest opportunities to get our assistance on your job search. We are here to help!
Source (LinkedIn)
