LinkedIn Profile: What Grabs a Recruiter?

Ask a Recruiter, For Candidates

linkedin-profile-recruiter

Based on their client’s needs and preferences, executive recruiters use LinkedIn as a key source to find their client’s ideal candidate. As a LinkedIn user who is actively job seeking, it’s important to understand the features that LinkedIn provides while delivering your profile to an extensive audience.

The challenge of a successful LinkedIn profile is a mix of showcasing one’s skill sets and conveying one’s unique personality in a way that leaves a lasting impression.  Bristol Associates asked Kristina Paudler, Director of Recruitment in Healthcare, for key points she looks for when browsing LinkedIn profiles.

  • Fill in All the Blanks: Include credentials, location, education, industry, job summary, achievements and awards, etc. Recruiters use keywords to search LinkedIn, so be sure to include as much information in the profile as possible to increase the chances of appearing in searches.
  • Be “Open to New Opportunities”: Adding this phrase to a LinkedIn status makes recruiters aware that the user is open to receiving InMail*.
  • Mutual Connections: The more connections accepted, the more visibility gained. Recruiters are more inclined to reach out if a user shares a mutual connection.
  • Specialization is Key: Vague job titles hinder the opportunity to get contacted by a recruiter. For instance, don’t simply state “Vice President.” Instead, be more specific: Vice President of which department? What specialty?
  • Longevity Matters: Depending on the client’s preferences, recruiters look for at least 5-7 years of leadership experience, so documenting years in both past and current jobs is essential.
  • Company Size and Type: Describing the size and type of the company you’ve worked for helps recruiters understand the candidate’s work environment.
  • Say Cheese: Post a recent, professional headshot as a profile picture.
  • Keep it Clean: Avoid spelling errors and be consistent with formatting.
  • Market Yourself: Write and publish LinkedIn articles related to your field for recruiters to see how invested and knowledgeable you are in the industry.
  • Have Others Market You: Gather endorsements and recommendations from your network. It’s reassuring to see others vouch for someone’s work ethic and skillsets.
  • Engage with Brands: Following recruiting companies and industries aligned with your specialties gives first-hand access to recent news and available job openings.

Kristina explains her reasoning behind her shared tips above.

“The more information provided in a LinkedIn profile, the more attractive the profile can be. As a recruiter, it’s great when I come across a LinkedIn profile that has enough information to start a personalized conversation with the individual. For example, if I’m looking for someone with experience in a Level 1 Trauma hospital that oversees 40,000 patients a year, and someone mentions in their profile that they specifically manage a similar facility, it becomes a conversation starter and allows me to openly communicate with them about it.”

LinkedIn is a professional networking site; it’s important for users to treat it like one. The more time and effort that is put into the LinkedIn profile, the more professional gateways it can open.

*InMail is a LinkedIn Premium feature.

Bristol Associates, Inc. is an executive search firm with over 50 years of excellence in recruiting nationwide. Bristol specializes in recruiting for the Casino Gaming; Hotels and Resorts; Travel, Tourism, and Attractions; Facilities and Concessions; Food and Beverage Manufacturing; Restaurant; Hospital and Healthcare; and Nonprofit industries.

If you’re interested in working with Bristol Associates, click here if you’re an employer or here if you’re a candidate.

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