With one new person joining LinkedIn every second (actual statistic!), I figure the chances are pretty good that when I'm researching a candidate, he or she will have a LinkedIn profile. Most of the time I’m correct and frequently a candidate’s LinkedIn profile is a rich source of valuable information which often provides me with ample evidence to reaffirm that this is the right candidate for the job. Sometimes, however, I find that a candidate’s LinkedIn profile is a bit like walking into an abandoned house where the absence of information is actually startling. Here are examples of what I mean:
The absence of one or two of these is hardly a show stopper, but when most or all of them are absent, it really makes me wonder why the person created a LinkedIn profile. Which then makes me wonder even further about the candidate. Fair? Probably not, but that’s all too often how HR people and hiring managers think.
So, if you do take the trouble to create a LinkedIn profile and intend to use it to help you in seeking that next opportunity, make sure to maximize the positive impression you make on a potential hiring manager by ensuring that your profile works in your favor. Take the few minutes to beef up the content and help visitors to your profile really see you at your best.
As always, we're interested in hearing how your job search is going. Feel free to contact us.