7 Things To Do When Using LinkedIn for a Career Change
Most white-collar individuals know exactly what LinkedIn does. It is an impressive tool for networking and job search with 467 million members worldwide. Imagine being in the same room with hundreds of millions of people where you can easily contact via InMail to introduce yourself or get introduced to someone. LinkedIn makes the business world small and flat, as everyone is within reach. This holds true for recruiters and recruiting.
This explains why LinkedIn is a superb tool for those who are considering changing careers.
Unlike a resume that is static and focuses on responsibilities, a LinkedIn profile is dynamic and focuses on achievements. It allows you to include a professional career summary in long form format and elaborate lists of publications, awards received, volunteer activities, various hard and soft skills, languages spoken, and recommendations from people who have worked with you. You can immediately update it as needed and have your All-Star Profile featured among recruiters if you join the Premium paid account.
A LinkedIn profile is a testament to your past achievements and an opportunity to express your wished in a future career. Yes, the latter is the most exciting feature and can be highly valuable.
Now, how can you attract the right people who can help in catapulting you to a dream career?
First, carefully craft the headline and the current position.
While LinkedIn would automatically include your headline and current position, you can also edit them personally. Include information that reflects what you wish to do in the future. If you wish to break into web development, but your experiences are mainly in marketing, type this in your headline: Web Developer with Marketing Experiences.
Second, include as many accomplishments as possible related to your dream job and past experiences.
The beauty of LinkedIn profile is the enormous space to include all kinds of achievements. Carefully craft the wordings to reflect professionalism and, whenever possible, how they are related to your dream job. Remember to include the links.
Third, support your list of achievements and professional and volunteer experiences with substance.
Include in-depth yet concise descriptions of each achievement and experience. Use the technical and professional terminologies related to them, to ensure your profile looks as credible and as professional as possible. Whenever available, including related links and images.
Fourth, include image logos whenever available.
Images speak thousands of words. If you have some affiliations with high-value brands, a few images will do a great job in convincing people of your trustworthiness. LinkedIn has made this process a lot easier. You simply type in the names of the organizations and the logos would emerge.
Fifth, ask for recommendations and endorsements from others.
Be someone with more than ten recommendations written by people who know your past works. It would look impressive to others and, especially, recruiters who might be on the lookout for someone like you.
Sixth, completely fill out your profile to reach “All-Star Profile” status.
This status means that you have completed all parts of your LinkedIn profile and had at least 50 connections. The more complete your profile page, the better your personality and skills are understood by LinkedIn members who visit your profile.
Seven, be active and published articles related to the skills required in your dream job.
Remember, focus on the future. If you are a marketing executive, who is considering to become a web developer, show off your talents and skills in everything related to creating attractive and well-designed web sites.
Stay focused on your dream career. Moreover, let your LinkedIn profile helps in attracting people who are looking for someone like you.
