5 tips on building a LinkedIn profile that gets viewed.

Using LinkedIn to search for a new job, but no one is viewing your profile?

Here are 5 tips on building a LinkedIn profile that gets viewed.

“It’s not who you know. It’s who knows you.” This is the reality in today’s employment market says Richard Feller, Ph.D., President of the National Career Development Association. I recently attended the National Resume Writers’ Association conference in Chicago and a common theme among the group was the newest trends on leveraging social media to help our clients land interviews. LinkedIn was of particular interest as it has proven to be a gateway to being discovered. Harvard Business Review wrote an article back in 2012 that highlights the growing trend of recruiters and hiring managers are relying heavily on the Internet to research candidates for employment. Multiple studies show convincingly that more than 75% of employers actively research candidates online. “Millennials recognize LinkedIn is one of the best online tools to help jump start their professional careers,” says Razor Suleman, founder and chairman of Achievers. “We’ve been amazed to see how the use of LinkedIn has increased by 700% percent over the last two years.”

 

My fellow NRWA members and I had the pleasure of hearing Dean R. DeLisle of Forward Progress speak about building the ultimate LinkedIn profile. Through our combined experience and proven strategies I share with you these important tips:

1.     Include a photo of yourself. Smile and appear approachable. Refrain from using logos or a photo of you and someone else.

2.     Be sure your headline pops. Perhaps the most important section on your profile, your headline must spark interest and attract people to click through from search listings. Ex. “Top-Performing General Manager; 11 years experience at the forefront of global operations for the hospitality industry”.  You only have 120 characters with which to make a good impression.

3.     Take advantage of LinkedIn Skills. You are allowed up to 50 and they show up in search engines, so select those that will appeal to the people you are trying to reach.

4.     Upload your current resume as a PDF file. Before doing so, be sure that it is competitive illustrating what you have contributed to your employers and what you bring to the table. Think WIFT (What’s in it For Them?) Them being prospective employers and how will they benefit by considering you?

5.     Your Summary and Experience sections should not contain data that you cut and paste from your resume. This is your opportunity to expand on your offerings with a more personable approach. Don’t go overboard however, and discuss your personal issues or other “stuff” that the world, let alone prospective employers, does not need to know.

 

For more career development tips and strategies feel free to visit my website or contact me directly.

 

Sally Calloway, Career Coach, Social Media Strategist, Speaker

www.ResumesbyCoachSally.com

702.573.2362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other sources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/04/03/what-employers-need-to-know-about-the-class-of-2012/

What's all the "Skype" about? Tips on nailing the scary Skype job interview.

Quick Tips to Prepare for Your Skype Interview and Ace it With Confidence

Avoid technical difficulties at all costs

Set  up, practice well in advance, record yourself and have the phone number of the interviewer handy in case you get disconnected. Make certain that all systems are "go"!

 

Eye contact through the camera

Looking into the camera is equivalent to making eye contact when interviewing in person. If you fixate on the screen and watch yourself, it will appear as though you are not making eye contact which is essential in any interview setting.

Distraction free, professional background

Get situated in a quiet place free of distractions or the potential for distractions. It should appear that you are in an office like setting with a professional background keeping the focus on you. Turn off your cell phone and home phone so they don't ring and interrupt.

Put your hands where they can see them
Body language and other non-verbal cues play an important role in communicating effectively. You want to make sure that the upper half of your body is showing with good shot of your head and shoulders, as well as of your hands.

Dress to Impress - Yes, wear pants!

A professional, neat and groomed appearance from head to toe is important. Looking the part boosts confidence and besides, it is best not to leave room for a wardrobe malfunction.

Speak Clearly, Sound Strong and Slow It Down
Wait for the interviewer to stop talking before you answer. It can be easy to talk over someone during a Skype call. Digest the question and answer loud and clear.

Be Enthusiastic
Smile frequently and have good posture.

Make sure your user name or “handle” is professional for crying out loud!! =)

Practice, Prepare and Practice Some More. Now,  go get on it and give it your ALL!

 

Visit my website for more interview preparation tips and strategies.

www.ResumesbyCoachSally.com

coachsally49@gmail.com

 

September is "Update Your Resume Month".4 reasons it is crucial to update yours TODAY!

4 Reasons why it is Crucial to Update Your Resume TODAY!

September is here and it is an important month for “career care-taking”. September is proclaimed “International Update Your Résumé Month.” While children are embarking on starting the new school year, adults should also be taking stock of their professional attributes and career value by updating their résumés.

What we think of as a 'life print,' or guideline for career development, will provide a proactive approach toward meeting unforeseen market and company changes, in reevaluating personal worth and in preparing to obtain the next step in career growth. Too often job seekers avoid taking this crucial step until the last minute, when they need their résumé yesterday. However, by declaring September as the official update month, people will have the opportunity to better control and champion their own futures.

Initiated by Career Directors International (CDI), Update Your Résumé Month is meant to promote awareness about the importance of having an updated résumé ready.

 

Here are 4 reasons why having an updated résumé is crucial, and tips on gaining a competitive advantage:

1.     The résumé has evolved with the economy. The cookie cutter résumé is outdated and unpopular. For instance, the “Objective Statement” has become obsolete. Hiring managers want to know what value you offer, not what you are seeking.  Replace your “Objective Statement” with a “Summary of Qualifications” or a “Value Statement” that illustrates why you are the best fit for the position. A competitive, trending résumé is necessary in an increasingly competitive employment market.

             (Click for Examples)

2.     If a new opportunity comes knocking, is your résumé strong enough to open the door? Most people welcome bigger and better opportunities. You never know when you may be presented with an unbelievable job offer; even better than the great job you have now. If a recruiter asked for your résumé today, would you be submitting a superstar résumé or a sub-par one? What if the company you currently work for were to downsize and you find yourself out of a job overnight? With the downturn of the economy, this has become a common and unfortunate circumstance for many.

3.     Proactively position yourself for career progression. It is imperative that you consistently take inventory of your accomplishments, awards recognitions, and goals achieved. This is the meat that attracts the lion.  It is not enough to document your success on your performance reviews alone. You may find yourself up for a promotion, or wanting a raise. Can you back up why you are deserving of either? Frequently input quantifiable examples of your achievements on your résumé and include conference training, seminars and education advancement. (Click for Examples)

4.     Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. (Bobby Unser) This is particularly true when it comes to career success. Education, training, gaining experience, and professional development are all ways we prepare for better opportunity. Career care-taking is equally as important. Be prepared to meet opportunity and achieve career success; update your résumé, keep your interview skills fresh, know your value and communicate it strategically.

 

Grab my powerful resume checklist for FREE on my website: www.ResumesbyCoachSally.com

 You may also view samples of quantifiable examples of success, competitive value statements and “Summary of Qualification” sections.

 

If you have a specific question about your current resume or would like to schedule a FREE consultation you may contact me at coachsally49@gmail.com or 702.573.2362.