I don’t have to tell you that there is a lot of “noise” out there in social media land, and getting noticed is becoming more challenging by the day. If you are a job seeker who has just started your search, it is likely that you are already feeling overwhelmed with everything that is available to you both online and from in-person networking events. Related: The LinkedIn Profile Checklist Every Job Seeker Needs Job seekers receive all sorts of guidance including conflicting—and often contradictory--advice regarding their resumes, cover letters, and interviewing strategies. One area in which most of the counsel is fairly consistent, however, is the advice surrounding LinkedIn. The consensus is that you must have a LinkedIn profile, and it needs to be stellar to stand out from the crowd. For a lot of people, LinkedIn is an embarrassing little secret. Most professionals know about LinkedIn and have an account because they have been told that they need to have one. No one has taken the time to explain to them WHY they need an account, however. As a result, there are a lot of incomplete profiles populating LinkedIn Land. Here is what you need to know beyond all doubt: If you have been lucky enough to make it through the Applicant Tracking System and a real human being is looking at your resume, one of the first things he or she will do is take a look at your LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have it ready for “prime time,” you will likely lose the opportunity to get the coveted call for an interview.
