by ResumeSpice Team | Mar 11, 2019 | LinkedIn Tips
As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” When a recruiter or hiring manager visits your profile page, the first thing they’ll see is your image. If yours isn’t professional or up to par, it’s going to impact the impression you’re making. For instance, if it’s too dark or low resolution, hiring managers may wonder about your attention to detail.
What’s even worse than having a low-quality image is not having one at all. This looks phony and spammy. Plus, your profile will garner far less traffic. In fact, according to LinkedIn statistics, those with a photo get 21 times more profile views and nine times more connection requests.
If you can get a professional headshot taken, you’re going to make a powerful impression. However, even if you can’t, there are still simple steps to ensure the image you post on your profile helps you stand out in a positive way. Here are some tips from the LinkedIn profile writing team at ResumeSpice to help you get there:
Don’t use a selfie.
It will make you look immature and unprofessional. These are for personal social media posts and not appropriate for LinkedIn.
Post a headshot.
Your LinkedIn profile image shouldn’t be a full body shot, but rather a headshot that focuses on your face. It’s, therefore, important to take your photo in a location with ample lighting. Don’t depend on the flash or light on your phone to do the job.
Wear appropriate attire.
Though the shot might simply show you from the shoulders up, whatever you’re wearing should be professional and send a positive image. Avoid novelty ties, big jewelry, and bold patterns. Instead, go for a neutral look that won’t distract. When in doubt, it’s always best to keep these to a minimum.
Keep it simple.
Wherever you take your headshot, make sure it’s somewhere with a low-key background. If it’s too busy, it will distract from you and the image you’re trying to project. A solid colored or neutral background is the best choice.
Interested in getting more professional guidance with your LinkedIn profile?
Turn to the LinkedIn profile writing team at ResumeSpice. We can help you build a powerful profile that gets results. Call us today at 832.930.7378 to learn more or get started.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jan 17, 2019 | LinkedIn Tips
Most people understand the importance of creating a strong resume reflects their professional strengths. However, many overlook their LinkedIn profile. This is a huge mistake when you consider that about 95 percent of recruiters utilize LinkedIn as a major sourcing tool to find candidates. In today’s digitally savvy world, LinkedIn is just as crucial as your resume. Here are some tips to help you create a LinkedIn profile that gets you noticed:
Add a Professional Photo
Be sure to add a professional headshot or a photo that looks like one. Make sure it’s at least 200×200 pixels as anything smaller may look blurry. If you don’t add a professional, high-quality photo, you may be missing out as those who add one get 21 times more views and messages than those without a photo or a photo that appears unprofessional.
Use Keywords in the Skills Section
Every day, recruiters run keyword searches on LinkedIn to find viable candidates. LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 keywords in the skill section so take advantage of them. Several examples of keywords include “financial planning,” “event marketing,” “taxes” and “design engineering.” These keywords can easily describe your experience and skills.
Incorporate Specific Accomplishments Under Previous Positions
While it’s important to describe your responsibilities at previous positions, doing so may not necessarily impress recruiters. If you’d like to stand out from the crowd, mention specific numbers and accomplishments under your previous positions. For example, you may say something like “Increased revenue by 55% in 2017,” or “Trained and supervised five junior account managers.”
Create an Eye-Catching Headline
The text that shows up below your name on your LinkedIn profile is known as your headline. Think of it as a small 120 character advertisement that conveys who you are and what you do. An example of an eye-catching headline is “Design engineer helping retail clients exceed their goals.”
Interested in LinkedIn Services? Contact ResumeSpice
If you are seeking professional assistance with your LinkedIn profile, ResumeSpice can help! Call us at 832-930-RESUME or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
by ResumeSpice Team | Jan 3, 2019 | LinkedIn Tips
When it comes to your LinkedIn profile, there are many moving parts to keep track of and update. One of the most important involves your skills. You want to list the right ones. Yet, it’s hard to know which will help you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters looking at hundreds of other candidates.
According to LinkedIn data, there are more than 50,000 professional skills in the world. That’s certainly an overwhelming number. However, when it comes to your unique profile, it’s not about quantity and including as many as possible. Rather, it’s about meeting the needs of potential employers. You can only do that when you’re listing skills and abilities they’re looking for.
So, which are most in demand? Here’s a look at four:
- IT skills
LinkedIn reports that most of the top skills employers want in 2019 are related to information technology, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. However, even if you aren’t an IT professional, it’s still critical you’re comfortable and well-versed in technology that’s related to your field. So, when writing your LinkedIn profile, make sure you highlight the pertinent tools and software programs you’re proficient in.
- Communication skills
These skills also top the list of many employers in a diverse range of fields. Whether you’re an entry-level employee or an executive, or whether you work in a creative field or technical one, effective communication is – and will always be – vitally important. Employees must be able to listen well and articulate ideas with co-workers, managers and company leaders, whether in person, over the phone, or via the written word.
- Social media and marketing skills
More and more companies are recognizing the value in developing strong brands and promoting them through various channels, including social media. From Twitter and Instagram to Facebook and Snapchat, there are countless opportunities out there and organizations large and small need help leveraging them.
If you have a background or skills in this area, promote them. Keep in mind, however, just maintaining a Facebook page or LinkedIn profile doesn’t qualify you for a job in this field.
- People skills
It doesn’t matter how much technology evolves. Companies still want employees with strong people skills who collaborate well and can provide a superior level of service. This includes the ability to work through difficult situations, as well as develop long-lasting relationships with customers.
If you’re looking for a new opportunity, LinkedIn offers a great way to get noticed. When it comes to your skills, make sure you’re listing the ones that employers want most. When you do, you’ll increase your odds of landing on their radar – and landing the job you want.
Need help developing a powerful LinkedIn profile?
Turn to the experts at ResumeSpice for LinkedIn profile writing services. We know what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for and can help you create a profile that will complement your job search. Find out how with a call to our team at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jul 25, 2018 | LinkedIn Tips
In today’s world, you need a LinkedIn profile to get hired. Some parts of it, like Education and Experience, are straightforward. Others, though, especially the Summary section, are a bit more challenging to get right. What do you include? How long should it be? And how can you stand out in a sea of other candidates online on LinkedIn?
That’s where ResumeSpice comes in. As professional LinkedIn profile writers, we have the tips and advice you need on nailing your Summary:
Tip #1: Focus on the lede.
This is the first sentence in your Summary and is critically important. It’s going to dictate whether or not a recruiter or hiring manager moves on to the next sentence or simply moves on to another candidate. The most effective way to write yours is like you’re telling a story.
Tip #2: Get personal.
Many candidates believe their Summary should read just like their resume. But this is actually the place to show some personality. That doesn’t mean talking about controversial topics. It does, however, mean being authentic and sharing what, for instance, you love about your industry; talking about how you got your foot in the door or discussing the accomplishment that means the most to you and why.
Tip #3: Talk about your value.
At the end of the day, employers want to know what’s in it for them if they hire you. That’s why it’s important to discuss the problems you’ve solved, the areas where you’re an expert, and the level of experience you have. Offering details on these will give companies more insight into whether you’re a good match for their needs and where you could potentially fit within their organization.
Tip #4: Keep it clear and concise.
Your summary shouldn’t be more than a few paragraphs. To get there it might take many rounds of revisions. However, the end product should clearly demonstrate your enthusiasm, the value you offer, your personality, and why hiring managers and recruiters should consider you.
Tip #5: Ask for help from a friend.
It’s tough to be objective when you’re writing about yourself. It’s therefore always a good idea to ask a friend or colleague to review your Summary and provide you with feedback on improving it.
Interested in getting professional help with your LinkedIn profile?
Call ResumeSpice at 832.930.7378. Our LinkedIn profile writers can work with you to build a powerful profile that gets noticed by recruiters and hiring managers, all so you can find the new job you want faster.
by ResumeSpice Team | May 20, 2018 | LinkedIn Tips
In today’s job market, you still need a traditional resume and cover letter. What’s changed over the past several years is the need for a robust Linked profile. We recently outlined why you need a LinkedIn profile. But if you don’t have the time or know-how to put together a profile, where do you begin? A professional LinkedIn profile service can help. Here’s what you
Your profile is complete.
One of the most common mistakes job seekers make – and one of the biggest turn offs for recruiters – is a profile that isn’t completed. You’re busy, so it’s easy to understand how this might not top your to-do list. However, an incomplete profile can reduce the likelihood that you’re found online by recruiters. A professional LinkedIn profile service will not only know how to compose an effective profile, they will also be able to guide you with inside tips. For example, having a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed – and for maximum impact, your face should take up about 60-70% of the picture area.
Your work history sells your background.
Many job candidates also make the mistake of simply listing their past job titles and duties. But recruiters want to know more about you, specifically when it comes to your past track record of achievements. A professional LinkedIn profile service writer can consult with you to learn about your background, then craft a strong “Experience” section that gets you noticed by recruiters.
Your headline and summary are well-written.
It can be tough to write the perfect headline and summary. That’s where professional LinkedIn services can help. Writers through such a service can offer insight on what’s going to best promote your background and help you get found by recruiters in your industry. You can, therefore, make the most of this space and use it to your advantage in your job search.
The proper keywords are included throughout.
Once a professional LinkedIn profile writer understands your background and knows the kinds of jobs you’re looking for, they can recommend keywords to include in your profile. This will better optimize your profile and ensure that it comes up in searches by recruiters looking for candidates like you.
Your resume and profile match up.
A big red flag for recruiters is when your resume says one thing and your profile says another. But when you partner with a professional LinkedIn service, you can ensure that both complement and enhance each other and that there aren’t any discrepancies that could raise a red flag.
You avoid industry jargon.
Recruiters don’t like to see a lot of hype and fluff on LinkedIn profiles. Instead, they want clear, concise and compelling information about candidates they’re interested in. If that’s a struggle for you to provide, a professional LinkedIn service can certainly help you.
Interested in putting a professional LinkedIn profile service to work for you?
Contact ResumeSpice at 832.930.7378. We know what employers look for on LinkedIn profiles and can help you craft a powerful one that produces better results in your job search and career.
by ResumeSpice Team | May 15, 2018 | Job Search Tips, LinkedIn Tips
Wondering whether LinkedIn is a must-have essential, or simply a waste of time? Consider this statistic: According to a recent Jobvite survey, 93 percent of hiring managers search LinkedIn for potential hires. That means if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you could potentially be missing out on some lucrative opportunities.
And the advantages don’t stop there. In fact, as a professional LinkedIn profile writing service, ResumeSpice believes LinkedIn offers other valuable benefits – whether or not you’re actively searching for a new job. Some of these include:
A professional image
If you want to put your best foot forward in your career, you need a LinkedIn profile. Peers, recruiters, hiring managers and others expect you to have one. When you do, you’ll not only come across as more professional, but you can also showcase your background, share updates, contribute to conversations, and highlight your career contributions.
Credibility
Whether you want to get promoted in your existing company, or are interested in a different job, you have to show your worth. LinkedIn enables you to do that in a variety of ways. For instance, you can blog about hot industry topics and post articles demonstrating your expertise. You can also reach out and request recommendations from past managers, colleagues, fellow volunteers and others in your network. You’ll be able to build your credibility and show a more in-depth side of yourself than you can with a traditional resume.
Networking
Networking is an important part of advancing your career. And LinkedIn makes it easy. Not only can you find and reach out to current and past colleagues, former classmates, and other connections, but it also offers you a simple way to manage all these contacts. Plus, you can stay on top of details, like work anniversaries and when your connections are promoted, which provides you with another opportunity to stay in touch with them.
Resources
Beyond posting a profile, searching for jobs, and networking, there are also a variety of other helpful informational resources you can leverage. For example, if you want to keep on top of industry updates, or need expert advice on a workplace challenge, there are a plethora of groups and forums to join to get the advice and insight you need.
Having a LinkedIn profile can certainly help your career and your job search. Not having one, on the other hand, can actually hurt you. So it simply makes sense, especially when you consider how easy it is to create one. Once you do, you’ll a have a professional profile that gives recruiters and hiring managers an at-a-glance look at your background, expertise and what makes you unique.
Want expert help building a polished LinkedIn profile?
Contact the LinkedIn profile writers at ResumeSpice. If you don’t have the time or expertise to build your own profile, we can handle the job for you. You’ll get a powerful tool in your career arsenal that can help you achieve your goals. Call 832.930.7378 today to learn more.
