Do you have an active LinkedIn profile? If not, it’s time to change that! LinkedIn has become an invaluable resource for job candidates. Recruiters frequently search the site to find talent when filling open positions at their companies. An updated profile and active presence on LinkedIn can greatly increase your visibility and reach, and subsequently improve your chances of finding your ideal new job.

6 Ways to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Success

1. Present Yourself in a Professional Manner.

Unlike many other social networking platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn is strictly meant to be professional. Leave the personal vacation photos and funny status updates to the other sites and maintain a strictly business presence. Your profile photo should be a professional headshot of you — and only you — and any status updates and content you share should be relevant to your line of work.

2. Stand Out from Your Competition.

A LinkedIn is profile is not a duplication of your resume. It’s a chance to show your passion for what you do! A profile can be more conversational than a resume, so feel free to elaborate. Additionally, expand upon your education, skills and experiences using media such as images, links and videos. If possible, show off successful projects and publications. It provides hiring managers and recruiters additional insight into your experience and allows you to toot your horn, without blowing it!

3. Incorporate Savvy Keywords.

The use of certain words can help your profile to appear higher in search results, which increases your chances of being noticed. Include keywords without overusing buzzwords. Rather than simply listing the words in bullet point style, use them to expand on your expertise and position yourself as a top candidate.

4. Complete Your Entire Profile.

LinkedIn profiles have a number of different categories. If you don’t think it is necessary to complete them, you are sorely mistaken. Detailed information about your skills, employment history, education, volunteer work not only increases your marketability, but also increases the likelihood that your profile will get seen. You never know exactly what a recruiter is looking for, so don’t leave out what could be viewed as key information.

5. Keep Your Profile Updated.

It’s important to ensure your LinkedIn profile is always up-to-date with your latest professional experience and contact information. You don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity because an outdated phone number or email address is listed!

6. Connect with Others.

Once your profile is established, build your network by connecting with colleagues, professional and potential employers. Maintain relationships through direct communications and sharing updates and content. An easy way to stay top of mind with those in your network is to share articles that relate to your industry or projects that you’re working on.

Let the experienced recruiters at RealStreet Staffing help you find a fulfilling new job. As the leading employment agency for architecture, engineering and construction professionals, we offer job opportunities you can’t find elsewhere. Contact us today to find your new job!