Planned Resources recruit across the niche markets of planning, engineering, architecture and design, property, and government support. We operate​ across private and public sectors in Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia. Here, our consultant Ash Fajerman gives her top tips on what to consider when developing – or refreshing – your LinkedIn profile.

Times have changed and people across the globe are increasingly reliant on social media platforms to bring them the latest scoop, which means, your future employer is probably looking for the scoop on you!

LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for everyone, whether you are just starting out in the business world and looking for your big break, or if you are a successful Entrepreneur looking for different ways to expand and maybe even collaborate with other like-minded people.

LinkedIn’s platform can be used for many different things; You can source work, look at different organisations and what they are up to, get in touch with old work mates and even make new ones. You can congratulate people on their promotion or for commencing new opportunities, you can also self-praise and deliver information to those around you to build more followers, and therefore, be more attractive to the workforce.

There’s a whole range of things that LinkedIn is great for, so having an updated and accurate profile to show off your talent, as well as make yourself appealing to the world of business, is more important than you may think.

Here are some steps to take when you’re creating your profile – or even if you just want a refresh:

1. Your profile picture: While this isn’t the most important step, your profile picture is the first thing that anyone sees; so, make it professional and somewhat aligned to your career path.

2. Banner: Another picture that you can include on your profile. And while it’s not extremely important, it still needs to appear professional. Bon Jovi may be your favourite band but, for LinkedIn or a business social media platform, it would be more beneficial for you to have a positive, professional, and fun banner with something appropriate to your career path. If you are in the music industry, maybe Bon Jovi is your banner of choice!

3. Accurate job title: Yes, social media is a fun way of expressing yourself but, not everyone will believe you are the ‘Master of Witchery’ at ‘Hogwarts’. Crazy, right? So, keep it accurate and easy to understand.

4. Add a summary: Not everyone likes to talk about themselves, but a summary is actually really important and tells a prospective employer or hiring manager a lot about who you are as a professional. Your summary should cover a little bit about your achievements, aspirations, and display your uniqueness above everyone else in your field. It gives your future employer the opportunity to see why they should interview you or get in touch.

5. Experience: Whether or not you are a successful senior talent or a junior looking at making a difference, adding your experience and detailing some of your responsibilities you had within that space, is helpful to you and your reader.

6. Education: Showing you have not only the experience, but also the theoretical side of your path goes a long way. Sometimes a Certificate is fantastic, but education coupled with experience is an ideal world for an employer. Make sure you add your achievements!

Remember to take the time to review and keep your LinkedIn up to date; it’s your online resume and a representation of you. When you receive a promotion, a new title, change jobs or update your position responsibilities etc. you add it to your CV – so get in the habit of adding it to your LinkedIn too.

By Ash Fajerman, Local Government Consultant

Ash recruits within the Local Government sector, where she works with candidates and clients with understanding, commitment, empathy, and professionalism. 

Connect with Ash on LinkedIn

Contact: 0449 938 399, ash.fajerman@plannedresources.com.au