LinkedIn currently has over 34 million users in the UK alone and therefore is an invaluable tool for professionals looking to build a network, gain career advice or find a new job. However, there are certain tips and tricks that can help your profile stand out. Carry on reading to discover how to get the most out of your LinkedIn experience as a social worker.
Keep your profile up-to-date
Make sure you’re not selling yourself short! Stay on top of your profile and regularly update it with new skills, interests and awards. Put these in reverse chronological order so your latest achievements are at the top. It’s a good idea to match and reorder skills according to the job(s) you’re applying to. Look at the job description for inspiration. Where possible, get your connections to provide endorsements. This could be a short character recommendation from an old manager or an essay of praise from a fellow colleague who appreciates your working style. Be aware that not all of your connections may be willing to provide an endorsement (we recommend offering to return the favour as a bargaining point!).
Network, network, network
The saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” rings somewhat true on platforms like LinkedIn. The more mutual connections you have with a recruiter, the more likely you are to stand out. The same goes for the number of overall connections you have – the more, the merrier! This is because your content will end up with more engagement, thus boosting your visibility to potential employers. However, it is important to note that LinkedIn shouldn’t be seen as a popularity contest. Do ensure you’re connecting with people you genuinely admire and are relevant to your industry. Follow the activity of your role models, engage, ask for advice and you never know, you might stumble across an opening to your dream career!
Optimise your headline for views
Your LinkedIn headline is a great space to introduce yourself in your own words and allows recruiters to gauge whether you’d be a good culture fit for the company in question. Not many users are aware that their bio is part of LinkedIn’s algorithm. Load yours with keywords related to your field of work/desired job title to attract more views from recruiters. For example, “social”, “worker” and “fostering” would all optimise your profile’s SEO as a social worker looking to work with children in foster care.
Headline’s should follow a clear structure:
1.Hook the reader in. This could be a short sentence, such as: “Since X happened to me, I’ve always wanted to work in Y.”
2. Tell them what you do and where your skills lie. For instance: “With 10+ years in X, I’ve gained valuable experience in Y, including…”.
3.Give the reader a call to action and how you want them to engage with you having now viewed your profile. Try something like: “I’m looking to join X, where I can develop my skills in Y. I can be reached at…”
Post your achievements
Just got promoted? Nominated for social worker of the year? Have some great advice for fellow social workers? Let your network know! Again, high engagement will likely push your profile to the top of the newsfeed and hopefully catch the eye of recruiters. Plus, it’s always nice to start a conversation with those in your field of work.
A picture says a thousand words
Whether you like it or not, the first thing people will notice is likely your profile picture. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate who you are as an individual. Keep it professional but also make sure to look approachable! Your LinkedIn profile is your personal sales page, so make every detail count.
We hope this guide has proved useful for adding value to your LinkedIn profile and catching the eye of recruiters. Follow us on LinkedIn for further career advice, helpful links and job opportunities! Or head straight to our vacancies page if you’re ready to find your next role!
carlette Isaac
LinkedIn currently has over 34 million users in the UK alone and therefore is an invaluable tool for professionals looking to build a network, gain career advice or find a new job. However, there are certain tips and tricks that can help your profile stand out. Carry on reading to discover how to get the most out of your LinkedIn experience as a social worker.
Keep your profile up-to-date
Make sure you’re not selling yourself short! Stay on top of your profile and regularly update it with new skills, interests and awards. Put these in reverse chronological order so your latest achievements are at the top. It’s a good idea to match and reorder skills according to the job(s) you’re applying to. Look at the job description for inspiration. Where possible, get your connections to provide endorsements. This could be a short character recommendation from an old manager or an essay of praise from a fellow colleague who appreciates your working style. Be aware that not all of your connections may be willing to provide an endorsement (we recommend offering to return the favour as a bargaining point!).
Network, network, network
The saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” rings somewhat true on platforms like LinkedIn. The more mutual connections you have with a recruiter, the more likely you are to stand out. The same goes for the number of overall connections you have – the more, the merrier! This is because your content will end up with more engagement, thus boosting your visibility to potential employers. However, it is important to note that LinkedIn shouldn’t be seen as a popularity contest. Do ensure you’re connecting with people you genuinely admire and are relevant to your industry. Follow the activity of your role models, engage, ask for advice and you never know, you might stumble across an opening to your dream career!
Optimise your headline for views
Your LinkedIn headline is a great space to introduce yourself in your own words and allows recruiters to gauge whether you’d be a good culture fit for the company in question. Not many users are aware that their bio is part of LinkedIn’s algorithm. Load yours with keywords related to your field of work/desired job title to attract more views from recruiters. For example, “social”, “worker” and “fostering” would all optimise your profile’s SEO as a social worker looking to work with children in foster care.
Headline’s should follow a clear structure:
1.Hook the reader in. This could be a short sentence, such as: “Since X happened to me, I’ve always wanted to work in Y.”
2. Tell them what you do and where your skills lie. For instance: “With 10+ years in X, I’ve gained valuable experience in Y, including…”.
3.Give the reader a call to action and how you want them to engage with you having now viewed your profile. Try something like: “I’m looking to join X, where I can develop my skills in Y. I can be reached at…”
Post your achievements
Just got promoted? Nominated for social worker of the year? Have some great advice for fellow social workers? Let your network know! Again, high engagement will likely push your profile to the top of the newsfeed and hopefully catch the eye of recruiters. Plus, it’s always nice to start a conversation with those in your field of work.
A picture says a thousand words
Whether you like it or not, the first thing people will notice is likely your profile picture. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate who you are as an individual. Keep it professional but also make sure to look approachable! Your LinkedIn profile is your personal sales page, so make every detail count.
We hope this guide has proved useful for adding value to your LinkedIn profile and catching the eye of recruiters. Follow us on LinkedIn for further career advice, helpful links and job opportunities! Or head straight to our vacancies page if you’re ready to find your next role!