In the 21st century job search, LinkedIn and other social media platforms play the most important roles.
There are more than 8 million LinkedIn users in Australia. Chances are your next manager is looking for YOU on LinkedIn right now. A stellar LinkedIn profile can make all the difference.
Here are four tips to build an attention-grabbing LinkedIn profile
1) Cover Page:
Since the new LinkedIn desktop design launched, cover page has taken a central stage in demonstrating your brand and profession.
Source: Supplied
2) Profile Picture:
One research shows that a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others. It is absolutely important to have a professional picture. Avoid putting a selfie as a profile picture; LinkedIn is not Facebook.
Dress what you’d wear to work. For example, if a Mechanical Engineer who works in the plant, can avoid putting on a suit and a tie. At the same time, for someone who works in Sales / Marketing / Customer Service, a suit is a must.
3) Headline:
In my view more than 90% of the members use their current job title and organisation as their LinkedIn headline. This is an opportunity for you to communicate your value, brand and uniqueness to the recruiter/hiring manager.
This is your 120-character prime real estate.
The headline must include the exact job title you’re pursuing. LinkedIn algorithm will search for the keyword/s in the headline. The headline should also speak to your target audience. What might compel the recruiter/hiring manager to send a connection request or initiate dialogue.
Check the following four sample headlines:
Manufacturing and Design Engineer ✔ Lean, 5S Practitioner ✔ Expert in Inventor, SolidWorks ✔ MIEAust
Online & Digital Products Marketing ✔ New Customer Acquisition Specialist ✔ Growth Hacker ✔ Social Media Maven ✔ Content Marketing Extraordinaire
Customer Service & Sales Champion ✔ Passion to delight customers ✔ Retail Banking Sector
Graduate Electrical Engineer ✔ Inspired to put a dent in the world through engineering ✔ Permanent Resident ✔ GradIEAust
4) Profile Summary:
Most of the job-seekers put their resume into the LinkedIn profile summary. That’s a big mistake. LinkedIn summary is much more than resume; it is an opportunity for you to showcase your differentiation, contributions you made in previous roles, your key achievements.
Before you start writing the summary, create the foundation. Think about your target audience; what they like to know and learn about a future candidate?
Then, gather content. Here’re some of the questions you’d ask yourself to gather content.
- What are some of the problems I have solved in the past?
- What do I value in my career?
- What are my promises to future employer?
- What’s my story? Why am I doing this job?
- What inspires me about my profession?
Remember, there is no right way to write a summary. For example:
I feel becoming a Mechanical Engineer was the best career choice I made. As a naturally curious, perpetual learner and solution-oriented Engineer, I am always fascinated to learn how things work and how to make it better.
I am a multi-skilled professional with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (accredited by Engineers Australia as a Professional Engineer). During last fifteen years of Australian and overseas experience, I have focused on solving Manufacturing, Design and Process related problems. Here is a partial list of my accomplishments:
✔ Slashed production cost by 10% by implementing Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping and 5S, eliminating non-value added operations and controlling the waste.
✔ Reduced Lead Time in design and manufacturing of moulds from 12 weeks to 2 weeks by implementing concurrent engineering technique.
✔ Successfully championed, drove and managed completed 'CNC Lathe" and CNC Engraving Machine development projects – from conceptualization to product launch, simultaneously managed two machine tool development projects in the fast-paced environment.
My technical skills combined with a common sense approach to solving problems and drive to help manufacturing organisation.
Specialties:
Product Development | Mechanical Design | Manufacturing Processes | AutoCAD | Inventor | SolidWorks | 3D Modelling | Production Planning | Kaizen | Lean Manufacturing Principles | 5S | Project Planning and Management | Fabrication Processes | Estimation | Project Documentation | Design Control, Validation and Verification | ISO | ERP
I am currently looking for Manufacturing / Design Engineer position - ongoing or contract. I am a permanent resident of Australia, available for an immediate interview and commencement and willing to relocate anywhere in Australia.
