How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Job Interviews in 2022 | Getting Hired

LinkedIn, the premier social media network for professionals, has revolutionized the playing field for job seekers. The platform regularly adds features to make connecting with employers easier and more dynamic. According to LinkedIn themselves, “the LinkedIn profile page is the foundation for your personal branding” that job seekers can use as their own marketing platform. With a reported 67% of companies looking at job candidates' LinkedIn profiles, 2022 is the perfect time for job seekers to optimize their LinkedIn profile for job interviews. 

1. Go beyond your resume. Although it may be tempting to simply copy-paste the information from your resume directly into your LinkedIn profile, a stellar profile goes beyond a resume and begins showcasing your personality. Try turning your summary into a story. What skills do you bring to the table? How can your contribution to a team make a difference?

2. Demonstrate your knowledge with Skills Assessments. Do you excel at Adobe Photoshop or social media marketing? Employers want to know! Skills Assessments are online tests that determine the level of your skill in specific areas. Once you’ve shown your skills, you can display a Verified Skills badge on your profile. Early data shows that candidates with the Verified Skills badge are 30% more likely to be hired. 

3. Build a robust and relevant LinkedIn network. The more connections you have, the more trustworthy and connected you appear to be to employers. Try connecting with former colleagues, industry leaders, and contacts you’ve made through volunteering. You can even sync your email contacts to your profile– you may be surprised at which contacts you hadn’t thought of yet.

4. Post updates and engage regularly with your feed. Don’t let the updates section of your LinkedIn profile become a ghost town! Employers want to see what your professional interests are. Be sure to post updates regularly, whether it’s re-sharing posts from others, commentary on topical articles from your industry, or even writing your own long-form content using LinkedIn’s Articles feature. Engaging regularly with the feed, including liking and commenting on posts, will send a message to employers that you’re professional and engaged in the work. 

LinkedIn has more tools and power than it’s often given credit for. Job seekers can use this as leverage for landing job interviews. For more information about connecting with inclusive employers, register to attend Getting Hired’s Summer Virtual Career Fair with our employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies invested in creating an inclusive workplace culture including CVS Health, Astellas, Ricoh, Abbott, GSK, and Lifebridge Health happening
July 21st, 2022. Register here.