By Jenifer Brown
The medical service industry and health care heavily use LinkedIn as a tool to communicate, network, recruit and screen individuals. This is also a great tool to do research on the senior leadership and/or a hiring manager ahead of an interview. Some statistics from LinkedIn show it is the fourth largest social network in the U.S., eclipsed only by Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Plus, 85 percent of recruiters use this social network site at some point during the recruiting and hiring process. So, if you are making a career change or advancement, having a LinkedIn profile is essential! However, just pasting your resume into your profile and waiting for something to happen is not enough! You need to have a current and fully detailed profile along with engagement on the site.
Here are some tips to enhance your LinkedIn profile and engagement experience:
Invest in a professional photo: According to LinkedIn, members who have a profile photo receive 21 times more views than those who do not have one. The photo should project a professional image, so keep family, pets, etc. out of frame.
Make sure your profile is current. Since possible employers, hiring managers, and/or recruiters will be viewing your profile you want to make sure it has all of your current information. This includes your current position title and description as well as your location. Also, any additional education, training or certifications should always be updated. Lastly, in your “contact” information you should list a current personal email address and cellphone number.
Use specific industry related key words or terms. According to LinkedIn, those who list specific key skills on their profile get 13 times more views than those who use broader or less specific statements. Adding specific industry related key words or terms in your summary statement at the top of your profile makes it easier for recruiters to find your profile when searching for candidates.
Connect with current and former coworkers. To build up your LinkedIn connections reach out to current and former coworkers, but be sure to add a personal note with each invite. Then, to keep in contact with them, reach out about four times a year because these connections can be a great resource at some point in your career. These former coworkers may now hold senior positions or be a hiring manager at an organization you are interested in.
Ask for introductions. Second-degree connections are often the best entry to a position or company you are interested in. View your existing friends or connections to see who they are connected to and ask them to introduce you via LinkedIn which will usually get you an accepted invitation.
Request recommendations. Having your previous employers, clients or peers make recommendations and comments on your LinkedIn profile can demonstrate that you truly have the experience and or skill sets that you listed!
Contribute to the conversation. Share industry-related articles or topics of interest. At the top of your homepage use the search box to view and join related groups and then add to discussions!
