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How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Support Your Career Goals

10/26/2021

Almost 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but most job seekers are overlooking this valuable opportunity.

If you’re like many professionals, you probably created a profile and occasionally go back to add more connections. However, there is so much more you can do with this platform to advance your career.

Take charge of your future and attract more attention from potential employers. Try these tips for designing and using your LiInkedIn profile.

Designing your LinkedIn Profile:

Edit your headline. Start by writing a specific headline. Tell employers what value you add and make them want to learn more. Keep your audience in mind and avoid technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them.
Update your summary. Your summary is where you can add more details and showcase your achievements. Provide statistics to describe your impact. Add multimedia attachments like videos and work samples to help you stand out.
Choose your photo. Pick an image that looks professional and clear. Focus on your face and use flattering natural light.
Add keywords. Help recruiters and automated search tools to find you. Browse through job descriptions and resumes for keywords that are popular in your field and include them in your profile, including the headline and summary.
Choose your URL. LinkedIn gives your profile a URL, but you can change it to something that you like better or might work more effectively for you. If your name is already taken, use a slight variation with your middle initial or hometown.
Welcome recruiters. Is your profile visible to recruiters? Go into your privacy settings to be sure that you’ve opted to let them know that you want to hear from them. You’ll need to reset this switch every few months if you’re still looking.
Be consistent. Your resume is usually written for a specific opening while your profile is a more general statement. Still, you want them to be similar enough to avoid causing any confusion.
Check the meter. LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter to help you rate yourself. It will give you helpful recommendations about additional steps you can take, such as adding more information about volunteer work and foreign languages.

Using your LinkedIn Profile:

Gather recommendations and endorsements. Recruiters want to know what others say about you. Ask former employers and other contacts for recommendations. Use your endorsements to advertise skills that are in high demand. If you’re generous about helping others, they’ll be more likely to return the favor.
Write and publish. Share your knowledge and insights on the LinkedIn publishing platform. Develop a content strategy and use a calendar that will remind you to publish regularly.
Join groups. Look for groups in your subject area and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions. Avoid any temptation to over-promote yourself.
Monitor your connections. Stay on the lookout for valuable connections to add to your network. Send them personal invitations that will make a positive impression.
Encourage others. Think of LinkedIn as a community where you can exchange ideas and support. Comment on posts from other users and share them with your own connections.
Be discreet. While you’re working to raise your visibility, keep in mind that there may be times when you want to keep your job-hunting activities off view from your current boss and HR department. Change your privacy settings so you can control what information you want to make public.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile can make it easier for others to find you and help you reach your professional goals. You’ll increase your job satisfaction, and you’ll probably spend less time on the unemployment line. We can help you create an impressive LinkedIn profile that will help you stand out as a leader in your industry. Contact us today for a free assessment!

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Resume and Cover Letter Checklist

10/8/2021

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RESUME AND COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

Sending a resume that is professional, easy to read and gives a good overview of your skills will make a great impression on any potential employer. The same is true of a well-written and interesting cover letter.
Go over this checklist before sending your resume and cover letter:

Start your resume with a professional profile.

Take the time to think of a concise and original way to summarize who you are as a professional, and how your expertise makes you a leader in your industry

Provide the potential employer with several ways of contacting you.

Create a professional email address and change your voicemail if it is not a professional message.

Use bullet points and bold fonts to make the most important information stand out.

Most recruiters will not take the time to read your entire resume, so ensure what pops out at them is concise and strategic.

Use action verbs.

Instead of describing yourself as a dynamic person, make this strength come through in the way you talk about your accomplishments. Instead of listing your duties, talk about how you “managed” or “oversaw” a project.

The way you talk about your accomplishments is important.

On your resume, use concise bulleted points to emphasize the challenges you overcame. In your cover letter, avoid using sentences that begin with “I.”

Make your resume look professional.

Choose a professional font, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, Garamond, or Arial. Print your resume on high quality paper. Use a cream-coloured or off-white paper to stand out.

Less is more when it comes to your resume.

If an accomplishment or position isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider removing it. This is especially true of hobbies, student jobs, or volunteering.

Follow standard formatting on your cover letter.

Include your contact information in the top left corner, the employer’s information aligned right underneath it, the date, a formal greeting and a formal salutation and signature at the bottom.

Bring new information into your cover letter.

Rather than merely repeating information from your resume, explain how you heard about the position, why you want this job, and why you’re the best fit. Focus on what you can bring to the company.
Your resume and cover letter are the very first contact with a potential employer. Use them to your advantage to help you make a great first impression and stand out above your competition!

Ready to elevate your career? Contact us for a FREE professional Resume and Career Assessment!

https://bit.ly/3uScNst

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How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Support Your Career Goals

Resume and Cover Letter Checklist

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Success Blog

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Support Your Career Goals

Resume and Cover Letter Checklist

Author

Archives

Categories

Location

Hours of Operation - By Appointment OnlyOur location:3690 Walker Rd. Unit 1 Windsor, ONN8W 3S7Canada​Contact us:226-946-4038vrss@vrsuccesspath.com

Connect with us on our Socials!

Join our Mailing List and be the first to learn of our WORKSHOPS, EVENTS and DISCOUNTS!

Hours of Operation - By Appointment Only

Our location:
3690 Walker Rd. Unit 1
Windsor, ON
N8W 3S7
Canada

Contact us:
226-946-4038
vrss@vrsuccesspath.com