How to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile to Complement Your Resume

How to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile to Complement Your ResumeHow to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile to Complement Your ResumeHow to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile to Complement Your ResumeMost of us live two lives. One life takes place in the real world, where we move from place to place, encountering other beings along the way. Interactions and communication are in realSource business.linkedin.com4) Additional LinkedIn SectionsSince space on your resume is tight, you probably wont be able to include all your amazing career or educational accomplishments. But on your LinkedIn profile, you can add these elements. On your profile, when you click on Add profile section you can select everything from test scores to patents to publications. Review the options and dont be afraid to add sections that you think can support your job search. You can also use these sections to expand on elements you may have listed on your resume or cover letter. For example, if you mention a specific project or work output on a job application, you can upload content related to this work on your LinkedIn profile so recruiters can see it for themselves.5) LinkedIn Contact informationDont overlook the importance of this simple information. For privacy reasons, you may not want to include your phone number or direct e-mail under this section, unless you restrict the visibility of your profile to personal contacts. But if you have a personal blog, website or portfolio link that you want recruiters to see, this is where to put it.6) Get endorsements and recommendationsOne of the elements you almost certainly wont be able to add to your resume is a series of endorsements from current or past co-workers. However, on LinkedIn, when you add a certain skill to your profile, you can also be endorsed for that skill by people in your network. These endorsements can offer confirmation to potential employers that you practice what you preach. You can ask your LinkedIn contacts to endorse you for these skills, or you can ask them to write a more complete recommendation that will go on your profile. This recommendation feature is a great way to build your credibility and will complement any formal references that you may have to provide as part of a job application.ConclusionA professional and strategically crafted LinkedIn profile may not be part of a formal job application requirement, but it is a valuable informal source of information to recruiters. Think of your LinkedIn profile as an extra tool for persuasion.Its a good idea to point recruiters directly to your profile by including a LinkedIn link on your resume. But even if you dont, they will probably go searching for you online anyway. When they do, show them that you are more than just your resume or cover letter conveys.