Starting the New Year Strong on LinkedIn
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, goal-setting, and fresh starts. For many, it's also an opportunity to reassess career paths and explore new opportunities. With more than one billion profiles¹, LinkedIn is one of the largest professional platforms in the world and is a powerful tool for showcasing your professional story and connecting with potential employers. As you step into the year ahead, here are some ways to strengthen your online presence and make meaningful connections to support your job search.
- Make Thoughtful Use of the #OpenToWork Banner: If you’re actively seeking new opportunities and are comfortable being public about it, LinkedIn’s green #OpenToWork banner increases your visibility to recruiters. If you’re currently employed and prefer to keep your search private, it’s best to leave this feature off.
- Refresh Your About Section: The start of a new year is the ideal time to update your "About" section. Instead of repeating your job title, take advantage of the character allotment to highlight recent achievements, project contributions, and what sets you apart. This space should tell your professional story and signal why someone should reach out to you.
- Be Intentional with Your Network: Look for people working in roles or sectors you aspire to join and connect with them. A brief and genuine message goes a long way. Authenticity matters more than ever in a space increasingly filled with automated communications.
- Engage to Stay Visible: LinkedIn rewards consistent activity. Sharing insights, commenting on industry posts, and engaging with your network will help keep your profile active and visible throughout the year.
- Build Relationships with Recruiters: Recruiters can be valuable allies in your career. Connect with them and respond if they reach out. It's perfectly acceptable to reply, "not right now," while sharing the types of roles or locations you're most interested in. The more they know about you, the better they can match you with opportunities.
For additional tips on optimizing your profile, check out: 12 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out (2024 Guide) | TopResume
As we look ahead to a new year and new beginnings, don’t forget to explore current opportunities at: Careers at KCB - Klohn Crippen Berger
Source 1: About LinkedIn