6 ways to give your LinkedIn profile the stellar treatment

There was a time when the first step in the job search process involved sitting down with a newspaper, first impressions were made through a firm handshake and impeccable presentation, and social connections did not extend as far and wide as they do today. In the modern world, candidates' digital footprints make it to the employer well before they do. 

In a study published by the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Researchers Rajiv Garg and Rahul Telang suggest although the web has put us in touch with an expansive internet community whereby we can connect with everyone we know, there is still a need to devise a method to convert job leads into actual offers of employment.

So we have rounded up six of the best tips to give your LinkedIn profile the stellar treatment. 

1. The right photograph

Choose a professional photograph that is right for your dream job. If you are unsure, take a look around to see the kind of images other people in the industry have posted on their profile. An attention-grabbing tip would be to publish a photograph of yourself in action. For example, if you are a learning and development professional, post an image of yourself conducting a training session. 

2.  An attractive headline

If you are in the job market then your headline should showcase your area of expertise. State a value proposition – try to be as specific as possible

3. Use words from your ideal job description 

Looking for a specific kind of role? Look at the words recruiters have used in their job description and sprinkle them over your LinkedIn in good measure.  

4. No buzzwords! 

The idea is to flaunt your creativity. There are many buzzwords that are overused and immediately put off for recruiters. Done to death are words like responsible, effective, analytical, and strategic amongst several others. 

5. Add multimedia 

It's great to talk about your work, but it's even better if you can show examples. So feel free add video and images where possible. 

6. Follow the leader

Become a follower of the organisations you are interested in. View the profiles of those who are already work for the company. Don't forget to connect with professionals from your field of interest and if you do not know them, find a common contact to introduce you.