In today’s job market, creating a comprehensive online job search strategy is essential. Why? Because social media has become an indispensable tool for 66% of recruiters that use these platforms to post job openings. In addition, a recent study discovered that an amazing 73% of jobseekers between 18 and 34 found their last job via social media.
The most-used channel by recruiters is LinkedIn when you’re unemployed, with over 77% using the platform’s powerful search features to find the best candidates. This makes investing your time and energy in an up-to-date LinkedIn profile an important step in your job search. Below are tips and advice to help you get started with input from Holly Leyva, Virtual Vocations’ own chief career maven.
Optimize
When asked what unemployed jobseekers should do on LinkedIn, Holly’s response is to focus first on fully completing and updating the information on your profile. “Make sure to have a well-written, engaging profile that speaks to your target audience.”
In addition, Holly advises, “Be aware of keywords that your target audience is looking for and incorporate those throughout the profile.” The best way to identify keywords is to study job ads. Then refer to your profile and see if you have the same keywords reflected in your text.
If you notice missing keywords, add them in as appropriate. The easiest place to make sure all applicable keywords are represented is to add them to your Skills section. You can list up to 50 keywords, so be sure to use them all!
LinkedIn Headline for Unemployed Jobseekers
The most important part of your profile is the headline. Holly’s advice here is, “Create a keyword-rich headline that includes your target job title(s) and brand.” There are two reasons for her advice. The first reason is to leverage the high value that the search algorithm used by LinkedIn places on the headline.
The second reason is to optimize the viewable portion of your profile when recruiters pull up a list of potential job candidates. The information available at a glance. This is because busy recruiters may not get any further than your headline if they don’t think it’s relevant to their search.
Headline Examples for Jobseekers on LinkedIn When You’re Unemployed
The key to a good headline is to lead with your previous job title or the bulk of your experience. Then add keywords to take advantage of the 100 characters available in the headline field. Tips for selecting the right keywords include:
- Include keywords that describe more of what you did in the role that might be missed if recruiters only see the job title.
- Choose keywords that are relevant to your current career goal.
- Identify the keywords that show hiring managers and recruiters why you are the right person for the position.
Check Out a Few of Holly’s Examples:
Situation: You’re a career changer who wants to move from office administration into communications or marketing.
LinkedIn Headline: Executive Assistant | Media Relations, Social Media Management, Corporate Communications
Situation: You’re a Senior executive wanting to move into a C-level role.
LinkedIn Headline: Senior Vice President | Strategic Planning, Business Transformation, Mergers and Acquisitions
Situation: You’re a recent graduate with retail sales experience wanting to move into bookkeeping, accounts receivable, or something similar.
LinkedIn Headline: Customer Service Associate | Cash Handling, Transaction Processing, Deposits
Photo/Cover Image
Another key element to making a good first impression is to add a current, professional photo on your profile. Also, update the banner image with an image that reflects your professional brand. A recent study of 200 HR professionals found that 80% of respondents felt a candidate’s LinkedIn profile picture helps them get to know the person better and 90% believe that the profile photo inspires confidence.
In your rush to upload a photo, do not upload any old photo. Make sure it is a good quality image, preferably a business-like headshot. With 70% of study respondents admitting they had turned down a candidate because of their LinkedIn profile picture, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a professional photographer.
About Section
If recruiters decide you look good and your headline is right, the next section they will see is your About section. Holly advises, “This section should complement your resume but add additional value and insight.” You can use up to 2600 characters of space for this section, so feel free to expand on the overview you provided in your resume. However, be sure to use short chunks of information so it’s not overwhelming for the reader.
In addition, this section should be written in first person. Try to directly engage with your audience, as if you are talking to them directly. Include facts, but also tell stories that illustrate your strengths. The About section can be thought of as a sales pitch.
As with any good sales pitch, be sure to end the section on LinkedIn when you’re unemployed with a call to action. This is a good place to let the reader know you are exploring new opportunities and to contact you. You can invite them to connect, visit your personal portfolio or website, or provide your email.
Professional Experience
In addition to updating your experience, make sure that your experience incorporates the experience and keywords you identified as important when studying your target job ads. But what do you put for your current company if unemployed?
Due to a bias against unemployed jobseekers, having no current position can cause you to fall in search results. However, if you left your job over 2-3 months ago, the best advice is just to add an end date to the job you just left and leave it at that. Adding a position advertising your job search can backfire due to the bias.
One exception is if you are open to short-term contracts or freelance positions. Then you can add a new position labeled “Marketing Consultant” at “Self-Employed” or “Freelance Writer” at “Independent Contractor.”
Should You Announce You Are Looking for a Job on LinkedIn?
One feature offered by LinkedIn when you’re unemployed is the “Open to Work” frame on your profile photo. While some job search experts are for this option, Holly doesn’t recommend this, again due to the bias mentioned above. She recommends adjusting your job status so that it is “visible to recruiters only.” This means only they can see you are open to work without having the green banner on your profile image.
What to Put on LinkedIn When You Are Taking a Break?
Traditionally, career breaks can lower your chances of getting hired significantly. In fact, 20% of hiring managers say they reject those candidates immediately. However, more recently there are indications that employers are seeing candidates coming off a break as an untapped talent pool.
To capture the skills and experience acquired by professionals who are taking a career break, LinkedIn recently added the opportunity to add breaks to their profile. Just click “add a new profile section” on your profile page and you will see “add a career break” under the core section list. If you are taking a break or want to explain a work gap, this is a great option.
Network
Now it’s time to leverage your optimized LinkedIn profile for maximum effect.
- Ask for recommendations. Holly advises jobseekers, “Be thoughtful about who you ask and let them know what you’d like them to focus on.”
- Make a list of target companies and follow them on LinkedIn. Try to connect with current employees and engage with the company directly by commenting on and sharing their posts.
- Join industry groups to network and provide value. In addition to making new connections, many recruiters post jobs in industry groups when they have an open requisition.
LinkedIn, when you’re unemployed, can provide your job search with a needed boost. Take the time to carefully optimize your profile and take advantage of the powerful features available. They can quickly nudge you ahead of your competition and help you achieve the next step in your career.
Are you looking for a job? How do you leverage LinkedIn in your job search? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!
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