Recruiters/employers in this current job market are absolutely inundated with candidate applications.  There can be as many as 2,500 applications for a single role, depending on how long we let a job advert run for.

We were recently approached by a new client who advertised their job on LinkedIn and indeed had around 2500 applications.  They didn’t have time to go through them all, so they employed an external HR Consultant to do it.  They narrowed it down to 5 suitable applicants – none of which stood out during the interview process, and so they came to us for a proactive search – we go out to the market, targeting specific people.  It could be the case that they missed their perfect candidate because their LinkedIn profile just didn’t stand out and grab their attention…

Here's the hard truth: as busy recruiters, we often spend just 7-10 seconds skimming a LinkedIn profile. That's all it takes to form a first impression.  Is your profile captivating? Or forgettable?

So, how do you make those 7 seconds count?

First, your profile picture is one of the most important factors. A professional, clear photo is non-negotiable. It's the face of your personal brand.

Next, your ‘Headline’ should be more than just your current job title - it's your elevator pitch and it’s the line we see under your name, in a long list of other potential candidates.  Use keywords relevant to your industry and the roles you desire. For example use "Data Scientist | Machine Learning Expert | Driving Innovation" rather than just "Data Scientist."

Your ‘About’ section is where you tell your story. Ditch the boring waffle. Focus on your achievements, quantify your impact, and showcase your passion – even talk about your exciting hobbies and what makes you YOU. Break up text with bullet points so it’s easier for us to pick out key points.

In the ‘Experience’ section: Detail your responsibilities and accomplishments, using quantifiable results. We also want to see how SENIOR you are, where you fit into a team, who you report to.  Highlight any projects and skills that align with your career goals.

Finally, engage with your network. This means sharing relevant content, commenting on posts, and connecting with leaders in your industry. Did you know that MANY people find jobs on LinkedIn through their own network – reaching out to like-minded people.  Only 20% of jobs are actually filled using recruitment agencies.

If you think your LinkedIn profile is just perfect as it is, ask a friend to check. You’ll be surprised that they may find some typos in there.

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