Making Yourself Findable on LinkedIn Part 2

In the first part of this blog, we suggested that maximising the potential of LinkedIn is especially important if you are a job seeker and that making yourself findable is a key component of that. We discussed the fact that LinkedIn is not a single rank platform, that search results depend on the ‘searcher’, and that both profile views and keywords count. We also offered some actionable solutions.

In part two, we will go into more detail about how you can significantly lift the quality of your Profile and the daily/weekly LinkedIn activities that can help.

1. Feed your Profile data. LinkedIn needs data so that you can be found and returned high up on a list in the searches that are being conducted. This means that filling your LinkedIn profile as completely as you can is important. This includes having a keyword-rich Headline, a strong About section, succinct detail on all the jobs, roles and firms that you have worked for, and all relevant Education, Certification and Qualification information. Furthermore, ensure that you are using the Skills Section to its full potential and that the skills you are singling out reflect what you want to be found for. Where possible, get others to endorse you for them. All of this gives a rich amount of information for LinkedIn to work with.
2. Be well connected with highly relevant people. We mentioned this in Part 1 and it warrants repetition: LinkedIn is all about connections. So, draw up lists of people who it makes sense for you to be connected with. These may include: your current and former colleagues, your clients, people doing same or similar roles as you in competitor firms, hiring decision makers running teams in other firms, and recruiters who specialise in your area.
3. Send them a thoughtfully written (not generic) Connection Request, pointing out things that you have in common. Follow up any acceptances with a warm and bespoke thank you note.
4. Like, Comment and Share. As we have established, Profile Views matter. So, with that in mind, look at what others are posting and if it is relevant and interesting to your audience. If so, Like, Comment and Share what you have seen. Not only will you will be noticed and increase your Profile views, but this will also allow you to position yourself as a relevant and authoritative figure in your field.
5. Posting. You also have the opportunity to post video, blogs, articles, etc. This is not only a way to become more findable, but as mentioned above, you can also start to establish yourself as a subject matter expert.
6. Notifications. You can also go into Notifications ,where you will find people who you are connected to having a work anniversary or announcing a promotion or new job. Where appropriate, send them a message of congratulations - it is not only kind, but has the added benefit of giving you visibility on the platform.
7. Consistency and doable. Having decided to make yourself findable on the platform, it is important to set yourself realistic and achievable targets so that you don’t just stop your activity after an initial burst of enthusiasm. One solution might be to set yourself a 15 minute limit on activity, but to ensure that you do this consistently. Perhaps you could draw up a list of people to connect with at the weekend and then send our five to ten Connection Requests each day during the week, for example. This may seem like a lot to do as a norm, but if you are considering a career change or are in the midst of a job search, it can have an invaluable impact on your prospects.

I hope you’ve found this two-part blog series useful. If you have any questions or further ideas on how to boost ‘findability’ on LinkedIn, please comment below.