News - How to find and be found on LinkedIn

We recently interviewed Peter Colins from Find and be Found. Peter is a LinkedIn and Google Business Page Specialist. He specialises in helping people to get the most out these two powerful platforms by building quality profiles to engage with your online audience to produce results be it in the job market, promoting your business, lead generation and taking care of your Online Reputation Management.

Q. Please tell us a bit about the importance of LinkedIn.

A. On LinkedIn your profile is paramount, but most people miss out on too many tricks, which harms the effectiveness of this vital tool. My profiles tick all the right boxes with quality content to encourage responses from those who view them.

There is plenty about LinkedIn that most people are either not aware of or completely misunderstand how to make the most out of it. That’s where I come in as I offer a range of services including fully managed service through to a range of training from Beginner all the way to Expert. Feel free to book a chat with me to go over how you can benefit.

These days LinkedIn and Google are the usual first port of call for most people when checking out Individuals and Companies, so it is of the utmost importance to get this right. Please check out my answers below and if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate in getting touch.

Q. The job market is a competitive place, especially those transitioning from the military. I only have military experience, how can I ensure that potential civilian employers are viewing my profiles. Should I try and match my military skills and experience to civilian tasks and jobs?

A. In essence, yes! Highlight your skills then expand on it so potential civilian employers will see how they will benefit. I appreciate ex-military might feel more than a little sensitive giving a full account of their activities, but skills and related experience are less sensitive and give you plenty of material to work with. In addition, always remember this, I have never met a Recruiter who is not on LinkedIn.

Q. Should I use a picture for my professional profiles? I see so many different types of pictures on social media. What type of picture should I use if I would to attract views on my profile?

A. Most definitely yes, I am very “strict” with my clients when it comes to profile images. Profile photos need to be recent head and shoulder shots, with eyes looking straight down the camera lens to make eye contact so no dark glasses etc. Look approachable, happy but no cheesy grin and if your shoulders are turned make sure they are turned towards your information. Never underestimate the importance of this so get it right.

Q. Are there any key words or acronyms that I should use to ensure my profile is being viewed? Do employers use key words when searching for potential candidates?

A. Avoid acronyms unless you have given them in full before. Keywords are important so what I always suggest to clients is in the headline where you have 120 characters use them carefully to highlight your Unique Selling Points (USP’s), how the viewer is going to benefit and include keywords for what you do.

Q. I do not feel comfortable telling people about all of the jobs I have done in the past, particularly those over 10 years old. Should I add them to my profile or leave them off?

A. All of your experience tells a story about you so cover your past, embellish it to make it more interesting if necessary, but don’t add information that you don’t feel comfortable with.

Q. Should I accept connections from everyone who contacts me?

A. If I had £1 for every time someone asked this I would be retired by now! It all depends on what your strategy is. I have just under 30,000 Connections but that was deliberate so I can leverage them to help boost people with small number of Connections. I have a strict discipline when I make Connections for myself or my clients which always includes adding a note, so develop your own strategy from experience. Accept people who do what you want to be doing, maybe local, preferably well Connected themselves but always check their profiles. Don’t agonise too much over this, if you regret Connecting with someone simply Disconnect from them, but never underestimate the power of your network.

Q. How often should I update my profile?

A. Always keep it current and especially when you have a change of strategy no matter how small. Make sure you look like your pic so if you have changed somewhat (don’t worry too much about beards or moustaches) get a new pic. Get endorsements for your key skills and get recommendations and always ensure you have a recommendation for what you are currently or looking to do within the last 12 months.

If you would like any assistance or more information on how to grow your Business Social Media account, be found more easily and find others or organisations, please contact Peter Collins at Find and be Found:

By Connecting with him – don’t forget to add a note! Here’s a link to his LinkedIn Profile:

www.linkedin.com/in/itspetercollins