PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Is Your LinkedIn Profile Serving Your Interests?
STANDING OUT
Many APEGA Members are feeling the pinch of declining oil prices, heading towards spring without full-time employment. Staying conscientious of how you present yourself to potential employers and your network of professionals is of even more importance than it normally would be. Platforms such as LinkedIn can help you build a professional network and increase your chances of getting the attention of recruiters and hiring managers — but only if used properly. We contacted Jennifer Miller, CARW, CPRW, CRS, from Professional Edge Resumes, about how APEGA Members can get the most out of their LinkedIn profile. As a certified resume strategist and five- time Career Professionals of Canada Award Winner, Ms. Miller helps professionals across Alberta optimize their LinkedIn profiles.
to your industry, such as news, analysis, or career milestones, can help showcase your interest and knowledge and keep you at the forefront of people’s minds. However, quality is far more impor- tant than quantity, Ms. Miller notes. Avoid posting cheesy quotes or anything related to politics or religion. “LinkedIn is for your professional network, so everything should be strictly professional. Save the rest for your Facebook page.”
Your LinkedIn profile is a marketing tool. It’s one of the easiest ways to reach potential network connections, as well as grab the attention of recruiters. “Employers are looking for value when they browse profiles,” Ms. Miller says. “They want to be able to quickly judge whether or not you’re qualified and suitable to work for their company.” Filling your profile with keywords and phrases relevant to your target employment can send the right message. Also, make sure the opening lines of your summary convey the value you offer. Your LinkedIn profile should showcase your accomplishments and abilities. “Take the time to fill out the skills section of your profile. Ask for recommendations from coworkers or past employers, and offer to return the favour,” Ms. Miller advises. “Recommendations hold a lot more value than skill endorsements.” Ms. Miller encourages professionals to ask themselves: “Does my profile show my value? Have I effectively highlighted my past accomplishments in a way that shows what I can do in the future?” Alberta’s future isn't easy to predict. But highlighting your value and expertise in your profession through an expertly crafted LinkedIn profile may well keep those windows of opportunity opening.
USING LINKEDIN TO NETWORK
LinkedIn has shifted most networking online. With groups related to interests and industries, and the opportunities LinkedIn offers to follow companies or thought leaders (and comment on what they post), there’s plenty of potential for LinkedIn users to reach beyond their usual areas. Before you reach out to someone to connect with on LinkedIn, “be prepared to answer the question, Why did you ask me to connect?” Ms. Miller advises. “Start by connecting with people you already know and trust, then branch out to individuals you have something in common with, such as industries or a group you’ve joined.” One of the things driving LinkedIn search result rankings is the number of connections you have. So, many is good, right? Not necessarily. The quality issue is at play here, too. Ms. Miller says: “The key is in maintaining your connections and communicating with those people who could further your career. Some people may have thousands of connections on LinkedIn, but if they aren’t using their network effectively, that number doesn’t matter.” Be assertive when networking on LinkedIn. “If you don’t connect with people within your industry, you could be missing out. Who knows what doors could be opened by connecting with certain people?”
BUILD YOUR BRAND
In the age of the Internet and social media, it’s easier than ever for employers to get background information on job candidates. Because it’s common practice for hiring managers and recruiters to search for a candidate’s name online before an interview, it’s “vital to create a positive impression of your personal brand, based on your online reputation,” says Ms. Miller. Your brand is made up of your Facebook posts and Instagram photos, your tweets, your blogs — and any other online presence you have. It can help you or hamper you. “If a well-developed LinkedIn profile is among the first few items in your search results, you will be presenting a professional profile that clearly displays your qualifications,” says Ms. Miller. Your LinkedIn profile should document your strengths and accomplishments. Posting frequent, relevant content related
MORE INFO Professional Edge Resumes is a Member Benefits provider with APEGA. Current APEGA Members receive a 15 per cent discount on the company’s services. Visit professionaledgeresumes.com
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