How your LinkedIn Application is seen on our side.

Here is a little piece I wrote for our brand new website - We've worked really hard to make it stand out. Do go through our video series and feel free to share and comment. Once again, thank you to all!

Your LinkedIn profile is no less important than your CV. It is a powerful tool that connects you to the job market and is your gateway to greater opportunities. Fact is, a recruiter spends an average of only 6 seconds on your application. This tells you how important it is to have a fully updated profile. Let me take you down to what we look out when we receive an LinkedIn application:

Most job seekers worry that their LinkedIn applications go straight to the bin without anyone to monitor them. I get about a 1000 plus applicants for every job ad. But trust me when I say this, I do go about each and every profile. So next time you apply, remember a recruiter has looked into you profile. If you haven’t received a call yet, do not be disheartened. You probably weren’t right for the role and that’s simply it.

• This might disappoint some but don't be surprised - we do take a second look at your profile picture. Though definitely not the deciding factor it does carry its importance. Try to keep a professional profile picture or one that meets in the middle. Avoid sunglasses, avoid fancy filters and definitely no selfies specially the hunched ones taken from your belly. Pictures from conferences, professional meet ups and seminars add value. Passport photos ? Well when do you ever look like yourselves in them.
• One thing I always look out for - your current location! If you’ve relocated to the country, the very first thing to do whilst you are in airport is to change your LinkedIn location. Well it is true that we do a lot of headhunting for candidates outside the region, but if you’re an applicant within the country you are on another level.
• We like to see a brief personal introduction. No one really reads through how motivated and astute you are but a summary of your industry experience, responsibilities is appreciated.
• Avoid abbreviations to certain titles. If you are a Business Development Manager why shorten this to BDM? Clear description to your responsibilities is key. Use the keyboard, use the words. Tell us about what regions you’ve handled, tell us about what technologies you understand, tell us about the verticals and industries you have experience in. Do not discount the importance of this.
• Update your timelines. Don’t leave your dates open. Start date comes with an end date unless you are still working.
• Update your education, certifications and courses.
• If you speak multiple languages make sure that you have put it up. LinkedIn has dedicated a column for this.
• Unless you are desperate for a job you don’t really have to upload your CV on your profile. I personally don’t find it very appealing. However, for every job application its good to have your CV come to our inbox.
• We really don’t care how many connections you have so please take off your 10K connections or LION tags.
• Avoid applying for every job you see. If you are an account executive don’t apply for a General Manager role. If it’s not for you it is not for you. Random applications just makes you an unreliable candidate.

Have a little fun. LinkedIn is a professional “social” network. Use it to your advantage.But hey good news is a good recruiter will always ring the right candidate up no matter how bad your application is seen.