LinkedIn or Out? That is the question!

LinkedIn…
Love it or hate it?
Time saver or time waster?
Drive it hard or can’t be bothered?

Look online and there are plenty of articles on how best to utilise our favourite professional networking site. 84% of senior finance candidates on our database have a profile on LinkedIn. I’m not going to name or shame but there are certainly some profiles that are better than others!

Taking control of your online professional profile with a completed, accurate, and well-thought-out profile is essential. Today, first impressions commonly happen online. Potential clients, business partners, and employers researching people ahead of key meetings and interviews. We’re finding that most clients will do their own research on the shortlisted candidates at some point during the recruitment process.

A profile could make all the difference

It can get you the nod of approval or go down the other direction! Of course, a structured recruitment process with sound competency-based questioning will, in the majority of cases, end with the selection of the right candidate but if it comes down to two or three in the running, a good profile could be the determining factor!

Literally, as I write this, we have a candidate at the second interview stage for a Partner role at a top 4 law firm in the City. A fantastic opportunity for the candidate and certainly an introduction fee that would kick-start the New Year. When we noticed that the candidate had connected with the Senior Partner last week, it sent a shudder to the core! The client is looking for a business winner, a networker, and someone with a wider perspective on business development! Although he’s gone through the first interview stage without a problem, further investigation into their decision-making will show he has only 8 connections on his LinkedIn profile! Not exactly the profile of a candidate with the key attributes they’re looking for. One quick call from us and his profile no longer existed. (I’m pleased to say he has now progressed to a third interview!)

A good profile will have a concise summary, an accurate list of previous employers, a decent photo with a selection of credible recommendations and, of course, as many connections as you can possibly have (here are some more suggestions for boosting your LinkedIn profile).

David Waddell is the Managing Director at Harvey John.

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