Pod Insights No B.S. Job Search Advice Radio LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Job Hunters About this episode EP 3014 This is a masterclass in LinkedIn profile optimization for job seekers, led by expert Kevin D. Turner. ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier. You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch. Community Subscribe to No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast in Apple Podcasts for job search with more than 3000 episodes. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www. TheBigGameHunter.us. We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to www. TheBigGameHunter.us and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to www. TheBigGameHunter.us makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.
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1:00 Speaker 02 Okay, so picture this. You're a recruiter and you're looking at just tons of LinkedIn profiles. I mean, billions of them. How do you even start to find the right person for the job? And then flip that around. If you're that candidate, how do you get noticed? How do you make your profile stand out and practically scream, "Pick me"?
1:19 Speaker 03 Yeah, right.
1:20 Speaker 02 Well, that's exactly what we're diving into today. It's all about making that LinkedIn profile work for you, especially if you're on the hunt for a new job.
1:28 Speaker 03 Yeah, and you know, the thing is, most people just don't use LinkedIn the right way. They treat it like just another social media platform. But it's so much more than that. It can be a really powerful tool, but only if you know how to use it strategically.
1:39 Speaker 02 Exactly, and that's where this deep dive comes in. We're going to be breaking down this awesome YouTube masterclass. It's by LinkedIn expert Kevin D. Turner, and it's hosted by Bob McIntosh from Mass Hire Lowell Career Center. They share some absolutely amazing insights. Honestly, my own LinkedIn profile got a complete makeover after watching it.
1:56 Speaker 03 That's great to hear. And you know, one of the first things Kevin talks about is how LinkedIn is really just a giant database. So to get found to be discoverable, you have to start thinking like a database.
2:06 Speaker 02 That's interesting.
2:07 Speaker 03 Yeah, it means using the right keywords, making sure everything's consistent, and really understanding how to use all of LinkedIn's features to your advantage.
2:17 Speaker 02 So it's like speaking LinkedIn's language.
2:19 Speaker 03 Exactly.
2:19 Speaker 02 I remember one thing that really stood out to me was Kevin's focus on what he calls the top card. You know, your profile picture and that banner image. He says those are your first impression and well, first impressions are everything, right?
2:32 Speaker 03 Oh, absolutely. Your profile picture needs to be professional. It should be inviting and make sure like 65% of that picture is your face. And don't forget about that banner image either. So many people just leave it blank. But you can really use it to visually represent your brand. You can even put your contact information right there on the banner.
2:50 Speaker 02 Oh, that's a good idea. You know, I've always wondered what to do with that banner space. I never even thought about putting my contact info there.
2:57 Speaker 03 Yeah, it can be a really easy way for recruiters to get in touch with you.
3:00 Speaker 02 That's really smart. And speaking of profile pictures, Kevin had this interesting tip about turning your head slightly in your photo. He calls it the one ear shot. Why would you want to do that?
3:10 Speaker 03 It's actually a really clever way to protect yourself from identity theft. You know, unfortunately, people can scrape LinkedIn for images. And if you have a straight on headshot, that can be used to create fake IDs. So just by turning your head a little bit, it makes it way harder for someone to steal your identity.
3:27 Speaker 02 Wow, that's such a simple tip, but it's brilliant. I'm definitely going to change my picture after this. Okay, so let's talk about the headline. It's not just about SEO anymore. It's really about grabbing attention, especially when recruiters are looking at search results.
3:40 Speaker 03 Right, and you know, Kevin actually uses humor in his headline. It says, "Brand Land Eliminating Personal Blanding." It's memorable, it's intriguing, and it instantly tells you what he's all about. So instead of just putting your current job title, Try adding a tagline or something that showcases your unique skills, or even just a touch of personality.
4:00 Speaker 02 That's a great example. Definitely makes you want to learn more about him. All right, let's move on to location. Kevin really emphasizes choosing the broader metro area, instead of your specific town.
4:11 Speaker 03 Yeah, that's important. Think about it this way. You're casting a wider net for recruiters. So for example, if you're in the Boston area, putting greater Boston area as your location will make your profile visible to recruiters searching in that whole region.
4:28 Speaker 02 That makes total sense. And he also says to stick to the locations that LinkedIn recommends.
4:32 Speaker 03 Exactly. Just make sure that your profile shows up in the most relevant searches.
4:36 Speaker 02 It's all about working within that database, right?
4:38 Speaker 03 You've got it.
4:39 Speaker 02 Okay, so speaking of databases, the about section is where you really get to shine. Kevin actually says that recruiters and sourcers really do read this section. So it's like your elevator pitch. It's your chance to hook them and make them want to learn more.
4:52 Speaker 03 Yeah, and the formatting is super important here. Recruiters are busy people. They're scanning profiles quickly. So you got to make it easy for them to digest the information. Use short paragraphs, bullet points. Kevin even suggests organizing those bullet points from longest to shortest, just for optimal readability. And always end with a clear call to action.
5:12 Speaker 02 So it's like storytelling, but with a purpose. You're painting a picture of who you are and what you offer, not just listing facts.
5:19 Speaker 03 Right, exactly.
5:20 Speaker 02 All right, let's move on to the experience section. This is where Kevin really drops some serious knowledge. He talks about these things called market value filters.
5:28 Speaker 03 Oh yeah, those are key. So those filters are LinkedIn's preset options for things like job titles, employment types in industries. Using them consistently is so important because it aligns your profile with how recruiters actually search.
5:41 Speaker 02 So instead of just typing in your own unique job title, you should choose the closest match from LinkedIn's list.
5:47 Speaker 03 Exactly. It's all about speaking the same language as the recruiters, but in the LinkedIn world.
5:52 Speaker 02 I like that, speaking the same language. Okay, next up, skills. And Kevin says these are crucial for being discoverable. Get this. LinkedIn now lets you list up to 100 skills per experience entry.
6:06 Speaker 03 That's right. The goal here is to include all the relevant skills that you have. It helps boost your search ability and it increases those years of experience you have in each skill. Because remember, LinkedIn calculates how long you've been using a skill
6:19 Speaker 02 Mm-hmm.
6:19 Speaker 03 based on those experience entries.
6:21 Speaker 02 That makes sense. And he had this fun idea for a skills party. What's that all about?
6:24 Speaker 03 It's a great way to kind of boost those endorsements authentically. Basically, you team up with connections and endorse each other's skills, you know, based on your real knowledge and experience.
6:34 Speaker 02 That's such a cool idea. So as we're thinking about prioritizing our skills, we want to make sure we're giving those top two skills some extra love.
6:41 Speaker 03 Absolutely. You know, people tend to be a little lazy when they're scrolling. So those skills at the top are going to get the most endorsements. Just a little human behavior hack there.
6:48 Speaker 02 I like it. All right, on to education. Kevin has an interesting take here. He says be upfront about your education dates, even if it shows your age.
6:57 Speaker 03 Yeah, you know, it might seem counterintuitive. But he believes if a company is biased against age, you probably don't want to work there anyway. So being transparent about your education dates can actually act as a filter to weed out companies that might not be a good fit.
7:12 Speaker 02 That's a really empowering way to look at it. He also suggests focusing on the most recent and relevant 10 to 15 years of experience if you have a long career history.
7:21 Speaker 03 Right, it's all about showcasing the skills and experience that are most relevant in today's world.
7:26 Speaker 02 Makes sense. All right, before we wrap up this part of our deep dive, Kevin has a few more tips to make your profile really stand out.
7:34 Speaker 03 Yeah, adding media to your experience entries is a great way to make things more visual. And it can boost your SEO, too. Think about adding company logos, titles, links to company websites.
7:44 Speaker 02 Oh, and don't forget about the projects section.
7:46 Speaker 03 Right, that's a great place to showcase specific accomplishments and problem-solving skills. You know, things that might not fit neatly into your experience descriptions. And volunteer work can be a real asset, too. It shows you're well-rounded and committed to your community.
8:00 Speaker 02 Okay, we've covered a lot of ground here. What stands out to you the most from this first part of the masterclass?
8:06 Speaker 03 I think the biggest takeaway is that LinkedIn is a powerful tool. But it's only powerful if you use it strategically. So, understanding how it works as a database and optimizing your profile accordingly. You can really increase your visibility and attract the right opportunities.
8:22 Speaker 02 That's great advice. I'm definitely feeling more confident about my own LinkedIn profile now.
8:26 Speaker 03 Awesome.
8:26 Speaker 02 Alright, so we're gonna take a quick break. And when we come back, we'll dive into some more of Kevin's amazing tips for LinkedIn success. Stay tuned. So, it's not just about stuffing your profile with a bunch of keywords. It's about actually understanding how recruiters are using LinkedIn. And then making your profile match their search habits.
8:45 Speaker 03 Yeah, you could almost think of it like a game.
8:49 Speaker 03 You know, trying to figure out how to crack the code. But it's a game with some pretty real world consequences. Because your LinkedIn profile, that's often your first impression with a potential employer.
9:01 Speaker 02 That's true. And speaking of making a good impression, Kevin talks a lot about recommendations. Something that a lot of people overlook, I think.
9:09 Speaker 03 Yeah, recommendations are like gold on your profile. They give you that social proof, you know, they add credibility to your skills and experience. It's one thing for you to say, "Hey, I'm great at this." But it means a lot more when somebody else is backing you up.
9:22 Speaker 02 Definitely. And he suggests both giving and receiving recommendations to show that you're really engaged with your professional community.
9:29 Speaker 03 Yeah, a two-way street. Right, when you recommend your colleagues and connections, they're more likely to recommend you back. Plus, it shows that you're willing to support other people and acknowledge their contributions. And I think that says a lot about your character.
9:41 Speaker 02 It does. So, this next point that Kevin makes is really important. It's not enough to just have a really polished profile. You have to actually use LinkedIn. You have to be active.
9:51 Speaker 03 It's like imagine your LinkedIn profile is a storefront. You spend all this time making it look amazing, showcasing all your best products. But if you never open the doors for business... Well, nobody's gonna come in.
10:05 Speaker 02 So how do we open the doors, so to speak? What does it actually look like to be active on LinkedIn?
10:11 Speaker 03 It's about being a real participant in that LinkedIn community. So follow the companies you're interested in, connect with people at different levels within those companies, and engage with their content, like comment share.
10:22 Speaker 02 He even suggests like ringing the notification bell on company pages, so you don't miss anything.
10:27 Speaker 03 That's a great way to stay top of mind. And it shows that you're really interested. Recruiters, they notice who's engaging with their content.
10:33 Speaker 02 And it's not just about connecting with people at the top, right? You should reach out to people at all levels of the company.
10:39 Speaker 03 Exactly. It helps you understand the organization better, get a feel for the culture. Plus, you never know what doors might open. You might get an informational interview, a mentorship opportunity, maybe even a connection to a job opening that hasn't been posted yet.
10:52 Speaker 02 That's a good point. And Kevin shares this really interesting trick for targeting larger companies, the ones that use LinkedIn Recruiter.
10:59 Speaker 03 Oh yeah, that's a good one. So if you go to a company's page and scroll down to the About section, a lot of times you'll see something that says like, "Interested in working with us in the future", if you click on that. You're basically expressing interest in their hidden market. You know that pool of potential candidates they're considering for future jobs?
11:18 Speaker 02 It's like a secret handshake for job seekers.
11:20 Speaker 03 Exactly. It puts you on their radar. And increases your chances of being considered for roles that might not even be advertised yet.
11:27 Speaker 02 I like that. But what if I'm interested in working for like a lot of companies? Wouldn't I just get bombarded with notifications?
11:33 Speaker 03 Yeah, Kevin addresses that. You can actually turn off all those "I'm interested" notifications right in your LinkedIn privacy settings.
11:39 Speaker 02 Well, that's good to know. So you can express interest in multiple companies without getting overwhelmed. Now Kevin mentions this concept called the timed value of data. I'm not sure if I fully understand what he means by that.
11:53 Speaker 03 It's actually a pretty simple idea. It basically means that the more recent the data is, the more valuable it is. So for example, if you expressed interest in a company six months ago. And I expressed interest yesterday. A recruiter might think that I'm more interested, simply because my interest is more recent. It's like LinkedIn's database is a giant filing cabinet. And every time you update your profile or engage with a company, it's like you're moving your file to the top of the stack.
12:19 Speaker 02 Ah, OK, I get it. So how can we use this timed value of data to our advantage?
12:24 Speaker 03 Kevin recommends this really simple strategy. Just periodically turn off those "I'm interested" notifications and then turn them back on. It's like refreshing your interest to the system. And it makes you look like a more recent and therefore more valuable candidate.
12:38 Speaker 02 So it's like giving your profile a little boost.
12:40 Speaker 03 Exactly.
12:41 Speaker 02 And he mentions that the same principle applies to the open-to-work feature.
12:45 Speaker 03 That's right. By toggling that feature on and off, you're making sure your profile is constantly being refreshed. So you're always appearing as a new addition to the pool of available candidates.
12:56 Speaker 02 So it's not just a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. We should be actively managing these features.
13:01 Speaker 03 Absolutely. Taking an active role in your job search and using all the tools you have can really make all the difference.
13:08 Speaker 02 This is all such great advice. I'm really starting to see LinkedIn in a whole new light.
13:13 Speaker 03 It's all about shifting your perspective. We didn't think of LinkedIn as just another social media platform. But when you approach it as this powerful database and optimize your profile accordingly, that's when you really unlock its true potential.
13:26 Speaker 02 Yeah, it's like trading in your old bicycle for a high-performance sports car. You're still getting from point A to point B, but the journey is just so much smoother and more efficient.
13:36 Speaker 03 Exactly, and you have a lot more control over where you end up, too. I think the way Kevin reframes how we think about LinkedIn is really powerful. It's not just a place to post your resume. It's this dynamic tool that needs that active engagement and that strategic optimization. If you want to really see results.
13:57 Speaker 02 So if we were to take all of this advice and boil it down to like one key takeaway for our listeners, what would it be?
14:05 Speaker 03 Hmm, that's a good question. I'd say don't treat LinkedIn like an afterthought. You know, make it an active part of your professional life. Update that profile regularly. Engage with your network. Be strategic about how you're presenting yourself online. I like to think of it as your online career headquarters.
14:19 Speaker 02 I love that analogy. It's your command center for career success.
14:22 Speaker 03 Exactly. And don't forget, LinkedIn's always changing, so make sure you're staying up to date on all the new features and best practices.
14:28 Speaker 02 Okay, so before we wrap up this deep dive, Kevin leaves us with this really thought-provoking question. He talks about the timed value of data and how that plays into keeping your profile fresh and relevant. What are your thoughts on that? How often do you think we should be tweaking our profiles?
14:45 Speaker 03 That's a great question. You know there's no magic number. It really depends on your own career goals and how actively you're using LinkedIn. But I would say, at the very least, take a look at your profile every few months. Make sure everything is still aligned with what you want to achieve and that all the information is current.
15:04 Speaker 02 And even small changes can make a difference, right?
15:07 Speaker 03 Oh, absolutely. Updating your skills, adding a recent accomplishment, even just engaging with an article. Those little things can signal to recruiters that you're active and engaged.
15:17 Speaker 02 So as we're wrapping up this deep dive on LinkedIn profile optimization, what's one specific action you would challenge our listeners to take today? To really level up their profiles?
15:26 Speaker 03 Hmm, let's see. I'd say take a good look at your headline. Does it really capture what makes you unique? Does it make you stand out? If not, spend some time crafting a headline that's both compelling and use those keywords. Remember, it's your first impression. Make it count.
15:42 Speaker 02 That's great advice. So don't wait. Get out there and start optimizing your LinkedIn profiles. You got this.
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