DON'T FORGET:  This Thursday we're hosting another session of our ultra-popular 'Leverage LinkedIn as a Recruiter' webinar.  The last two were completely booked well in advance, but we've made a few more spots available this time.  It's totally free - just click here to register!

Guest blog by Kim Benedict, Director, Sales and Operations (and LinkedIn guru!) here at Head2Head

Editor’s note:  Here at Head2Head, we’ve been using LinkedIn for recruiting for more than 5 years, and are now recognized as the Canadian experts in using LinkedIn for research, sourcing, and building long-term relationships with top talent.  Kim’s guest blog below is the second in a 3-part series on how candidates can leverage LinkedIn most effectively. 

(Are you a recruiter?  We also host (free) webinars on using LinkedIn for recruiting.  The next webinar is scheduled for August 13 – click here   to register.)

So what can you do to ensure that recruiters not only find you on LinkedIn, but are interested enough to get in touch with you directly?  Here are our 5 tips:

1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, up-to-date - and active

Your LinkedIn profile says more about you than your resume and can be easily updated.  Ensure your work history covers at least the last 3 positions you’ve held (if applicable), and that your education section (including any recent certifications) is fully populated.  Be specific about your projects and achievements in these positions.

And don't just 'set it and forget it'.  Visit your LinkedIn profile at least twice a week (more if you're actively looking for a new job).  Regularly updating your "What are you working on?" (aka 'status') statement, for example, tells recruiters your profile is active, current - and worth taking a look at.

2.  Grow your network

On average, referrals and social networking account for 40% of a company’s source to hire (and this stat is increasing rapidly).  Closing the gap on your six degrees of separation puts you closer to potential opportunities and increases your visibility during the search process. The more connections you have, the bigger your network, and the more likely it is that recruiters will find you.  If you're actively looking for a new job, adding and updating connections should be a part of your daily routine.  Even if you're not actively looking, building your network is a great investment in your career - you never know when a recruiter will come along with your dream job.

3.  Make your profile attractive and appealing

Your LinkedIn profile is essentially an advertisement for you and your services.  Like any advertisement, it's designed to get the audience (recruiters) interested enough to learn more about you, and to give them the information they need in an easy-to-understand way.

Tips to make your profile more appealing to recruiters (and to others who may be in position to recommend or refer you):

• Ensure your spelling and grammar is flawless!
• Take the time to write a compelling 'Summary' (get a friend to write one for you if you're not a wordsmith)
• Add applications like 'Reading Lists' and update it regularly
• Showcase presentations or articles you've authored by using Slideshare to post them to your profile
• Make sure your status is open to receiving inmails and job enquiries – even though you may be happy in  your current position – you never know when a once in a lifetime job may land on your doorstep
• Get recommended and make recommendations

4.  Join groups

Recruiters will often use alumni or join industry-, profession- and role-specific LinkedIn groups to tap into groups of candidates with specialized skills and experience.  By joining groups appropriate for your career - and participating in the group discussions - you'll raise your profile.  And recruiters will often broadcast a job opening only to group members, so joining the group means you'll hear about opportunities first.

5.  Picture perfect

Like Facebook, Twitter, etc., LinkedIn is a social media tool.  However, unlike many other social media tools, LinkedIn is primarily for professional networking.  So your profile photo should reflect your "9-to-5" self.  In other words, stick to a professional-looking headshot - LinkedIn isn't the place for family snapshots or cartoon character avatars.

The bottom line

LinkedIn has long been the leading social media tool for recruiters looking to connect with candidates.  However, it's rapidly becoming the #1 resource - online or offline - recruiters go to when they're looking to fill a position.  Which begs the question:  If you aren't leveraging LinkedIn, will recruiters know you exist?

Next week:  More on using LinkedIn for recruiting!