A recent study of hiring managers showed that 90% are using social media to research potential candidates. If you’re one of the millions looking for a job, it’s important that you’re easily found online. Give employers the information they need and direct them back to your LinkedIn Profile from your resume.
First, Ensure That Your LinkedIn Profile is Not an Exact Replica of Your Resume
If the employer is looking for additional information aside from that which is contained in your resume, it’s best to not repeat everything that is already on your resume in your LinkedIn profile. Utilize additional details you did not include in your resume, and be sure to use keywords and terms that are searchable so a recruiter or hiring manager completing a search on LinkedIn can find you.
It’s Okay to Ask For Recommendations
Make sure your profile is chock-full of professional recommendations from colleagues, former supervisors, etc. This way, when a potential employer is reviewing your profile they’ll find your recommendations—and it will only make you look all the better.
Create a Custom Profile Address
Instead of using the generic URL address that LinkedIn assigns to you, go into your profile and edit the URL so that it has your name in it. This way, the URL is shorter and looks more professional on your resume.
Where to Add Your LinkedIn Profile URL
The most common place to add your profile address is in the header of the first page. This gives the hiring manager a Web address to view—and the opportunity to see more detailed information about who you are and your career history. If the hiring manager is going to be researching you online anyway, you might as well direct them to information that you can control. Besides, having them read your LinkedIn recommendations only reinforces the positive reputation and brand you’re trying to build.
The moral of the story is: If you’re not including your LinkedIn profile address on your resume, maybe you should be. If 90% of employers are using social networks and online searches to dig up more information about you—the potential employee—why not provide them with the best information possible.
For a free LinkedIn profile analysis, send a link to your profile via e-mail to: megan@greatresumesfast.com.
To view professional resume samples, visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com.
Or submit your resume for a free analysis to info@greatresumesfast.com.
