Head Hunters Use LinkedIn – It is the Best Job Search Tool

“I think job postings are such old news – Social is the hot new industry.” Jeff Vijungco VP, Worldwide Talent Acquisition at Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Social media networks not only connect people and businesses, these networks also provide career options both for entrepreneurs and job seekers.

The most exciting social media tool for connecting professionals in LinkedIn. With over 175 million professionals from all continents, LinkedIn offers tremendous power to find and connect with professionals that are relevant to you and your career.

A large number of headhunters and recruitment firms are now using LinkedIn to find suitable candidates. It is not only cost effective, but also provides a bigger pool of people to select from. Now the challenge rests with the individuals to create their profiles in such a way that they appear in searches run by those hunting for appropriate human resource!

First thing that any job seeker who is interested in being contacted by a head hunter should do is to know that LinkedIn profile is not a paper CV or resume’ – The profile needs to be more focused, and in limited words should be able to provide a solid overview of experience and expertise. Your LinkedIn profile is reflection of your professionalism it needs to offers a quick snapshot of your expertise, experience and hobbies.  One of the recommendations here is to use the carefully selected “keywords”, e.g., if you are an engineer in the automotive sector, you may wish to use ‘automotive, cars, vehicles” in your LinkedIn profile, this increases the possibility of your profile appearing in searches.

LinkedIn suggests that “users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn!”  So if your LinkedIn profile is not up-to-date, do not blame the system! Consider revisiting your profile every month and review it to make few adjustments. Most common mistake is not providing the contact information and updates on your current job! Remember, if you add your email address on the profile, you stand better chance for receiving an email from head hunters.

Another way to make the profile more searchable is by participating in selected professional discussions, joining relevant professional groups and also engaging people in discussions around subject of your interest.

My strong recommendation is to stay alive and stay connected; this is the only way to optimize your presence on LinkedIn.