Social media has become a huge part of every job search. Whether you’re working with engineering recruitment firms in Chicago or going it alone, a solid professional presence is crucial to your success — especially on LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network.
Chances are, you have a LinkedIn profile. However, simply having a presence on the site isn’t enough to impress employers. In fact, certain aspects of your profile can work against you. Here’s a look at common LinkedIn profile mistakes you might be making.
5 Mistakes That Are Killing Your LinkedIn Profile
An Incomplete Profile
A LinkedIn profile has a lot of sections, so you might’ve skipped a few that seem less important — i.e., volunteer experience, courses, recommendations — but this isn’t wise. The more information you provide, the better your chances of appearing in your ideal employer’s search results. You never know what little tidbit of information could make all the difference, so share as much as possible.
Unprofessional Photo
Like most people, you don’t have a professional headshot. You probably think you can get away with using any good photo you have for your LinkedIn profile, but that isn’t the case. Unlike Facebook and other more laid-back sites, LinkedIn has a strictly professional vibe.
While you don’t need to splurge on headshots, you do need a profile photo that makes you look polished — i.e., no pictures from vacation or last Halloween. Dress in an outfit you’d wear to work and have someone take a photo of you standing against a plain white backdrop — i.e., a wall. Make sure the picture is clear and offers a close-up look at your face.
Bad Headline
At a maximum of 120 characters, your LinkedIn headline introduces you to prospective employers. This is your chance to share a snapshot of who you are and what you have to offer, so make the most of it. For example, instead of simply writing “Mechanical Engineer,” state that you’re a “Seasoned Mechanical Engineer With a PE License.”
Lack of Match to Your Resume
Potential employers conduct thorough research on candidates. If your resume is severely inconsistent with your LinkedIn profile, this won’t go unnoticed. A resume that says one thing and a LinkedIn profile that says another makes you appear dishonest. No one wants to hire a shady candidate, so this could cause you to be eliminated from the running.
Too Few Relevant Keywords
When employers search for candidates on LinkedIn, they use keywords and phrases specific to the job. If your profile doesn’t include them, they’ll probably never even know you’re out there. Avoid being passed up by making sure terms relevant to your branch of engineering are weaved into your profile content in a natural-sounding manner.
Searching for an engineering or manufacturing opportunity that checks all your boxes? As engineers ourselves, Premium Staffing, Inc. understands how hard it is to find the perfect fit. Get in touch today to make a plan for the next chapter of your career!