Gone are the days when a well-compiled CV printed on smooth paper was enough to impress employers when job-searching. For many of us, CV’s were only ever updated when it came time to make a move, but now employers and companies are looking at LinkedIn profiles for ‘headhunting’ as well as in their selection and shortlisting process.

LinkedIn has 135 million users worldwide since it’s launch in 2003, connecting users to friends, colleagues and other professionals in and outside of one’s field. It allows professionals to list qualifications, work experience, past employers and roles, as well as listing achievements, a user’s professional network and uploading digital examples of work. Although the take up from the legal profession has been slower than across other industries, it is very quickly catching on.

Some business leaders and recruiters view LinkedIn as a ‘must’ tool for professionals.  Those who do not have a profile or have not updated their profile recently, here’s a NEWSFLASH: Recruiters, companies and employers ARE looking. Remaining invisible on-line can in fact work against you, if you are still in doubt consider this. When it comes to selecting a service provider (e.g Legal Services) or recruiting, the more information available to the decision maker, the easier their decision will be.  Without a profile you can be ‘simply overlooked’, particularly when your peers or competitors have invested in a comprehensive profile.

So, what do employers look for when they view your LinkedIn profile? Or better yet, what makes a GOOD LinkedIn profile?

The musts:

• Although it goes without saying, an ACTIVE (living + breathing) LinkedIn profile with UP TO DATE details of qualifications, current and former education and employment ensures people can FIND YOU and know about your professional history (don’t forget your full name – this is not FB!)
• Make sure you have a personal photo up (with fake LinkedIn profiles out there, it’s important that others know you are ‘real’ – BTW photos of you at a party are not ideal!)
• Have recommendations from previous jobs/roles on your LinkedIn profile (it will look fantastic to have recommendations from previous employers, colleagues or clients – aim to have at least 1 per role)
• Make your profile search engine optimised as best you can (using keywords throughout your profile will enhance its search engine optimisation)
• Join LinkedIn Groups (these are helpful in building credibility – Joining law groups, state/city legal groups puts your name out there for others to connect with you)
• Make good use of the Headline and What are you working on/Summary toolbars (don’t copy your firm’s bio, write about what you’re working on or what you’d like to do. Hint: Writing this in the first person breaks down the barrier and makes it more personal)

A “good” LinkedIn profile makes professionals more visible and is a great platform to get your business and more importantly your personal brand out there! The information made available through this social networking site can be invaluable and is a tool for success. Employers, companies and recruiters can see what you’re about professionally in a way that resumes can’t really do these days, so make the most of this space and shine!

further information + official websites

BRW 3-9 November 2011 - CV’s Not Dead, It’s Online 

Windmill Networking - 10 Things you Must do for LinkedIn Profile Completeness  

Social Media Today - 5 Tips for Lawyers Using LinkedIn 

Image from Freedigitalphotos