Whether you are looking for a new job or simply want to network within your industry, LinkedIn will always have a role to play. And even if you are happy with your current employer, having an online professional presence can help or hinder your career.

What do recruiters look for in a profile?

As a professional network, LinkedIn is extremely important for showcasing an employee’s strengths and is a great help in looking for a new challenge.

When hiring, recruiters look at an applicant’s LinkedIn for several reasons:

1. To see who has recommended or endorsed an applicant; this is a good way to see who they associate with and where their strengths lie.

2. Confirming any grey areas in work history. Make sure that your profile echoes your CV as recruiters will check dates and the length of time with employers.

If I am unsure of anything on their CV, for instance the length of time they have worked within a particular company. If questions still need answering but overall the candidate is strong, I will still offer them an interview but will ask them in person to clarify the discrepancy.

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LinkedIn matters outside of job hunting

LinkedIn offers great possibilities for networking even when you not looking for a new role. A relevant and interesting profile can help attract potential clients too.

1. By sharing blog posts and other content about your current workplace, you can increase their engagement and potentially create new business opportunities.

2. Don’t worry – a negative comment on LinkedIn won’t derail your networking opportunities. A single comment should not affect how people view your working style.

If a member of LinkedIn community has written a negative comment on a person, maybe saying something like ‘they are not much of a team player’, it is important to remember that it is just one person’s opinion and does not define their potential.

It is common that professionals use LinkedIn in order to attract a new job and they do not update their profile with their new workplace. You must always keep your LinkedIn up to date. Potential clients may look at your page and you are representing not only yourself but your current workplace.

LinkedIn has so many benefits to apply to your working life. By maintaining your profile regularly, you will create new connections in your chosen field and maximise chances of being chosen for that dream job.

Helen Taylor is the head of HR at property services provider Instant Offices.

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