With millions of Americans facing an uncertain job future, resumes, profiles and work history are high on the priority list. There is no question that technology and social media have changed the way that many employers search and find new talent. So if you’re thinking of changing employment or are currently searching for a new position, having insight on what employers look for is valuable information that can make the difference between a call-back and a rejection letter. Connecting you with meaningful employment is part of our mission here at Job Connection. So let’s review some key tips for a professional LinkedIn profile and an effective resume.
According to Inc Magazine, a leading question that many employers have is regarding a candidate’s background beyond the resume. And many use social media as a litmus test for finding red flags or deal-breakers. One statistic cited in the article states that 54% of employers surveyed revealed that they made a decision not to hire someone based on their social media. So what steps can you take to improve your social media profile so that it accurately reflects who you are while appearing attractive to employers?
Let’s talk about LinkedIn, as it has become one of the leading networking sites for employment.
Linked In Tips For a Better Profile
Tip #1: Ensure Accurate Contact Info
This seems like a no-brainer but many people fail to upload accurate and updated contact information. This also means including various forms of communication like phone numbers, email addresses, or even personal websites.
Tip #2 Include a Professional Picture
Your LinkedIn profile should have a professional photo that does not include your puppy, significant other, or grandma. Keep your profile looking professional and clean.
Tip #3 Customize Your URL
It’s a simple addition but it can make a difference. You can customize your profile URL so that it appears more professional and is added to your email signature.
Tip #4 Take Your Time With Experience Listed
It can be tedious to set up a full profile that lists your past employment and a description. Many people skip this step or only list past employers with no description. Employers often scan looking for keywords and phrases that list particular skill sets or occupations. Have between 2-5 sentences that clearly and actively describes your duties at each job.
Tip #5 Consider Your Headline and the Summary Section
LinkedIn provides 120 characters for you to use as a personal tagline. Use this space to write something eye-catching, interesting, and might set you apart from other candidates. Keep it relevant and professional to the work you seek.
Your social media presence is one thing. It goes without saying that if you are looking for work, you might consider not posting personal photos or inflammatory posts in other social media profiles. Not every employer checks this, but some do. And when they do, it makes an impression. Don’t make the wrong one.
Quick Tips for a Better Resume
Then there’s the meat of your employee profile, the resume. The resume or CV is an essential part of job applications. It provides employers with the information they need to assess whether you might be a good fit for the job.
Tip #1 Tailor a resume to an employer
This part can get tedious when you are applying to a lot of jobs. It might not apply if you are applying to very similar jobs, but if you are searching for employment in slightly different industries or looking for different types of work, you want your resume to keep the employer in mind.
Tip #2 Leave out Irrelevant Job Experience
Related to the above mentioned, when looking for new employment, stick with relevant job experience for the role. You might think that filling the page with job experience is a good idea, but that’s not always the case. For example, if you have three years of teaching experience, a new school you are applying to does not need to know that you worked at a coffee shop in your teenage years. Also, add the most important and relevant accomplishments first.
Tip #3 Do Not Include Wage Information Unless Requested
Generally speaking, your resume should not contain wage information about every one of your previous jobs. This might make negotiating new wages more difficult or provide information that isn’t necessary. If the employer requests it on an online application or something like that, then they usually ask for an acceptable range.
Tip #4 Keep it Simple and Clean
Sometimes less is more. Stick to attractive but simple fonts. Don’t add colors to the resume. Keep a consistent format. Better yet, use a template that gives you the consistency and structure needed. You can find clean templates online.
Tip #5 Browse and Use Examples as a Guide
There are different templates and examples of resumes out there. One essential note is to choose a template that highlights your strengths and serves the type of job you are applying for. You can find plenty of examples online to guide you.
Get Connected With the Right Opportunity With Job Connection
Here at Job Connection, we do the heavy lifting for you and put you in touch with opportunities that fit your skillset and desired work. It can be difficult to connect with employers online and find the right opportunity. We got you covered. Let’s talk about your future. Contact Job Connection and find a new opportunity for you.
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