The Answers Recruiters Search For on LinkedIn

Social media plays an integral part of the search and vetting process for recruiters.

What are recruiters looking for? It may feel complicated, but at the end of the day it boils down to responses to very basic questions:

1. Who are you?
2. What do you have to show for it?
3. How much do you know?
4. Do others agree?

A quick scan completed in a matter of seconds can yield clues to these questions, and allows the reader the ability to quickly measure against the demands of the role they need to have filled.

1. Who Are You?

The Headline and Summary section are the primary places a reader goes to get a handle on question #1.

By customizing the headline rather than letting it default to your current job title, you can convey the types of roles for which you are well suited and increase your chances of getting found using keywords likely to be used during an initial candidate query.

The Summary section is your chance to let the reader see how you are uniquely suited to fill roles of interest, and gives them the chance to hear your personality.

In addition to phrasing that tells the reader about your expertise, be sure to include a list of hard skills or areas of expertise to go along with the soft skills that may be used to describe yourself.

Also read: How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for a Career Change

2. What Do You Have to Show for It?

LinkedIn’s Experience Section is the primary area to share the nuts and bolts of what you’ve accomplished.

However, given that the Summary is usually one of the first sections read, including career highlights here is a great “teaser” designed to compel them to read more.

The Volunteer section offers the reader another aspect to your accomplishments, and also reinforces your commitment to your community or a worthy cause.

3. How Much Do You Know?

Nothing shouts “expert” or “highly accomplished” like seeing information in the Certifications, Trainings, Publications and Awards section.

Activity in LinkedIn groups or with shared connections (these can range from liking and sharing articles, to commenting on and even contributing your own content) can also serve to establish credibility regarding your status as a subject matter expert.

4. Do others agree?

LinkedIn’s Recommendation and Skills sections are your chance for others to weigh in and sing your praises.

Recommendations from peers, managers, and direct reports speak volumes about your ability to lead, execute and work well with others, while Endorsements allow these same people the opportunity to concur with you that you possess skills in a particular area.

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Also read: 3 Steps to Becoming a Respected Thought Leader in Your Industry

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