LinkedIn, the third most popular social network after Facebook and Twitter, was launched back in 2003. Now, it is commonly used to search for jobs as well as deserving candidates. Human resources specialists are probably the most active on this network, discovering all the features and options it offers, but you as a regular user can also apply a few tricks to tweak your profile and thus get more noticeable. Here, we will provide a few recommendations on how to fully show your potential to your employers-to-be.

1. Make it more personal by rearranging sections and adding a background photo. The photo will be displayed at the very top of your profile in the form of a band. Bear in mind that LinkedIn is, first of all, a professional network, so you have to choose the picture accordingly. Your birthday party shot probably won’t be the best choice. Also, do not go over the board with rearranging the sections of ­­­your profile. A little change will show that you made efforts to stand out, but most recruiters are used to a certain profile framework, and they might get confused and even annoyed if they see something too different.

2. Add samples. LinkedIn allows you to add media and text files – why not use it for your benefit? You’ll have to use creativity and make your samples worth the time spent to review them, of course. But if you come up with the right ones, you will save yourself a great deal of time: recruiters won’t have to ask you for your work samples but instead will simply download them.

3. Customize your URL. Have you seen how ugly a LinkedIn URL looks with all that numbers in the end? You can get rid of it by customizing the link. It will look much cleaner and more professional. You can customize your URL in public profile settings.

4. Use SEO principles. Some recruiters search the network using keywords. You can increase your chances to get found by inserting keywords in prominent places, e.g. in your summary field.

5. Get endorsements. Being endorsed means that some of your contacts confirm your expertise in certain fields. It is very easily done and mostly doesn’t require asking people – they will do it for you, expecting the same favor in return. Do not forget references, too! No one can tell more about your skills and expertise than your former boss or colleague.

6. Last but not least, you can easily convert your LinkedIn profile into a CV in the pdf format.

As you see, LinkedIn is full of surprises. You can make the most of it, or you can ignore its employment potential. If you decide to ignore it, however, there is a good chance you will be ignored by the highly competitive world of employment where every single bit matters.

About the Author: Ann Aldrich is a freelance writer at jetessaywriter.com and a blogger who devoted her life to writing about the world of employment. She is frequent at the educational project - both as a writer and a consultant – as well as at other platforms. Her primary areas of interest include recruitment, job interviewing and modern trends of the labor market.