When I first joined LinkedIn years ago, my eyes rolled – another social media thing.  But, being a stickler for checking all the boxes, I filled out my LinkedIn profile as completely as I could.

Then the phone calls and messages started.

LinkedIn is an amazing network for professionals to share industry information, But it is also built to help “HeadHunters” & “Talent Acquisition” (in other words, the people hiring) to find you.

Ever since completing my LinkedIn profile, I have been contacted almost every week from people asking me to apply for their job openings.  They can contact you through LinkedIn, via email, or by phone. But you need to make sure your profile is set up for them to find you.

Because your LinkedIn profile is basically a detailed resume, when a headhunter calls you, they have already pre-qualified you for the role.

How Often to Update Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is an up and coming social network.  Although it has been around for a while, within the past few years it started gaining momentum.  With that comes new features.

Check your profile often and update it as needed.  While you’re checking it, be on the lookout for any new features or profile sections they have added.  At a minimum, do this quarterly, but monthly is better. It can be another recurring task on that to-do list – but at least this one may pay off.

5 LinkedIn Profile Tips

  1. Your communication settings should allow people who have not connected the ability to see your profile, message you, and connect with you.  Turning this off is turning away a potentially valuable contact.
  2. All work experience listed should be related to the profession you want to work in. Gaps in employment don’t matter here.  So take out the side hustle job and just list the relevant ones. This gives your applicable experience cohesiveness.
  3. If you worked a job outside of your field, but you gained knowledge that is relevant to your field, go ahead and list it.  However, in the details bullet point how this experience relates to your main profession. For example: Listing a side hustle in web development and how you learned skills that can be used to create a policy portal for safety management.
  4. Use the About section as a keyword search.  Think of what hiring managers would search for when looking for applicants in your field.  Work those keywords and phrases into the narrative of your about section. Don’t just list them without any context, they have to appear naturally in the section.
  5. Don’t leave any section blank unless you absolutely have nothing that could go there.  A full profile will beat a scarce one any day.

Networking with LinkedIn

Maybe you only signed up and filled in a LinkedIn profile because you were job hunting at one point.  Or, you like to keep your profile updated, just in case the boss says something you don’t like and you’re ready to jump ship.

You may be missing out on the beauty of this social media platform.  LinkedIn is a place where professionals share industry information. It’s not like the gossip stuff you may see on other networks.

You can join groups of like-minded professionals, post questions to the group, do a search for the topic you need more information on, and connect with others.

Safety management can be a solitary job.  LinkedIn offers you the chance to collaborate with other safety professionals.  One of the best things about the safety profession is that we all like to help each other.

Safety is Safety, regardless of your industry – agreed?

Use LinkedIn as a way to get feedback on your policy, program, or initiative.  If a new regulation or crisis comes up, LinkedIn can be your source for answers.

Building Relationships on LinkedIn

Through LinkedIn’s message and group system, you can start to cultivate relationships.

That person you met at the last safety conference? Reach out to them on LinkedIn and ask if they need help with anything. Helping others is the easiest way to start building relationships.  

You can share files, images, links, videos, and articles. It allows you to create message groups of people who work in your field and group chat.

Studies have shown that networking and relationships help more people land their dream job than cold applying when there’s an opening. Click To Tweet

The point is, don’t let the person you met in passing go by – reach out to them and talk shop.  They may have a friend of a friend with a need for a new Safety Manager.  

Networking, even on social media, can help open doors to a variety of opportunities and learning experiences.

TAKE ACTION

Now that you learned the amazing tips on making your LinkedIn Profile help you in your Safety Careers, what are your favorites?

And if you can add more please do share them on the comment below.

Working together, we can get the head hunters knocking down your door, too.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

I want to see your LinkedIn Profile.  You can find mine at ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/  send me a connection request and I will definitely accept it.

Hi, I'm Brye (rhymes with sky)!  I am a self-proclaimed safety geek with two decades of general industry safety experience.  Specializing in bringing safety programs to a world-class level and building a safety culture, I have trained and coached many safety managers, just like you, on how to effectively manage workplace safety in the real world.   I would love to help you too.

Get started with my weekly newsletters: