The Chestermere

 The Art of Finding Work
By Nick Kossovan

The Chestermere
Last week I provided 5 suggestions on how you can make your LinkedIn profile, which in 2021 is a non-negotiable must-have for job seekers, to stand out. The suggestions were:
1. Add a headshot
2. Create an eye-catching headline
3. Craft an interesting summary
4. Highlight your experience
5. Use visual media
I'll continue with my next 5 suggestions:
6. Customize your URL
Your LinkedIn URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address for your profile. The default URL will have your name and some random numbers and letters (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kossovan-647e3b49). Customizing your profile URL (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkossovan/) makes your profile search engine friendly; therefore, you're easier to find. As well a customized URL invites the person searching to make some positive assumptions about you:
- You're detail oriented.
- You're technologically savvy.
- You understand the power of perception (Image is everything!).
 James Wooden, one of the most revered coaches in the history of sports, is to have said, "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
 To change your profile URL, go to the right side of your profile. There you'll find an option to edit your URL. Use this option to make your URL concise and neat.
7. Make connections
The more connections you have increases the likelihood of being found when hiring managers and recruiters, looking for potential candidates with your background, search on LinkedIn. Envision your number of connections as 'the amount of gas in your tank.'
At the very least, you should aim to get over 500 connections. Anything below 500 LinkedIn will indicate your number of connections as an exact number (ex. 368). Above 500 connections, LinkedIn simply shows you have 500+ connections. Getting to 500 implies you're a player on LinkedIn.  
As much as possible, connect with individuals you know personally, have worked with, met in a professional capacity (tradeshow, conference), is in your city/region and industry/profession. If you'd like to connect with someone you haven't met, send a note with your request explaining who you are and why you'd like to connect. (This'll be my topic in next week's column.)
8. Ask for recommendations and skill endorsements
This is vital to making your profile stand out! Employers want to know that others think of your work.
When asking for a recommendation, or skill endorsements, think of all the people you've worked the past. Don't just think of your past bosses; also think of colleagues, vendors, customers - anyone who can vouch for your work and professionalism.
Instructions on how to ask for, and give, a recommendation, can be found by going to the LinkedIn 'Help' field (Located by clicking on the drop-down arrow below the 'Me' icon in the upper right-hand corner.) and typing 'Requesting a recommendation.' Do the same for skill endorsements.
TIP: It's good karma to write recommendations, and endorse skills, in return and to give unsolicited.
9. Keep your profile active
LinkedIn is not simply an online resume - it's a networking social media site. To get the most out of LinkedIn, you need to be constantly active (at least 3 times per week). Write posts and articles. Check out what is being posted, especially by your connections. Like and share posts that resonate with you. Engage with thoughtful comments that'll put forward your expertise.
Join groups that align with your industry and professional interests. Groups are an excellent way to meet like-minded professionals with whom to network and share ideas and best practices.
10. Check your LinkedIn profile strength
It's in LinkedIn's interest that you're successful using their platform. Therefore, they've created a 'Profile Strength Meter' to gauge how robust your profile is. Basically, this gauge tells you completion level of your profile. Using the tips, you'll be given, keep adding to your profile until your gauge rates you "All-Star." For instructions on how to access your 'Profile Strength Meter,' use the LinkedIn' Help' field.
The 10 tips I offered is a starting point for building a LinkedIn profile that WOWs! Jobseekers need to make the most of their profile to stand out in a sea of candidates, sell their skills, and validate their accomplishments. Make it easy for the reader to get a feel for who you are professionally.