Stop making rookie errors and land that perfect interview
Many people use LinkedIn when they wish to land their perfect job, get a promotion or are looking to secure that attractive internship.
All too often despite hours of effort and months of work people don’t even get an interview. It’s time to get ahead of the competition and win big.
Here is a guide on how to prevent basic errors and seize those employment opportunities.
1. Don't worry about skills, education and experience.
It’s not that no one cares, it’s just that experience and certificates don’t get you called forward for interview.
When people make big decisions some things are taken for granted.
Take buying a car for example; you assume it will be able to transport you from point A to point B. Shortlists of desirable vehicles are based on soft issues: intangibles that just feel right.
So before going large on qualifications, make recruiters feel that you are the right fit for their organisation.
2. It's not about you.
Recruiters seek out the ideal candidate for their company. So to secure an interview, you need to understand who their ideal candidate is.
And it starts with research. Work out the company’s culture. Look at their leadership team: what are their interests? Review the professional profiles of people working for the company and, of course, who is doing the recruiting? After all, it is the recruiter you are going to have to impress.
Consider the broader scope beyond just the company itself – what characterises the marketplace and industry – how does your chosen company carve out its position in the market?
3. Big purchases are emotional purchases.
Houses, Wedding Dresses, Horses and Cars. All are emotional purchases. And, as much as we want to believe that hiring is an objective, empirical and quantifiable process. It starts with an emotional decision, that is then justified logically.
So, decide how your LinkedIn audience should feel, emotionally, when looking at your profile. It’s about attracting your audience, not telling them how great you are.
4. We're visual creatures. So get visual.
We are hard wired to read visual cues: Homo Sapiens evolved around 300,000 years ago. Writing developed around 5,400 years ago. Which is why a ‘picture paints a thousand words’.
And also why recruiters have a natural inclination to react to images on your LinkedIn profile first. This reaction is emotional. So, if your image does not create the right emotional response – you’re unlikely to be called for interview.
Make sure you put yourself in the best possible position to get called for interview with a profile image that communicates emotionally to your target organisations.
5. One size does not fit all.
Changing your profile to match a particular opportunity might appear excessive. But for the right opportunity or to position yourself for the right organisation, it is worth it.
And be prepared to adapt your profile to match the culture of different companies. Arrange a shoot that delivers more than one look and style of portrait.
