If you're one of the thousands who recently had to file for unemployment, you may be feeling a bit lost when it comes to searching for a new job.
What we here at WMAR-2 News want to do is provide you with as many resources as possible to help you get back on your feet.
One of those resources that can help you is LinkedIn. Maybe it's your first time or you need a refresher on it, regardless, here are a few tips on how to make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out!
1. Make sure you have a professional looking profile photo
This is the first thing people will see from you besides your name, so you want to make sure that they get a good impression of you right off the bat. Make sure that the photo is recent and that you're the only one in the photo so that the employer doesn't get confused.
LinkedIn actually has a great number of suggestions on how to make sure your photo looks great! You can see their tips here.
2. Make sure your 'About Me' section showcases your skills.
Don't be afraid to brag here. Do you have a certification of some sort? Talk about it. Are you a great multi-tasker? Let them know!
LinkedIn has provided a list of their favorite summaries and you can find them here. Remember, it doesn't need to be a certain length, just make sure you're taking the time to really market yourself.
3. List relevant skills!
After you've put in your work experience, education criteria and certificates if you have them, make sure to list any skills you think will make you a better candidate. The great thing about the skills portion is that you can add almost anything! It doesn't just have to be data entry or coding, you can also include software programs like PowerPoint and Excel or even skills related to your work ethic like communication and multi-tasking.
Here's a list of the most in demand skills of 2020.
4. Grow your network
This may be an obvious one, but make sure you're growing your network! The easiest way to do this is to sync up your address book with your profile and invite your friends and former co-workers. You can also search for connections by people's names, jobs you're interested in, companies and schools!
When you're adding these people to your network, engage with them. Comment on their posts or send them a quick message through LinkedIn's messenger section. Even if you're not connecting directly with an employer, you may be connecting with someone who knows someone who is hiring, so it's never a bad idea to remain connected with everyone in your network.
A great part about growing your network is that they can also endorse any skills that you've put on your profile. This lets the employers know that you're the real deal!
5. Share content that is relevant
This applies to posting content that showcases your own work, but even if you can't do this, share posts that keep you engaged with your network. See an article that you find interesting? Post about it! By posting regularly you give yourself more of an opportunity to connect with people in your same career field or again, someone who knows someone hiring.
LinkedIn has a number of great resources to help you find the right content to post about, but here's a look at their 5 steps to creating perfect updates!
Still have questions about what to do in these trying times? Have concerns about the coronavirus itself? Click here to see additional resources.