linkedin secrets

I’m sure you’re already well aware of the great resource that LinkedIn can be to your job search, but did you know there are actually a few things you can do on LinkedIn that will help you to be noticed by recruiters? Here are three little-known facts about LinkedIn that will help you increase your visibility and receive more interest from recruiters and employers. Related: 7 Tips To Best Utilize LinkedInRecommendations Matter The majority of job seekers utilizing LinkedIn do not realize the importance of having recommendations on their profile. Whenever you apply for a position that is posted on LinkedIn the employer receives a snapshot of you with that application—not your full profile. Here’s an infographic that outlines exactly what an employer or recruiter sees when you apply to their job posted on LinkedIn. On that snapshot they’ll see how many recommendations you have on your profile. 90% of people have 0 recommendations, which means there is no third party to validate your experience, what you offer a potential employer, or what you’re good at. Most people do not provide recommendations without being asked. Make sure you ask for them. LinkedIn recommendations are verifiable references that potential employers can read that support your personal brand—and they have a positive influence on recruiters and employers. Story Vs. Resume A common misconception I hear from job seekers often is the belief that their LinkedIn profile must mirror their resume exactly. The belief is that employers are looking for an exact match between the two, and if they don’t match up, then it will send up a red flag. This simply is NOT true. In fact, I’ve spoken with hundreds of recruiters and employers, and they tell me they go to LinkedIn to find out MORE about you. How can they find out more about you and what you do if all you’re giving them is what they’ve already read on your resume? On the contrary, give them more! There are countless studies that tell us the effectiveness that stories have on our brains and their ability to engage us and to help us remember. Write your career story in your LinkedIn profile. Use the summary to share with recruiters why you do what you do, why you’re great at it, and how you got to where you are and what you want to do next.