The Rise of LinkedIn 360Brew Is a New Blueprint for Professional Success
The LinkedIn landscape has shifted beneath the feet of millions of professionals. The platform has officially moved away from the era of "engagement hacking" and into a period of deep semantic understanding. At the heart of this change is 360Brew, a sophisticated AI foundation model designed to prioritize authentic professional authority over viral trends. For job seekers, executives, and business owners, understanding this system is no longer optional. It is the primary factor that determines who sees your profile and how the industry perceives your personal brand.
What is LinkedIn 360Brew?
LinkedIn 360Brew is a 150-billion-parameter AI model that functions as the new "brain" of the platform. In previous years, the LinkedIn algorithm operated like a simple scoreboard. It counted likes and comments within the first golden hour of a post to decide its reach. If a post gathered quick reactions, it was pushed further into the feed.
The 360Brew model operates on an entirely different logic. It uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to actually read and comprehend the substance of your writing. Instead of just looking at who clicked a button, the AI analyzes whether your words offer unique value to your specific industry. This move toward semantic relevance ensures that high-quality insights reach the right desks, even if they do not receive thousands of superficial likes. How 360Brew Directly Impacts Your Career Growth
This technological shift has a direct and measurable effect on your career visibility. The AI now acts as a digital validator of your professional claims. It cross-references every piece of content you share against the data points found in your Headline, About section, and work history.
1. Establishing a Trust Score through Alignment
The AI seeks to verify that you are who you say you are. If your profile identifies you as an Accountant but your content focuses exclusively on unrelated lifestyle topics, the 360Brew model may categorize your content as "low relevance." When your posts consistently align with your professional niche, the AI assigns you a higher Trust Score. This score makes your profile significantly more likely to appear in the "People Also Viewed" or "Suggested Experts" sections for recruiters and potential collaborators.
2. The End of Engagement Bait
The era of "bro-etry" and "tag-to-win" posts has officially ended. The 360Brew system is specifically trained to identify and penalize artificial engagement. It can recognize patterns of "engagement pods" where groups of people like each other's posts to trick the system. Instead, the AI looks for Knowledge Signals. These signals are found in posts that solve problems, offer data-driven opinions, or provide educational resources. By focusing on real information, the algorithm ensures that the feed remains a professional resource rather than a social popularity contest.
The New Hierarchy of Engagement: Why "Saves" Rule
Under the 360Brew framework, not all engagement is created equal. The AI has a clear hierarchy for how it values user interactions.
1. Saves
This is the most powerful signal of all. When a user saves your post, it tells the AI that your content is an evergreen resource.
2. Substantive Comments
The AI reads the comments on your posts. A comment that is several sentences long and continues the professional dialogue is worth far more than a simple emoji or a "great post" remark.
3. Shares with Content
If someone shares your post and adds their own unique thoughts, it tells the AI that your work is a catalyst for industry discussion.
4. Dwell Time
The model tracks how many seconds a user spends looking at your post. Long-form writing that keeps a reader engaged is a major indicator of quality.
Six Strategies to Master the 360Brew Algorithm
To stay ahead of the competition, you must adjust your daily LinkedIn habits. Here are five practical strategies to optimize your presence for the new AI.
1. Optimize for Semantic Clarity
Stop trying to write "clever" hooks that don't clearly state the topic. The AI needs to categorize your post within the first two sentences. Use industry-specific keywords naturally. Whether you are writing about software development, construction management, or weight loss strategies, make sure those words appear early. This helps 360Brew place your content in front of the exact audience interested in those specific career tools.
2. Focus on a 90-Day Authority Window
The 360Brew model looks at your activity over a rolling 90-day window to build your authority profile. Consistency is more important than frequency. Posting two high-quality articles per week for three months will do more for your reach than posting every day for one week and then disappearing. The AI needs consistent data points to "bucket" you as an expert in your field.
3. Create "Referenceable" Content
Since saves are the new gold standard, you should create content that serves as a tool. Think about checklists, "how-to" guides, or summaries of industry reports. When you provide a resource that a professional would want to refer back to during their workday, you are maximizing your chances of a viral boost from the algorithm.
4. Engage in "Deep" Networking
LinkedIn networking used to have a lot to do with the number of your connections. But now, it is about the quality of the conversations you start. When you comment on another person's post, make it count. Ask a thoughtful question or add a supporting data point. The 360Brew AI monitors your behavior as a "contributor" to the ecosystem. If you are seen as someone who adds value to others, your own content will receive a secondary boost in visibility.
5. Align Your Headline with Your Output
Your profile “Headline” is the most search-engine-optimized part of your entire presence, yet many professionals leave it to chance. A good LinkedIn Headline can make a big difference. If you do not manually update this section, LinkedIn will default to your current job title and company name. You have a generous limit of 220 characters to define your value proposition. Use this space wisely by listing the specific skills and keywords a recruiter or hiring manager would enter into a Search box to find a candidate with your expertise.
Please refrain from using your favorite inspirational quotes in this space. While phrases like "Knowledge is Power" are meaningful, they do not help the 360Brew AI categorize your professional niche. Your LinkedIn Headline is functional real estate designed to list your most valuable skills for the workforce. When these keywords match the "semantic tags" the AI finds in your posts, it creates a loop of authority that the algorithm rewards with increased reach. 6. Humanize Your Story in the About Section
The "About" section offers up to 2,600 characters to expand on your professional narrative. Think of this space as a transcript of a person hearing you talk about your career journey. It is your opportunity to share your story professionally and authentically. To maximize SEO, you should include your most important industry keywords within the first sentence or two.
Crucially, you should always use the first-person pronoun ("I") in this section. An effective profile sounds like a conversation, not a biography written by a third party. Avoid impersonal third-person language, as it creates a barrier between you and the reader. By speaking directly to your audience, you signal to both humans and the 360Brew AI that your profile is an active, authentic representation of a living professional. Authenticity Over Automation: Building an Organic Presence
A common mistake is treating a LinkedIn profile as a static resume. In the era of 360Brew, the algorithm prioritizes accounts that show signs of life and organic growth. An authentic LinkedIn profile is a constant work in progress that should expand and age as you gain new experiences.
1. Leveraging Interactive Media
LinkedIn is a rich environment where you can showcase your work through interactive media. You are not limited to text; the possibilities for showcasing your talent are extensive. You can include attachments such as PDF samples of your work, photos, presentations, and videos. These can be placed under specific job descriptions or highlighted in the "Featured" section. This variety prevents your profile from appearing robotic and gives the AI more "knowledge signals" to analyze.
2. Adapting for a Global Public Audience
Because your LinkedIn profile exists in the public domain, your audience is incredibly vast. Anyone performing a simple Google search can land on your page. You must adapt your focus to cater to this broad audience while remaining specific enough to attract the right recruiters. People expect to find new data and updated insights with every visit. Keeping your profile in a state of "constant flux" ensures you remain relevant in a shifting job market.
The "Stay in Your Lane" Rule: Why Consistency is Key
One of the most significant changes under 360Brew is the requirement for topic coherence. The algorithm is no longer interested in long, generic, or AI-written posts that lack a clear professional identity. Instead, it rewards human-written content that is consistent with your established background.
The AI can become confused if your profile is dedicated to a specific field, such as the aviation industry, but your comments and posts focus entirely on unrelated personal interests. While those interests are valid, the 360Brew model looks for "profile-content coherence." If your activity does not align with your professional "lane," the system may struggle to find the right audience for your content. To maximize your visibility, ensure that your contributions are coherent and consistent with the expertise you claim on your profile. Final Thought
While some may find the new algorithm more demanding, it is actually a massive benefit for serious professionals. It levels the playing field for those who possess deep knowledge but lack the desire to perform for likes. The 360Brew model prioritizes the "quiet expert." It ensures that if you have something valuable to say, the technology is smart enough to find the people who need to hear it.
By embracing these changes, you are not just "playing an algorithm." You are building a digital footprint that reflects your real-world expertise. As LinkedIn continues to refine its AI, those who lead with value and consistency will find themselves at the top of the professional feed. Please contact Mandy Fard at Market-Connections, if you need help with resume writing, interview coaching, or LinkedIn profile optimization. About the AuthorAs the founder of Market-Connections Professional Resume Writing Services, the primary author of this award-winning blog, and a two-time certified resume writer (CPRW, CMRW), Mandy Fard draws upon her extensive background as a LinkedIn Recruiter and Executive Resume Writer to empower job seekers. Based in Los Angeles, Mandy specializes in providing 'insider' recruitment perspectives that most candidates never get to see.
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Job Search HacksHere is an easy way to network on LinkedIn and find the people who may be able to help you find your next job: Step 1In your LinkedIn Search box, type the title of the job you are seeking; In this case, I typed PROJECT MANAGER: Enter your desired job title in the SEARCH box. Step 2Next, click on the PEOPLE option: Step 3Next, click on ALL FILTERS: Step 4
Step 5You will see a list of people who:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Connect with these people and contact them to help you get into 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻. It's that easy! You May Also Like:
About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing effective resumes. A Step-by-Step GuideIn September 2024, LinkedIn updated its Terms of Service to reflect some changes to generative artificial intelligence (AI) affecting the use of the service and privacy policy. Most notably, the change allows LinkedIn to use member data for generative AI training. The default setting for this setting is ON, requiring users to change a setting to opt out. To change your LinkedIn settings to opt-out of allowing generative AI training on your data, follow these steps: Log into your LinkedIn account and click on the drop-down menu under “Me”. Click on "Settings and Privacy". On the left-side menu, click “Data Privacy”. In the Data Privacy settings, click on “Data for Generative AI Improvement". By default, the setting is “On". Click the button next to “On” and it will change to “Off". When you return to the “Data Privacy” settings page, you will notice it now says “Off”. You can also access the settings page directly here: https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/settings/data-for-ai-improvement Frequently-Asked Questions
Currently, LinkedIn is not training content-generating AI models on data from members located in the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, likely due to local laws and regulations.
But the bigger issue is one of privacy. The default setting is ON to use your content instead of allowing users to opt-in to having their data used. If you are concerned about privacy, you can also turn off “Social, Economic, and Workplace Research” use of your data. (The default for that setting is also ON; click to toggle to OFF.)
Opting out means that LinkedIn and its affiliates will not use your personal data or LinkedIn content to train models going forward; however, it does not affect training that has already taken place.
In addition, you can object to — or request restriction of use — of personal data using LinkedIn’s Data Processing Objection/Restriction form: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/TS-DPRO You may also like:
About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. How to Use LinkedIn Strategically to Land Your Dream Job
We’ve all been asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As adults, however, we realize that achieving career goals can be daunting. Many find themselves in jobs they don’t love or stuck in a career rut that doesn't it their true aspirations.
If you’re not currently pursuing your dream job, the good news is that with tools like LinkedIn, achieving your career goals is more within reach than ever before. LinkedIn has evolved into one of the most powerful platforms for professional online networking and job searching. Yet, many users merely connect with others and post their resumes, overlooking the platform's full potential. Why LinkedIn Is Essential for Career Growth
In today’s competitive job market, having a strong presence on LinkedIn is no longer optional; it’s essential. Recruiters, hiring managers, and industry leaders actively use the platform to identify, evaluate, and connect with talent. A strategically optimized profile not only increases your visibility in recruiter searches but also positions you as a credible and engaged professional in your field. When used intentionally, LinkedIn becomes more than a networking site; it becomes a powerful personal branding tool that can help you attract opportunities rather than constantly chase them.
Here are some expert tips on how to take advantage of LinkedIn’s features and position yourself for landing that dream job: 1. Optimize Your Visibility – Engage, Don’t Just Post
Instead of just uploading your resume and waiting, make yourself visible by engaging with professionals in your field. Share industry insights, comment on relevant posts, and consistently contribute value.
2. Invest in a Professional Photo
A clear, high-quality headshot is essential. Your photo is your first impression on LinkedIn, so make it count.
3. Complete Every Section with Strategic Information
An incomplete LinkedIn profile is a missed opportunity. Make sure each section is thorough and up-to-date.
4. Request Thoughtful Recommendations
Don’t hesitate to request recommendations. These carry weight with recruiters and add credibility to your profile.
5. Publish Industry Insights Regularly
Consistently publishing content not only boosts your profile’s visibility but positions you as a thought leader in your field.
6. Leverage LinkedIn’s Job Search Features
Don’t underestimate LinkedIn’s built-in job search tools.
7. Optimize Your LinkedIn URL
Go to https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings to customize your LinkedIn URL, make your profile easy to share, and look more professional (e.g., linkedin.com/in/YourName). This also helps improve your visibility on Google searches.
8. Leverage LinkedIn Learning
When you access LinkedIn Learning, you will note that LinkedIn offers a wealth of learning resources that can help you upskill. Complete relevant courses and add them to your profile to show employers your commitment to professional growth.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume. It’s a platform designed for networking, professional development, and job searching all in one. Whether you’re actively looking for a job or simply want to build your professional presence, utilizing LinkedIn’s full range of features can set you on the path to success.
Please contact Mandy Fard at Market-Connections Professional Resume Writing Services, if you need help with resume writing, interview coaching, or LinkedIn profile optimization.
Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/mastering-linkedin-the-key-to-landing-your-dream-job
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About the AuthorAs the founder of Market-Connections Professional Resume Writing Services, the primary author of this award-winning blog, and a two-time certified resume writer (CPRW, CMRW), Mandy Fard draws upon her extensive background as a LinkedIn Recruiter and Executive Resume Writer to empower job seekers. Based in Los Angeles, Mandy specializes in providing 'insider' recruitment perspectives that most candidates never get to see. Tips to Create a LinkedIn Company PageYour company page determines who engages with your content, follows you, and picks your business over the competition. Your page should make it easy for people to understand your business and the type of services you offer. A well-optimized LinkedIn business page provides a lucrative opportunity to build your brand, attract new prospects, grow your business through LinkedIn marketing, become a market leader, and gain other multifarious benefits in the long run. So, create a professional page that attracts users and represents your brand right. Fill in all the information on your profile to improve visibility. Add your company name, description, size, location, website URL, industry, and featured groups to increase your chances of appearing on the SERPs. Let’s review the details on how to create a company page on LinkedIn: Upload a Suitable, Decent Page Picture and Banner A profile picture always makes the first impression as it is the primary thing that people will notice on your company page. As per statistics, a page with a profile picture gets significantly more visitors in contrast to one having no image. So, you can judge how crucial it is to have a good image. Pick your company’s logo and resize it to fit the requirements and make it easy for your target audience to identify you Make sure you add a professional banner also known as Background Photo above the company logo. You can get creative here as there are no concrete rules for it except the sizing and requirements. Write a Gripping “About” Section with KeywordsYou need to leverage this section to tell visitors everything they need to know about your company. You can write a well-optimized paragraph ranging between 1800-2000 characters which must be drafted in a simple, accessible and readable language to highlight your business goals. This section is intended to narrate your company’s story and help the audience realize the worth of your product or service. Additionally, it must answer 6 basic questions namely:
Optimize your description and make sure your target audience easily understands what you do. Mention all your main services or offers in your description. Identify high-ranking keywords within your niche and incorporate them into your strategy. Add at least 3 popular keywords to make your content discoverable. Create CommitmentsCommitments are promises to your employees and the broader community. Attract top talent by showcasing what your organization cares about and what it’s really like to work there. Make sure to include relevant links to resources, public-facing reports, and accurate credentials to demonstrate the authenticity of your commitments. Do not use this space to reiterate your organization’s mission statement and/or promote your organization’s products and services. Here is how LinkedIn describes it: Increasingly in today’s market, job seekers are evaluating potential employers based on their values. They’re interested in knowing where companies stand on issues that are important to them, such as DEI, work-life balance, sustainability, etc. To provide greater insight and connections, LinkedIn is enabling employers to highlight these commitments on their LinkedIn company page to define their talent brand and values. Companies can add a section to their company page called Our Featured Commitments that allows them to showcase values along with more meaningful content, including reports, certifications, articles, blogs, and videos. Members can easily view these commitments and the documentation provided by each company to assess authenticity. These commitments are featured prominently on the About section of a company page. Companies can feature up to 5 commitments on their Company Page, such as:
Follow Relevant PagesFollow organizations to stay engaged with relevant content in your Page feed. Add organizations in your industry and engage. Post Relevant Content RegularlyYour content is the lifeblood of your page. It determines who follows and stays with you. So, share valuable content that’s relevant to your business. The kind that your target audience wants, prefers and engages with mostly. You can also share links to some of your finest work. For example, a viral blog post, if you are a blogger. It is statistically noted that companies posting weekly updates see a 2x engagement boost, therefore it is a must to update your page with fresh content regularly. There are ample ways to achieve this: articles, images, videos, documents, and a lot of stuff.
Create AwarenessApart from the paid LinkedIn ads and other paid advertising ways, some simpler techniques to create awareness is to promote your page on other social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and other popular social media platforms. Also, you can link your new profile to your site. If your website already has a steady flow of traffic, you can get more connections. Grow Your Audience
Build Showcase PagesA Showcase page is an extension of your LinkedIn Company Page and provides a dedicated space to share tailored content and engage with a targeted audience. Every Showcase Page is intended to spotlight specific aspects of your business. Showcase pages allow you to highlight specific brands, products, initiatives, or business units within your organization. By creating and effectively managing Showcase pages, you can enhance your company's visibility, target specific audiences, and showcase your unique offerings. To create a Showcase page, follow these steps:
Create Events on Your LinkedIn Company PagePosting events on a LinkedIn Company Page provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your organization's activities, attract a targeted audience, and foster meaningful engagement. It's a powerful tool for promoting your brand, networking with professionals, and driving participation in your events. Ensure that the events are relevant to your target audience and align with your company's objectives.
Promote Your EventLeverage your Company Page's reach by promoting your events through regular posts. Share engaging content related to the event, such as speaker profiles, relevant articles, or event teasers. Use relevant hashtags and keywords in your event titles and descriptions to improve discoverability. Consider leveraging LinkedIn's event features such as event reminders and RSVP options to enhance engagement, generate interest, and encourage attendance. Engage with AttendeesMonitor the event page for comments or inquiries. Engage with attendees by responding to comments and inquiries promptly and offering helpful information to enhance attendees’ experience, fostering a positive networking atmosphere. You may also be interested in:
About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. In today's digital era, businesses are constantly seeking effective strategies to drive growth and expand their reach. LinkedIn, the world's largest professional networking platform, provides a powerful opportunity for businesses to achieve their marketing goals and generate valuable leads. Let’s explore how businesses can leverage LinkedIn marketing to drive significant business growth. Targeted Audience ReachLinkedIn boasts a user base consisting of professionals from various industries and backgrounds. This presents a unique advantage for businesses to connect with their target audience directly. By utilizing LinkedIn's powerful targeting options, businesses can narrow down their reach to specific demographics, job titles, industries, and even company sizes. This targeted approach ensures that your marketing messages are reaching the right audience, increasing the chances of generating quality leads. Showcase Thought LeadershipLinkedIn offers an ideal platform for businesses to establish thought leadership and showcase their expertise. By regularly sharing valuable content, industry insights, and thought-provoking articles, businesses can position themselves as trusted authorities in their respective fields. Thought leadership not only boosts brand credibility but also attracts potential clients or customers who are seeking expert advice or solutions. Engage with LinkedIn GroupsLinkedIn Groups provide a valuable opportunity for businesses to engage with like-minded professionals and industry peers. Joining relevant groups allows businesses to participate in discussions, share insights, and establish meaningful connections. Engaging with LinkedIn Groups helps businesses expand their network, gain industry insights, and build relationships that may lead to potential business opportunities. Sponsored Content and AdsLinkedIn offers a range of advertising options, including sponsored content and ads, to promote your business and drive lead generation. Sponsored content allows businesses to amplify their reach by promoting valuable posts to a targeted audience. LinkedIn ads provide powerful targeting capabilities, allowing businesses to refine their ad campaigns based on specific criteria such as job titles, industries, and geographic locations. These advertising features enable businesses to increase visibility, generate leads, and ultimately drive business growth. LinkedIn Company PagesCreating a LinkedIn Company Page allows businesses to establish a dedicated online presence for their brand. It serves as a platform to share company updates, industry news, and relevant content with followers. Optimizing the company page with engaging visuals, compelling descriptions, and regular updates enhances brand visibility, fosters brand loyalty, and attracts potential clients or customers. Networking and Relationship BuildingLinkedIn is renowned for its networking capabilities. Businesses can leverage this platform to forge meaningful connections and build relationships with potential clients, customers, partners, and industry influencers. Engaging with connections through personalized messages, congratulating them on their achievements, and sharing relevant content helps nurture relationships that may lead to business opportunities or referrals. LinkedIn marketing presents immense potential for businesses to drive significant growth and achieve their marketing objectives. By leveraging targeted audience reach, showcasing thought leadership, engaging with LinkedIn Groups, utilizing sponsored content and ads, optimizing LinkedIn Company Pages, and focusing on networking and relationship building, businesses can unlock the power of LinkedIn to drive business growth. Embrace LinkedIn as a strategic marketing tool and harness its capabilities to propel your business forward in the competitive digital landscape. You may also consider:
About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. LinkedIn ABOUT SectionThe “ABOUT” section of your LinkedIn profile is a vital part of your LinkedIn presence. The ABOUT section on LinkedIn used to be called LinkedIn Summary and it was recently renamed to ABOUT section. Another very important part of your profile is your Linkedin Headline. Some online marketing gurus believe that your LinkedIn Headline is one of your most valuable pieces of online real estate. That's why we should all invest the time to learn how to write a good LinkedIn Headline. You have 2,600 characters to give readers a snapshot of who you are. This can total about 450 to 500 words. It can compare to almost one full page in MS Word, using size 12 fonts. When looking at the LinkedIn profile on a desktop computer, first 2-3 lines of the ABOUT section will be visible with a “see more” link. When someone is using the LinkedIn app on their mobile phone, only the first six to ten words of your ABOUT section will appear. So, the first 2-3 lines must instantly get your prospects interested in your profile — or, even better, get them excited about reading the rest of your profile. LinkedIn ABOUT IdeasHow do you add more value to the company, or solve problems better than other job candidates? Your LinkedIn ABOUT section can set you apart from other job seekers on LinkedIn by demonstrating that you understand what employers want — and what you have to offer that meets that need. Address these questions:
LinkedIn TipsWrite naturally and conversationally. In contrast to your résumé, you should use pronouns in your LinkedIn ABOUT section. Speak in the first person, not third person. (“I did such-and-such.”) Write as if you’re speaking to an individual reader. Make it personal. Be sure to emphasize outcomes — as well as what makes you uniquely qualified to do the job you do. Try to find a common thread through your work. Then, once you have a theme, use storytelling principles to write your summary as a narrative. Have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Your LinkedIn ABOUT section can be anywhere from a few sentences up to a few paragraphs. But don’t waste any words — make the most dramatic, powerful, attention-getting statement you can. Don’t use any more words than is necessary, and don’t be overly flowery in your language. LinkedIn ABOUT Section ExampleNotice the format:
The point of the first sentence is to get the prospect to read the second sentence. And the next sentence. And the next. Be conversational and informal in your tone. Use contractions (“you’re” instead of “you are”). Every word counts! And pay attention to grammar and spelling. Make sure there are no mistakes in your profile. Re-read and edit it. Have a colleague, friend, or spouse read it. Copy-and-paste it into a word processing program and run a spell-check on it. You can also use asterisks, dashes, hyphens, and other keyboard characters to format the ABOUT section and make it easier to read. Using these strategies, you can develop a LinkedIn ABOUT section that will lead to job opportunities, contacts from prospective employers and recruiters, and increased visibility online for your job search. ABOUT THE AUTHORMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Headline for LinkedIn ProfileWhen someone views your LinkedIn profile, they will see your name, what connection level you are with that person (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.), and your LinkedIn Headline. In many cases, hiring managers and recruiters will make the decision to read your full LinkedIn profile based on just these three things. Consequently, a good LinkedIn Headline acts like a newspaper or magazine title. It gives the reader an idea of what your profile will include (just like a newspaper headline previews a story). Your LinkedIn profile is a marketing piece — not a biography or a résumé. It’s not designed to outline your entire professional history. Instead, it provides enough information to get people to connect with you — and/or make a contact with you. Because it’s a marketing piece, you need to come up with a Headline that will instantly attract the attention of your reader. You have approximately 20 seconds to catch the attention of a visitor to your profile. Consequently, you must find a way to stand out in a crowd. If your profile is like every other profile on LinkedIn, you won’t stand out and you won’t be found as easily. Standing out with your LinkedIn profile can mean highlighting the strongest qualifications you have for an employer in your LinkedIn Headline, backing up those qualifications with accomplishments throughout your profile and using strategies that will help you become found by the people who most need someone like you. Being specific leads to a much better LinkedIn Headline. Great LinkedIn Headlines attract attention and the more people who view your LinkedIn profile, the better your chances of connecting with the right person who can lead you to your dream job. Your LinkedIn Headline needs to quickly identify you as a certain type of person — i.e., manager or executive, or someone who specializes in a certain field or industry. It can focus on the results you deliver or what you can do for a prospective employer. A well-written LinkedIn Headline will also help you to structure the rest of the information you include in your LinkedIn profile. If the information doesn’t support the Headline, consider whether it should be included at all. Remember, focus is important. Note: LinkedIn’s default for your Headline is your job title and company. If you don’t change it, this is what LinkedIn will show on your profile. The Role of Keywords In Your LinkedIn ProfileKeywords also play an important part in being found by people who don’t know you on LinkedIn — this is particularly true for jobseekers who are hoping for contacts from prospective employers and recruiters. Keywords are a list of words and phrases that are related to your work — they are the words that a prospective employer would search for when trying to find someone like you. LinkedIn Headlines are searchable fields using the “People Search” function when someone is looking for particular skills, interests, qualifications, or credentials. You can also incorporate keywords throughout your LinkedIn profile, including: — Your LinkedIn Headline — Your current and former Work Experience — Your About section on LinkedIn (formerly called LinkedIn Summary) — The Skills section and other sections in your profile Where can you find keywords? Brainstorm them. Write down a list of words that relates to you, your work, your industry, and your accomplishments. Try to come up with as big of a list as you can; you will narrow it down later. You can also find keywords in job postings or job descriptions. Check out online job boards for positions (don’t worry about where the job is located, just find positions that are similar to the one you’re seeking and write down the keywords). You can also find broad job descriptions — with plenty of keywords — in the U.S. Department of Labor’s free Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/). Another great research tool is Google’s free AdWords Keyword Planner, which can be found at: https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/. You can use keywords you identified through your earlier research and it will suggest related keywords (it will also tell you the popularity of the keywords you enter as they relate to current Google search results). Also look at LinkedIn profiles of others in your industry — especially people who do what you do. However, note that you are looking for inspiration — not to copy their Headline exactly. Now it’s time to narrow down your keywords and pick the “Top 10” that you will use in your LinkedIn Headline and profile. The keywords that you select for your profile must fit two criteria:
Focusing on these areas enables you to get the most out of your online efforts while differentiating you from other job candidates with the same job title. You need to express clearly: “I am this.” Someone who is reading your LinkedIn profile should be able to recognize you in it. If what you wrote could apply to anyone with your job description, revise what you’ve written. How to Write an Attention-Getting LinkedIn HeadlineThe LinkedIn Headline and the first 2-3 sentences of your About Section on LinkedIn are critical to making connections and securing opportunities from recruiters and hiring managers. You can learn a lot about developing your profile from online dating sites — because the concept is the same. You have to get someone’s attention. Your profile may be the first impression that hiring managers have of you — so make it count! You’re trying to get them to take a first step and reach out to connect with you. Focus on what you have to offer a prospective employer; don’t focus on you. The information you provide should be 80 percent about what you have done for your current employer (accomplishments-oriented), and 20 percent about you and what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, most LinkedIn profiles (especially the About section!), are the reverse. Think of it this way: Prospective employers are tuned into a particular radio station — it’s called “WIIFM.” All employers are listening for is: “What’s In It For Me?” (WIIFM). Remember: Employers hire for their reasons, not yours. What proof do you have that you can offer the employer the results they are seeking? Quantify your accomplishments as much as possible in terms of numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts. Don’t copy someone else’s LinkedIn profile. Be original! Look at other profiles for ideas, but don’t copy someone else’s LinkedIn Headline or About section. Remember — your online presence must present your “uniqueness.” Also, give your profile some personality! People who make a connection with you through your profile are more likely to contact you about a career opportunity. Formula for Writing an Effective LinkedIn HeadlineThere are generally two schools of thought when it comes to writing your LinkedIn Headline. The first is using a narrative or descriptive title; the second is simply using keywords separated by commas, bullets, the pipe symbol on your keyboard ( | ) or other keyboard characters (stars, arrows, checklists, etc.). LinkedIn’s current algorithm gives higher ranking to matching keywords, so strategy number two appeals more to computer searches, while strategy number one appeals to human readers. Eventually, all profiles found through computer searches will be reviewed by a human being, however, so it is important to balance readability with the inclusion of keywords. You are limited to just 120 characters in your LinkedIn Headline, so it’s also important to be succinct and direct. Things you can consider including in your LinkedIn Headline: — Job titles — Types of customers / projects you work with — Industry specialization — Brands you’ve worked for — Certifications or designations — Geographic territory specialization Note: Remember, if you don’t write your own Headline, LinkedIn will create one for you — with the most recent job title in your profile and a company or organization name. This is very similar to strategy number one, so this is the most common type of LinkedIn Headline you will see on the site. But it’s not the most effective LinkedIn Headline. To improve readability, capitalize the first letter of each of the words in your LinkedIn Headline. Here are some strategies for writing your LinkedIn Headline, along with the advantages and disadvantages that go along with each tactic.
This strategy can also use the following formulas: — (Job Title) — (Job Title) at (Company Name) — (Job Title) for (Industry) at (Company Name) — (Job Title) Specializing in (Keywords) For example, here is an example of a LinkedIn Headline that incorporates a job title and keywords:
This strategy can also incorporate key projects and/or the names of key clients or important employers, especially if any of those have high “name recognition” value. You may also wish to include a specific industry or geographic area to your job function-focused Headline. Here is an example that uses job function and targets the kinds of clients this consultant serves:
This can be expressed in several different ways: -- (Job Title) That Gets (Results) -- (Adjective) (Job Title) With a Track Record of Success in (Results) For example: Be specific! Adding numbers and other specific wording can make your LinkedIn Headline much more powerful. Here is the same strategy, but this one quantifies the scope and scale of the benefit to the employer: But try not to include the “Top 10 Overused Buzzwords in LinkedIn Profiles in the United States.” Here is the 2018 list: • Specialized • Experienced • Leadership • Skilled • Passionate • Expert • Motivated • Creative • Strategic • Successful — Source: LinkedIn Pulse, Blair Decembrele Heitmann, March 2018
This strategy also works if you can make a claim that is defensible (if the statement is “arguably true”). Put the claim in quotes so it appears as if it was published somewhere. If you are having trouble writing your LinkedIn Headline, write a very rough draft. It doesn’t matter if it’s not good, or if you have to leave some blanks. Having a framework will make it easier for you to complete later. Go ahead and finish writing the rest of your LinkedIn profile and then come back to it. Oftentimes, the Headline will become much clearer at that point. (Just remember to review your LinkedIn profile to make sure all the information you’ve included supports the focus of the content, as directed by the LinkedIn Headline and About section.) About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. LinkedIn Basics: How to Use LinkedIn to Build Your Professional PresenceAt first glance, LinkedIn.com seems a little more complicated than some other social media networks. But, in reality, it's simple. LinkedIn.com provides a straightforward way for individuals and business owners to hire, market, and sell in an innovative and new way. It's a step up from Facebook in that it's a site for professionals. You will find a different quality of posts on LinkedIn. Overall, the content on LinkedIn has a more professional tone and is a little more conservative than other social media platforms. Once you become more familiar with what LinkedIn is, it is more than likely that you will also see it as an excellent platform to cultivate professional relations and business connections. You may just need to practice and learn how to use LinkedIn. As a newbie, you want to get started using this tool fast, so here is the lowdown on using LinkedIn.com. Use a Free AccountAt least at first, there is no need to upgrade your account to a paid LinkedIn.com account. The free version provides more than you'll need until you become accustomed to and use all the features the free version has. With a free account, you can:
The paid or Premium version has all those features, plus you can send emails to people whom you don't know. In addition, you get priority customer service, more search results, and more. Plus, you get access to other users’ full names in their profiles. You can upgrade at any time, so until you are accustomed to the vast features of the free account, there is no reason to get a Premium account from the start. Joining is quick and easy. Go to the Home Page and look for the Sign-Up window to register. Fill this out using your full real name and the email address you use most. Be cautious about using your work email unless you own the business. Set Up Your ProfileThe system will guide you through the steps to complete much of your profile. Keep in mind that in most cases, you can go back and edit later, but why not fill it out as accurately as possible now? This will eliminate the need to edit later. You should fill everything out as completely and as honestly as possible in a professional manner. Currently, there are several parts to your profile:
There are other important parts in your profile, like the Recommendations or Endorsements sections. But to start, let’s just focus on the above. This is only to get you started. It's Important to ParticipateNow that you have your profile up, it's time to make some connections. Start with people with whom you've worked at any of the jobs you've listed in your work history, and any fellow students at the schools you've attended. Connect with them and ask for recommendations right away. Send them personalized requests; don't send them in bulk, as it helps to remind the individual what you did for them in the former position to get a more targeted recommendation. Next, join a few targeted groups consisting of your target audience. Your target audience is dependent upon your goals for using LinkedIn.com. If you're using it to expand your business, you will need to join groups that consist of potential buyers. If you are using it to network to help you move up in your career, you want to join groups that have potential colleagues. Once you join the groups, participate in the groups to get the full benefit. As you get accustomed to using LinkedIn.com, you'll find more ways in which it can expand your reach and increase your connections. Keep going, and it will pay off. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. LinkedIn Tips for JobseekersOf course, you’re on LinkedIn, it’s a no brainer, right? LinkedIn is the top professional social media platform, and the first place recruiters look. So, you keep your profile up to date and maintain an active presence, building up connections and being seen. According to Jobvite’s 2021 Job Seeker Nation survey, most workers find out about job openings from friends (45%) and professional connections (31%). This guide will provide LinkedIn tips for jobseekers and will help you consider different strategies to use LinkedIn as tool for your job search project. Smart Strategies for Using LinkedIn as a Networking ToolDid you know that LinkedIn can be a great networking tool? The key is in how you use it.
Focus on building relationships with valueA LinkedIn connection shouldn’t just be a collection of people who you’ve ever met or worked with. When you connect, you should focus on developing a professional relationship that will benefit both of you. This means making quality connections. It’s not a good idea to use the Invitation feature to try to sell anything to anyone. You may also consider reviewing the tips under 5 Strategies for Effective Online Networking. You can import your email contacts, search for people you know who are already on LinkedIn or check out the recommended ‘people you may know’ section and try to build a quality circle of connections. Don’t send random invitationsBe selective in who you invite to connect. Make sure there is already some relationship no matter how slight. It could be someone you met at a conference or a trade show or someone you went to college with. It could even be your neighbor, or even someone you share connections with. Don’t forget to mention the connection in your invitation. If you’ve met in the past, remind them of who you are and how they know you – give them a few clues to jog their memory Build your relationshipsGive your LinkedIn relationships time to grow before you ask for favors or referrals. Don’t keep asking for appointments, Zoom calls, etc. If you know a connections’ work, you can endorse them for particular skills. Like and share their posts. If you are at the same conference or meeting, arrange to meet up for a chat. Make sure you contribute to the larger LinkedIn community by writing posts and articles. Join in conversations and participate in groups. Demonstrate your value to your network. Curate your networkBe strategic about whether you decide to accept invitations to connect. You don’t have to say yes to everyone. Make sure you check them out first. Take a look at their LinkedIn profile and see if they could be a meaningful connection. If you accept an invitation from someone in a company or industry you’re interested in, send a message as well telling them how pleased you are to connect. Maybe ask them more about their job and start a conversation. But please, do not impose. Let people remember you for good reasons. A healthy, active LinkedIn network can be a tremendous asset in your career. Take the time to build relationships and watch that effort pay off. For similar content, visit LinkedIn Tips for Jobseekers. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. |
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AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Archives
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