GET THE JOB: 6 TIPS TO BOOST YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE

With a new year comes a new beginning and new possibilities. Whether you’re on the lookout for the perfect fit, or think it’s time for a change, here are a few top tips to help boost your LinkedIn profile – and ensure recruiters are not only noticing you but calling you to schedule the interview you’ve been waiting for.

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WHAT IS LINKEDIN?
If you haven’t registered yourself on LinkedIn, where have you been? LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. Use it to find the right job, form or strengthen professional relationships, or learn new skills. As of 2020, 72 million professionals actively use LinkedIn – that’s a lot of potential connections that could be your link to a new beginning.

SO, WHERE SHOULD YOU START?
To make sure you get the right advice, we spoke to Tamara Wolpert, GM and Consultant at VGP Recruitment, South Africa’s premier Marketing, Advertising, Media, Creative, Digital, and PR/Communications industry recruitment agency. Here are her winning tips.

Tip 1: Add a recent professional photo
It’s important to make a good impression the first time recruiters find your profile. Remember, the person on the other side of the search wants to get an idea of who you are. Your photo should make recruiters and employers interested in meeting you. Pay attention to your appearance, hair, clothing, and facial expression, and make sure you have good, soft lighting.



Don’t: “Stay away from bikini or party photos. These types of photos are unprofessional and won’t send the right message to recruiters. Instead, opt for a professional headshot. A smile will also give recruiters a glimpse into your personality,” says Tamara.

Tip 2: Use your headline wisely
“A good headline will help recruiters understand who you are, what you do and where you're based – at first glance. Use it to emphasise your title, and also expand on it,” Tamara recommends.

Here’s an example:
1. Add your title: Graphic designer
2. Then add your industry: Graphic Designer l Print and Digital Media
3. Strengthen your headline further by adding your location: Graphic Designer l Print and Digital Media l Cape Town

Tip 3: Regularly update your work experience
“Have you been promoted? Add it! Learned a new skill? Add that too! The more information recruiters have to assess your skill set, the better they can match you to the perfect job,” adds Tamara. Your timeline is a representation of what you can do and the value you could bring to an organisation, use it to highlight your work duties or any new certificates you’ve acquired. Then share it with everyone to make them aware of your abilities.



Tip 4: Update your contact details
You’ve updated your photo, included endorsements, and updated your previous duties and responsibilities – great! But how will recruiters get hold of you? Make sure you include the correct email address and contact number. Without those details, your efforts will be in vain.

Tip 5: Be active
When you comment, share, or ‘like’ other posts, it increases your chances of being seen in search results. “Remember that LinkedIn is a business platform, not a casual one like Facebook or Instagram,” advises Tamara. “Share content that is meaningful and relevant to your industry and network. A well-thought-out comment on a post from someone in your network will attract the right audience.”



Tip 6: Include endorsements
“A recommendation goes a long way to attract the eyes of a potential employer. It gives them insight into your abilities, your character, and your work ethic. Speak to former colleagues, especially those who were highly placed in your previous companies, or simply someone who knows you well in a professional capacity,” adds Tamara.