When you're ready to start looking for a new job, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can attract recruiters, connect you with potential employers, and showcase your skills and experience to a broad audience. Our recommendation to all candidates we work with is to imagine your LinkedIn profile as your own personal website. But what does a good LinkedIn profile look like, and how can you optimise yours to stand out? Here’s a guide to transforming your LinkedIn profile into a compelling professional portfolio.
Your headline is more than just your job title; it's a brief snapshot of who you are as a professional. Use this space to highlight your key skills, current role, and what you're passionate about. For example, instead of just "Mine Manager," you could write "UG Mine Manager with Ex-Pat experience in 3 countries." Or if you are a Processing Manager you could write “Base metal flotation processing specialist with 15 years experience”.
The summary section, or "About" section, is your chance to tell your story and highlight your experience. Write a concise, engaging summary that highlights your career achievements and skills.
Think of achievements you are proud of and add a short fact-based sentence such as “increased production by x%” or increased recovery rate by x% or delivered a project x$ under budget and X days ahead of schedule.
Be sure to include relevant keywords that recruiters might use to find candidates like you. For instance, mention specific methods or processes or equipment you've worked with, such as "Sandvik equipment" or "Longhole Stoping" “Block cave” “CIL” etc.
If you are an Ex-Pat then add the countries you have worked in and your experiences such as training and mentoring national workforces. Be sure also to add mine / project names as well as the company names.
LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills on your profile. Be strategic about the skills you highlight, focusing on those that are most relevant to the jobs you're interested in. Include both hard skills, like software proficiency or technical expertise, and soft skills, like leadership or communication.
Recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients can significantly enhance your profile. They provide social proof of your skills and work ethic.
Reach out to individuals who can speak to your professional strengths and ask them to write a brief recommendation highlighting specific accomplishments or attributes.
Being active on LinkedIn can increase your visibility and demonstrate your engagement in your industry. Share articles, comment on posts, and publish your own content to showcase your expertise. This not only helps you stay top of mind with your network but also attracts the attention of potential employers and recruiters.
A customised LinkedIn URL looks more professional and is easier to share. It can also make it simpler for others to find you. Go to the settings of your LinkedIn profile and create a custom URL, ideally using your name or a variation that includes your profession.
LinkedIn offers several features specifically designed to help you in your job search. One of these is the "Open to Work" setting, which can signal to recruiters that you're looking for new opportunities. When you activate "Open to Work," you can choose whether to display a visible banner on your profile picture.
Be mindful of how public you want your job search to be, as this banner can be broadcast to your entire network if you choose that option. However, LinkedIn does offer an option to share this information with recruiters only, while hiding it from your current organisation. This means that while recruiters at other companies can see you're open to new roles, your current employer cannot.
Additionally, you can use the "Career Interests" section to specify the types of roles you're interested in, preferred locations, and more. This helps recruiters find you based on your specific interests and career goals.
Most importantly, make sure to keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your latest achievements, skills, and experiences. Regularly revisiting and refining your profile ensures that it reflects your most current professional story and keeps you prepared for any opportunities that come your way.
A well-optimised LinkedIn profile is a crucial asset in your job search. By showcasing your skills, achievements, and professional story effectively, you can attract the attention of recruiters and potential employers, opening the door to new career opportunities.
A verification badge helps you signal authenticity and build trust, giving others more confidence to reach out. LinkedIn data shows that verified members organically see higher profile views and engagement. Currently, LinkedIn supports several forms of verification.
Finally, make sure your photo is recent and represents what you look like. Lighting is more important than the camera and keep the background simple.
