Just a few years ago, employers based their hiring decisions on resumes, interviews, and solid recommendations.
But today, although those things are still important, nothing makes weeding out a candidate easier than social media. Once you’ve passed the digital screen, you then have to measure up to the nearly 400 million profiles on LinkedIn alone. How does your profile stack up against the competition?
Here are a few strategies some of the most successful professionals use to stand out on LinkedIn:
They Include a Photo…
Some of you aren’t sure which photo to feature on your LinkedIn profile, so you opt not to include one at all. This is a big mistake, because after an interview, even if the potential employer doesn’t remember your name, they will likely be able to recall your face when they see it in a photo.
But Not Just Any Photo
Recruiters associate the quality of your photo with your level of intent on finding on a job. “I’m looking for a professional and approachable photo,” says Elizabeth Becker, a recruitment manager for IT staffing firm PROTECH.
“An unprofessional photo is a sign that someone isn’t on LinkedIn for a job, and that’s fine. Not everyone on LinkedIn is looking for their next career move. However, when you are in the market for a new role, a professional headshot is key.”
