How to optimize your LinkedIn profile
Dear Sam:
I am very uncomfortable having my “life” on job boards or sites like LinkedIn waiting for recruiters to contact me. It just doesn’t feel right, and I have privacy concerns. I have set up and promptly deleted several of these types of accounts recently. Do you have advice for someone who does not have such accounts?
Dear Lori:
Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (and others), doesn’t have to be part of your life, but I question you putting LinkedIn in the same bucket as the other personal social sites.
LinkedIn is a professional networking site that has tremendous value beyond that of facilitating recruiter outreach. I also would argue that having a recruiter reach out, building a bridge to potential opportunities of interest, is not a bad thing. Think of LinkedIn as a virtual resume. You can adjust countless settings on the back end of LinkedIn to protect your privacy, and you can turn your recruiter profile off to help avoid unsolicited calls.
If you are a professional and are considering making a job change, I think a professional LinkedIn profile is imperative. In addition to accessing contacts beyond your known connections, you can create a profile that presents your candidacy to your peers, your supervisors and recruiters.
Those you work with may not fully know your background or be privy to the strength of your skills. Having a LinkedIn profile allows others to see your professional journey. In addition, you can secure endorsements of your professional skills, which validates your key strengths.
You also can solicit recommendations to attach to your profile, providing potential employers or clients with references.
You can reach out to secondand third-degree connections to request informational interviews with targeted organizations, or perhaps to have a virtual cup of coffee and add value to each other’s searches or professional roles.
Dear Sam:
I just watched your live video on the Applicant Tracking System Resume. I have been trying to search for a new job and have been applying online to different companies. Should I be using this version of my resume or my Word or PDF version?
Tracey Dear Tracey:
When conducting a job search, you should have three versions of your resume: Word, PDF and Plain Text.
Microsoft Word:
This version is used for printing or emailing as an attachment. If you have used a less-common font, realize formatting changes may occur on the recipient’s computer.
At times, a recipient’s computer and Microsoft Word settings will override incoming document’s settings. Hence, margins, fonts and colors could shift and cause format changes.
That is why it is preferable to submit a PDF any time you are able to upload or email your resume; this file type will look exactly as it did when it left your computer.
PDF: Plain Text/ASCII:
Use this version — void of all formatting — when needing to copy and paste content into online job boards or submitting to employers when they specifically request a scannable resume. A general rule of thumb is that whenever you are copying and pasting your resume into an online form, use this version so the formatting does not hinder the ability for an ATS to read your resume.
I hope this clarifies the formats you need and the uses of each format. Do you have a resume or job search question for Dear Sam? Reach Samantha Nolan at dearsam@nolanbranding.com. For extended content, visit Dear Sam Live at nolanbranding.com. For information on resume writing services, visit nolanbranding.com or call (614) 570-3442.