It is generally known that there are fewer vacancies in the summer period. Job interviews are also often postponed until after the holidays. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything at all during these summer months to increase your chances of finding a new job or developing your career. Use the LinkedIn tips below to make the most of the vacation time and give your career a new boost:
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete
Add a photo
Get Connected!
Be proactive!
Get at least three recommendations
Below is some additional information about each tip:
* Add not only your current employer, but also previous work experience to your LinkedIn profile. You are twelve times more likely to be viewed if you have added more than one position to your profile. In this way, all your work experience is added together and your profile is the most complete. Also add search terms on which you want to be found. For example, if you're a lawyer who specializes in corporate takeovers, make sure these words appear on your LinkedIn profile as well.
* Add a profile picture; people never forget a face. This is especially important if you want to "connect" with people you've worked with in the past and haven't spoken to in a long time, or if you've changed your name because you're married, for example.
* There is a “magic” number of connections, namely 50! By adding at least 50 people to your network that you know and trust (current and former colleagues, clients, friends and family), you increase your chances of connecting with people and companies that will help you with your career. If you have just graduated, you can expand your network by adding classmates, friends, teachers or colleagues you know from your internship or part-time job.
* Do you already know LinkedIn Company Pages? You can search for the Company Pages of companies like Nike or adidas and immediately see if someone in your network might know people who work for your dream employer or coveted prospective client. Also join groups on LinkedIn, such as your university's alumni group or other groups that may be of interest to you. Share relevant status updates to stay in the spotlight of your network and show what's on your mind.
* LinkedIn recommendations spread quickly on LinkedIn (they are visible to both your network and the network of the person who wrote a recommendation about you). They give the viewers of your profile a better idea of who you are as a professional. It is a good idea to let contacts who ask you for a recommendation know which specific parts of your work you would prefer to comment on. This ensures that you receive relevant recommendations that you can proudly put on your profile.
