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Between a well-earned summer break and easily our busiest post-pandemic period, we have struggled to find the time to catch our breath here at Barron Williams. Not that we are complaining!
We are actively engaged in several high-profile briefs, most of which can be found on our Current Opportunities page, but one thing we have noticed is the number of candidates with a less than impressive LinkedIn profile.
Many will set up and then neglect but we think they’re missing a trick. Using LinkedIn when searching and applying for new roles can be highly effective if approached strategically.
After all, if you’re serious about your career and securing that next role, then surely it pays to utilise every tool at your disposal.
According to The Social Shepard, there are over 930 million users on LinkedIn, with over 61 million people actively searching for their next role and over 58 Million company profiles.
Their research goes on to highlight that there is an average of 101 applications submitted every second, over 3 million new hires per year and 67% of recruiters say that professionals sourced via LinkedIn are of a higher calibre.
A recent study published in Forbes also stated that those with a comprehensive profile have a 71% higher chance of getting an interview.
We like it at Barron Williams because it is one of, if not the, best way of networking with our audience, connecting with new people and building our talent pipelines.
However, not everyone is using it to its full potential, so these are our simple steps to help you and your LinkedIn profile find that next role:
1. Create a Professional Profile
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional. Use a high-quality photo, write a search-friendly headline, and provide a detailed summary of your achievements, experience, and career goals. Customise your LinkedIn URL to include your name (e.g. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbarron/).
2. Build a Network
Connect with ex-colleagues, friends, mentors, and industry professionals. The more connections you have, the wider your search network becomes. Always personalise connection requests with a friendly and professional message. Prioritise nice people – people who help, share and engage sincerely.
3. Job Search Settings
Set your job-seeking preferences to “Open to Job Opportunities” or use the “Career Interests” feature, which allows you to specify the types of roles you’re interested in. Make sure your location and job preferences are up-to-date. You don’t need the banner on your photo necessarily but always respond to approaches, you never know!
4. Use the Job Search Feature
Utilise LinkedIn’s job search function to find relevant roles. You can filter by location, industry, company, and job title. Save the positions that interest you for later reference. NB: It is still important to only apply for those roles where you are a good match to the job ad.
5. Join Relevant Groups
Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. Participate in discussions, ask questions, share your insight and network with your peers. Don’t underestimate the potential value of maintaining a high profile in your industry.
6. Follow Relevant Companies
Follow companies you’re interested in working for or applicable to your sector, as this will help you stay up-to-date on their latest roles and news. Also, if you consider approaching companies directly, keeping up-to-date with companies in your industry will help you target and prioritise those most relevant to you.
7. Personalise Applications
When applying for a role via LinkedIn, tailor your application to the specific vacancy. Write a brief personalised cover letter and highlight your relevant achievements, experience and sector fit.
8. Request Recommendations
Ask your managers or mentors to write recommendations for you. Positive endorsements will enhance your profile’s credibility.
9. Engage with Relevant Content
Share and comment on relevant articles, updates, and posts within your network. This will help you to stay visible and engaged with your connections.
10. Network Actively
Reach out to your connections, both online and in person, to express your intentions. LinkedIn is great for short, keeping-in-touch messages, to keep you front of mind, etc.
12. Research Companies
Before applying for a new role, take the time to research the company, its culture, and values. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interviews. Look at their social media output, there’s often great content you can reference during the selection process.
13. Be Patient and Persistent
Finding a new senior exec role takes time, so be patient and persistent. Keep refining your profile, expanding your network, and actively applying to suitable roles. You are your own Sales & Marketing Director – No one can sell you better than you!
14. Keep it Professional
Always remember that LinkedIn is a public platform, which means that anyone can view your profile and contact information. We like to see a little personality (hobbies, charities you support, etc) but keep it professional.
Remember that while LinkedIn is a valuable tool as part of your job search strategy, you should also consider using other search platforms, attending events, and reaching out the old-fashioned way to your network to identify opportunities.
Keep busy with positive strategies and tactics. Talk to good people in the sector(s) you’re known in. By keeping in touch with the right people, you’ll get to hear about the right opportunities!
If you’re looking to find or apply for a new role, then please feel free to Upload Your CV or call us for an exploratory conversation.
If you’re looking to work with a team dedicated to helping you find the right people to fulfil those crucial roles for your organisation, please use our Client Upload Form or call us today.
And if you’re not already, please don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
