3 LinkedIn Profile Do’s and Don’ts From Expert Recruiters

LinkedIn has over 300 million users and is the top professional networking platform online. Whether you’re looking to move up in your industry or start a new career altogether, it can be a massively helpful tool. Recruiters say that your profile is the number one reason they either contact you or move on to another candidate. Unfortunately, there are some major, and common, profile mistakes that can deter new opportunities. Expert recruiters weighed in and listed the following do’s and don’ts for hire-worthy LinkedIn profiles.

Do #1: Write a Specific Headline

Your headline sums up who you are and the opportunities you’re looking for. Saying you’re a “Hard worker looking for a job in technology” is too broad. It doesn’t tell recruiters anything about your experience or career goals. Instead, get specific. State the role you’re an expert in and the type of work you do. For example, “Print Sales Executive | Helping educational companies boost sales through multimedia marketing”. 

Don’t #1: Say You’re Unemployed

You only have so many characters in your headline and summary to sell recruiters on what you can do. Even if you don’t currently have a job, you’ve likely had some sort of work experience. This headline does a great job of demonstrating your background and intentions without stating your unemployment: “Experienced digital marketer open to new opportunities in software and development”. 

Don’t #2: List Every Job You’ve Ever Had

Only list work experiences that are relevant to the job you want. If you’re looking for a job in marketing, don’t talk about the time you were a house cleaner for a summer. However, do mention the social media page you grew to 5000 followers and the success of the Facebook ad you created. 

Do #2: Mention Specific Achievements

If you were the top seller at your last company, mention it. Even better, use numbers and statistics to demonstrate your achievements. For example, “Increased company revenue by 9 percent by securing 13 new clients in less than three months”. You can say you were a superstar at your last job, but it’s better to back it up with proof.

Don’t #3: Write a Wall of Text

You don’t have to be a copywriter to craft a stellar profile summary. All you have to do is be concise, accurate, and personable. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up your text. Your summary should be easy to scan and digest. Use the white space to your advantage.   

Do #3: Write in First Person

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t the same as your resume. It’s more personal and allows for storytelling. So, always write in the first person instead of third. It gives readers the feeling that they’re reading your words, not those of a stranger who’s writing about you. Also, don’t be afraid to show some personality. It’s what makes you unique! 

LinkedIn is a powerful networking and job-seeking tool. Millions of recruiters use it to find new candidates and employees. By crafting an optimized profile, you can impress recruiters and land your dream job. Follow the do’s and don’ts above when creating your profile, and don’t forget to browse our listings for new marketing jobs daily!