My Advice On How To Make LinkedIn Actually Work For You

By Lilian Wamaitha
Throughout your job search you have been told all the reasons why you need a LinkedIn profile.
And you have created a profile that you think will get you the attention you need.
But how many recruiters have contacted you through LinkedIn? How many head hunters have hit your inbox with a job prospect that they believe you are a perfect fit for.
It’s a sad reality that a majority of people don’t know how to use LinkedIn. This is why you will see almost the same similar thing on each profile. People are either unemployed, professional gurus (this is my best) or working at so and so.
LinkedIn released a list of the top 10 buzz words that most profiles have and as it turns out writing that you are skilled, creative, passionate or motivated may not be creating a very good impression on those looking to hire you.
The job market has become so competitive that employers no longer rely on direct applications. They are on LinkedIn looking for the most suitable candidates to fill the position even as you continue sending numerous applications.
Believe it or not, LinkedIn is the next big thing and if you are not there, you are really missing out on golden opportunities.
So how should you be using this amazing professional network? What should your profile look like and what should you leave out?
Quickly See This >>> 5 Reasons Why LinkedIn Is Not Really Working For You
1. Tell your story
For most professionals and active job seekers, LinkedIn serves as an online CV. But trust me it allows you to do more than just copy and paste you entire CV.
So what do you use all the space for?
Begin with a captivating headline
When you think about a LinkedIn profile, assume that you are talking to a friend and are explaining to them what you do. You wouldn’t use words like motivated or passionate, now would you?
A superb LinkedIn headline is one that positions you for the job that you want not the one you have. Here is where you remove HR Officer at ABC Company or Student at Nairobi University or worse unemployed or looking for a job?
No employer looking to hire will go and type “unemployed graduates” or “Communication Manager at Oracle.” Instead they will use industry specific keywords.
Add a little creativity when creating a headline. You want it to be memorable and to create an impression that you know that you want.
For instance, look at these LinkedIn headlines from real people. They are not only memorable, creative but catchy as well.
#1 Publicity Expert on Google, President, the Publicity Hound. Call & ask how I can help you with PR & social media
Wordsmith with proven ability to translate business objectives into communication strategies and tactics.
Quite possibly the only person on LinkedIn who isn’t a results-oriented team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Reliable pet-sitter who will find out and report back to you exactly what your dog is up to when you’re not home.
Copywriter who knows how to craft web content that goes viral. Oh, and you’ll never beat me at Scrabble.
The summary
The summary section is an opportunity to share all you insights on what drives you and makes you stand out.
Here you have more characters and can spin it into anything. Write in the first person to appear human and approachable.
However, don’t start you profile summary with cliché phrases like ‘results oriented’ because then you will just be one of million others using such a phrase.
Remember that only the first three lines will display on your profile and so you need to ensure that you capture attention for someone to click read more.
A catchy summary example;
‘Ex-lemonade stand CEO, CMO, and COO; ex-juggler; ex-college tour guide. Currently helping prospective home owners find their next dream place to live. (And still juggling when asked nicely.)”
2. Supplement your experiences
Your LinkedIn profile should be a narrative of your academic and professional experiences. Use it broadly explain about your past experiences, adding details that would not normally be found in a CV.
For example if it’s an internship that you took, instead of just passing what is on your CV, focus on the skills and accomplishments you made that are directly related to the job you are looking for.
On a LinkedIn profile two job seekers can have totally different profiles. One will choose to tell a story, explaining why they chose that particular internship, how it fits into their future career plans and other meaningful experiences that may not fit in their CV.
It’s up to you
From today onwards, stop treating LinkedIn like your online CV. If an employer wants to see your CV they will ask for it. Use it to tell your story and tell it in a way that you stand out. Don’t be afraid to be creative because that is how you leave lasting impressions. Use the examples given to craft your own outstanding profile today.
Lilian is a Communication Officer at Career Point Kenya. Do you have any questions regarding how to use LinkedIn for job search and to build a network? What stood out for you in this article? Reach out to me through the comment section below or my email lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke.