I often hear these statements from my clients. “I am so busy with work and my education. Should I really take the time to create and updates a LinkedIn profile?” The simple answer is, “YES!” Here are some tips to help you get it done and get it right!

Why should you have a LinkedIn profile for CPA recruiting?

1. Because of the impact of Social Media in our labour market today

• Facebook has 1.59B active users
• LinkedIn 414M largely professional users
• Countries by population: Facebook, China, India, Twitter, LinkedIn, USA

2.  Because employers expect you to have one

• 2010 – Some employers and many recruiting agencies utilizing social media to   screen applicants
• 2014 – 65% of employers used social media to review candidates; 35% made hiring decisions due to posted information
• 2016 – 93% of employers search social media platforms; 69% rejected candidates as a result with reviewing taking place during various stages including: 47% application; 27% initial contact; 15% short-listing; 4% offer4.

3.  Employers are looking for specific things on social platforms

• Consistency of the person’s image. On Linkedin one might have a more professional presence and on Facebook a bit more less formal. Consistency of appropriate posts, pictures and words solidify impressions is what is most important.
• Common connections and skills endorsements. If a candidate is connected to someone known it can build trust. Endorsements or another option to follow up to get an additional opinion about the person is valued.
• Strong grammar and spelling. They can get an idea about a person’s communication skills.
• Creative and Social Media Savvy. Use of the latest networking tools, communication and technologies says a lot about a candidates skills.
• Cultural fit. E.g. Candidate’s hobby and interest is “reading” and your organisation is sponsoring a book fair, it would be an indication for a good fit.  Activities with people demonstrate people oriented interest and likely attributes.

4.  Job Seekers confirm the benefits

• Of 1,303 job seekers surveyed through Jobvite:
  – 40% received a LinkedIn referral for a job
  – 34% shared a job opportunity with others
  – 32% made a new significant professional connection
  – 32% received employee’s perspectives on their targeted company

5.  Here are some things you should do to polish up your LinkedIn profile

• Create a title or headline using proposition style wording to add value
• Upload a “professional” picture
• Enhance your visual impact with an appropriate background photo
• Customize your URL by shortening it for your resume, portfolio and business card
• Include contact information if you choose to
• Write a short direct description about yourself in the Summary section
• Enhance the SEO of your profile by adding keywords and industry “buzzwords”
• Customize anchor text on blog and website links to attract people to more
• Promote your projects
• Add links to publications
• Be active daily or at least regularly
• Post and initiate discussions at the best times (Tuesday 10-11 am PST)

6.  Determine that you will not be annoying

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/15-annoying-linkedin-behaviour-can-lead-career-disaster-john-thomas

A well prepared LinkedIn profile can support your career progression and give people another way to connect with you and validate your candidacy. So, get yours up to date and get the URL on your documents.

Good luck!

Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and the DAP Career Coach. He also collaborates with the Business Career Center to support BCom career initiatives from time to time. Be sure to attend all the CPA Recruiting workshops which are posted on COOL for registration. Russell is also available to DAP students for online coaching appointments and in-person coaching when posted in COOL. For an online appointment email Russell at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca.