Using the right keywords on LinkedIn is critical, you know that. But it is going to take more than just using the right keywords to land your next job.
While it’s a good idea to maximize your use of the right keywords on LinkedIn, it isn’t the full picture, nor is it fool-proof.
Keywords aren’t the magic fix on LinkedIn because:
1. Not all industries are using LinkedIn or are not using it well.
Depending on the level of the job and the industry, just doing a keyword search is not likely to generate the most helpful results for recruiters or hiring managers.
There may be too many people to look at. And, believe it or not, many human resource recruiters are just not up to speed, especially within certain industries.
If they aren’t using on LinkedIn, your chances of being found there are slim to none. You can do some research and see if your target companies are on LinkedIn and who from their company is active. Dig!
If you do find people who are on LinkedIn, also check to see how many connections they have. If they don’t have a lot, guess what, they probably aren’t very active and this is your queue to find other ways to connect with people within this target company.
2. It isn’t your LinkedIn profile alone that makes you stand out
Having a slick profile isn’t always enough. People hire people.
When someone looks at your profile they are assessing a lot of different things, not just skills.
Do you “look” like someone who would be a good fit in their company? By look, I don’t mean your headshot.
I mean, how have you demonstrated your interest and talent. Have you highlighted your talent in measurable form? Have you shown interest outside of your job such as by listing professional associations and groups? See, this isn’t as simple as just having the right keywords.
Read 12 Ways To Build A Better LinkedIn Profile
Participate and Interact with Others!
The best way to be found is to interact! That is, be proactive, not passive.
Leave comments, share articles, write articles and even participate in groups key to your industry and occupation.
Read how to post engaging comments here.
Many job seekers only participate in “job seeker” groups. That’s good, but not good enough. You want to be found for your interaction related to your occupation so participate in groups related to your industry/occupation.
Connect Proactively
Avoid relying on a connection to forward along your request to connect.
Be proactive and call your friend and ask for the email or phone number of the person you want to meet and connect with!
Reach out to people you want to meet and do it the old-fashioned way, by phone.
Read more about networking online
LinkedIn Is NOT a Quick Fix
Here’s an analogy: If you were overweight, (no, I am not saying you are) would you go to the drug store and buy a package of diet pills or would you set up an exercise and diet program? Which has a better outcome?
The quick fix isn’t the best long-term solution.
So what steps will you take this week to be found? Keep in mind, it isn’t just about having the right keywords on LinkedIn.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
