10 keys to getting your LinkedIn profile viewed

LinkedIn has quickly become the number one resource for both executive and corporate recruiters to locate talent. Beyond sourcing talent, LinkedIn and other social media platforms are increasingly being used to disqualify top hires, in the same manner as drug testing, background and credit checks.

Social media is becoming so important that the 2018 MRINetwork Reputation Management Study found 18% of employers are formalizing their process of reviewing candidate social media profiles. Another 17% are considering doing so in the future. Here are some tips to help candidates develop a social media presence that will be attractive to recruiters:

1. Choose the right photo. Select a picture that only shows you; no group photos. Make sure the background is simple and your face is clearly seen. Since this is typically an employer’s “first impression,” make sure you look professional and it is a good quality photo.

2. List all previous job titles, companies you worked for, tasks performed and results. Most people don’t put their entire resume on LinkedIn, and that’s fine, but you want to incorporate necessary information for people to find you. For example, if you are a “construction defect” claims adjuster, make sure you are specific and include both job duties. Add your responsibilities and results as well; such as the number of claims handled and cost savings to your present organization. Employers, as well as clients, have a much better chance of finding you if you use accurate keywords of your expertise and experience.

3. Select the right industry. As an insurance professional, make sure the industry you choose for your profile is “insurance.” If not, there is a very good chance you will not be found by people who are looking for Insurance professionals.

4. Include all of your education. Earning a CPCU, CIC, RPLU, ARM or any other insurance designation is important. It shows your commitment to the industry. You have worked hard and spent time outside of the office to become a more knowledgeable insurance professional.

5. Connect with folks you know in the industry. There are two main reasons to invite people to your network. First, employers want to determine how connected you are in the insurance industry; whom you are connected to, which companies, and how many connections you have. When company hiring managers are looking for a production-oriented underwriter who is developing new business, they will be looking for someone who has many connections. Strive to have a minimum of 500 connections. Second, employers are also using social media to see if there are any common relationships. The more connected you are in the industry, the better chance you have of seeing what new career opportunities employees are posting.

6. Recommendations matter. When you are considering a major purchase you probably read reviews and look for recommendations. Hiring a new employee is no different. Employers want to see what other managers, co-workers and clients have to say about a potential employee. You need to ask people to give a personal recommendation (even if you are not actively looking for a job), which will be a very powerful message to hiring managers.

7. Join insurance-related groups. There are all kinds of insurance specific groups on LinkedIn. If you are in professional liability insurance, you can join a wide variety of groups that can be either generic or very specific. For instance, if you are in a niche within professional liability (such as medical malpractice or directors & officers insurance), there are groups that are specific to this specialty.

8. Create an intro/headline. You may have some general information or you may not have anything in here at all, but this section is a very valuable piece of real estate and one of the first things insurance hiring managers see. Talk about your accolades, successes and accomplishments here.

9. Update your page every six months. It is easy to forget to update your page, but it is very important to keep it current. This allows others to stay up to date on your recent promotions, current job duties and achievements.

10. Create updates/share articles/write posts on insurance industry news. LinkedIn is a great way for people to network, but it is also a good place to read industry specific content. By creating or sharing topical content, you will be viewed as someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about the industry.

Ensuring that your LinkedIn profile is complete with accurate and updated information makes you easy to locate, and will provide the best opportunity for you to capitalize on your next great career move.

Lance Polikov, president of Polikov Recruitment Solutions, has been in the executive search business for over 15 years. The firm specializes in placing top talent in the commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance industry. Contact him at lpolikov@prs2000.com.