How to LinkedIn

What's a message without the messenger? A lot of recruiters tend to forget that their presence on LinkedIn plays a crucial role in the talent attraction process. However, amidst the digital noise, they might overlook the fact that recruiters are not just conduits for job opportunities but representatives of the company's culture and values. A recruiter's LinkedIn profile is, in essence, the window through which potential candidates glimpse the organization. It serves as the first point of contact, making the recruiter not just a messenger but a living embodiment of the company's ethos.

The rise of the corporate ambassador

"In 2024, as corporations increasingly leverage the power of individual influencers, we witness a transformative blend of personal charisma and brand identity, reshaping marketing at its core." - Alex Johnson, Marketing Analyst and Author of 'The New Age of Influence'.

An active and well-crafted LinkedIn profile can function as a powerful tool for recruiters. It provides an opportunity to showcase the company's unique culture, highlight employee success stories, and share insights into the work environment. By doing so, recruiters can humanize the organization, transforming it from a faceless entity into a vibrant community where individuals thrive. Moreover, the messenger-recruiter relationship is reciprocal. Just as recruiters evaluate potential candidates, candidates also assess recruiters based on their online presence. A compelling LinkedIn profile not only attracts talent but also signals professionalism, expertise, and approachability.

"Corporate influencers are redefining employer branding on LinkedIn, providing a human face to HR policies and corporate values, and thereby significantly impacting recruitment and employee engagement." - Lisa Huang, Senior HR Manager at Tech Innovate.

How can I become more present on LinkedIn?

First things first - it's always good to have a complete and nice looking profile. Therefore, complete your profile: Aim for a 100% completion ("All-Star" status) as suggested by LinkedIn.

Professional Headline:

Craft a headline that not only states your current position but also reflects your expertise or the value you bring. This headline should be attention-grabbing and make it clear what you can offer. This "header" is important as this is the first thing people see (even before they go to your profile) and it's also affecting your "searchability" - meaning: LinkedIn algorithm searches your header before your profile text for relevant keywords.

Engaging Summary:

Write a summary that tells your story, showcases your personality, and outlines your professional journey. Use it to highlight your achievements and aspirations. Remember, this is your chance to make a strong first impression.

1. Incorporate Humor and Likability:Start with a light, humorous touch. This could be a witty remark related to your industry or a playful comment about your work ethic.Example: "Accountant by day, amateur comedian by night. I balance spreadsheets and punchlines with equal finesse."
2. Share Personal Insights:Include details about your hobbies or interests outside work. This not only humanizes your profile but also provides an easy icebreaker.Example: "When I'm not crunching numbers, you'll find me crunching trails on my mountain bike."
3. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements:Use specific, measurable achievements to demonstrate your impact.Example: “Revolutionized our content strategy, resulting in a 40% increase in online engagement.”
4. Use Optic and Linguistic Triggers:Structure your content for easy reading. Use bullet points, emojis, or bold text to highlight key points.Employ linguistic techniques such as alliteration, metaphors, or rhetorical questions to make your summary more memorable.Example: “?? Leading teams to triumph, transforming tech troubles into tech triumphs.”
5. Customize Your LinkedIn URL:A customized URL not only looks more professional but is also easier to remember and share.Example: Replace the default URL with something like linkedin.com/in/[YourName]-[YourProfession].
6. Be Bold and Different:Avoid clichés and common phrases. Craft a summary that reflects your unique personality and professional style.Example: “I don’t just manage projects; I shepherd ideas from the brainstorming pasture to the success summit.”
7. Use Active Voice and Simple Sentences:Write in an active voice to make your summary more engaging and straightforward.Keep sentences short and to the point for better readability.Example: “I lead marketing teams with a focus on innovative strategies and clear, impactful communication.”
8. Avoid Spammer-like Text:Stay away from overused buzzwords and excessive jargon.Be genuine and authentic in your writing.Example: “Passionate about creating marketing campaigns that resonate with real people, not just data points.”

9. aaaaaaand use the right keywords:

People will susally just scan your profile rather than read it. Therefore, it's important to include the "right" keywords. I have gathered a selection of "high performer" keywords I would source candidates for and it's up here for download:

Banner:

A Banner is the perfect opportunity to showcase what you stand for (or what your company does). Here's your chance to display a collage of team events, benefits or things you stand for. If you don't want to use your company's, you can create your own, following these tips:

1. Selecting a Template in Canva:Go to Canva and search for LinkedIn banner templates.Browse through the options and choose one that resonates with your professional identity and industry.
2. Customizing Size:Ensure your chosen template is or can be adjusted to the recommended size of 1584 x 396 pixels. This is critical for optimal display on LinkedIn.
3. Reflecting Your Professional Brand:Select images, graphics, and design elements that align with your industry or role. For instance, a tech professional might choose a design with a digital or futuristic theme.
4. Using High-Quality Images:Make sure all visual elements are high resolution to avoid a pixelated appearance. Canva offers a range of quality images you can use.
5. Consistency in Color Scheme:Choose colors that complement or match your profile picture and overall LinkedIn theme. Consistent color schemes provide a cohesive and professional look.
6. Incorporating a Value Statement:Add text to your banner that succinctly captures your professional ethos or value proposition. Keep it brief, impactful, and legible.Example: “Transforming Challenges into Opportunities | Data-Driven Marketing Strategist”
7. Adding Contact Information:If you're open to networking or job opportunities, consider adding your professional email or website URL. Place this information discreetly but legibly on the banner.

Appearance attracts...

....but character holds on. It's not only important to maintain a professional looking LinkedIn profile but also to network, engage and create content. In the digital realm of professional networking, a polished LinkedIn profile is your first handshake, your digital business card. It's what draws people in. But what keeps them engaged, what builds lasting connections and opens doors to new opportunities, is the substance behind the style. Your character, conveyed through how you interact and contribute on the platform, is key. Here's a quick guide on how to draft the perfect LinkedIn post. Of course, everything you do online (including your writing style and everything from when you pot to how often you post should feel authentic)!

Networking with Purpose: Building a network isn’t just about adding connections. It’s about finding people who share your professional interests and values. Reach out with personalized messages, show genuine interest in their work, and keep the conversation going beyond the initial connection.

Engaging Meaningfully: Comment on posts, share insights, and participate in discussions. Engagement shows that you’re not just there to broadcast your achievements, but to be an active part of a community. Your comments and insights can be as revealing of your character as your own posts.

Creating Impactful Content: Share articles, write posts, or even publish your own articles on LinkedIn. Your content should reflect your professional insights, opinions, and experiences. This is a powerful way to establish thought leadership and add value to your network.

Staying Authentic: In all your interactions and content, stay true to who you are. Authenticity is compelling and fosters trust. People are drawn to those who are genuine and transparent in their professional dealings.

Learn more DOs & DON'Ts in my webinar "How to own your brand on LinkedIn"!

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Hi, I am Sandra, founder of?itsatalent.business???.?I'm always here to chat about all things talent sourcing & attraction, employer branding, and the future of recruitment. If you have questions, insights to share, or just want to connect, drop me a line. Let's continue this conversation!

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