Does Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out From the Crowd?
Did you know that '(c)andidates with a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview'? (LinkedIn).
The finance and accounting job market has experienced increased competition in the last 12 months due to businesses facing pressures to cut costs and improve the efficiency of their finance teams.
There's also been a shift in the demands of professionals looking for a new job as pension, holiday allowance, and flexible working are top priorities.
This is why as a finance and accounting professional, you should use LinkedIn to build a personal brand that highlights your skills and experience to potential employers, and ultimately, get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
Here are 7 tips to boost your LinkedIn profile views and land your new role.
1. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital CV so it should be informative and compelling:
Ensure you have a professional profile picture and a headline that outlines your expertise, job title, and qualifications such as: "Financial Analyst | Expert in Budgeting and Forecasting | ACCA". Use keywords relevant to your industry as this will ensure your profile is visible when people search on LinkedIn.
Craft a well-written 'About' section that highlights your key skills, achievements, and career goals, similar to the summary in your CV. Keep it concise and engaging.
Expand your experience section by explaining any career gaps and detailing the responsibilities of each role and demonstrate your impact by showcasing quantifiable results. Rather than writing "increased efficiency", state "increased team efficiency by 20% through process improvement".
2. Build a Strong Professional Network
Once you have a comprehensive LinkedIn page, it's time to expand your network.
Networking is crucial for career success and increasing your visibility to potential employers. This doesn't just apply to in-person events, but also to your LinkedIn network. Connect with colleagues, former classmates, industry professionals, and recruiters.
To make your profile stand out with these connections and increase your chances of being noticed, you must also be consistently active on LinkedIn. Join groups and pages relevant to finance and accounting so you have content to engage with on your LinkedIn feed and don't be afraid to take part in discussions and share your expertise.
3. Share High-Quality Content
LinkedIn values the sharing of knowledge and informative content. So, when trying to make your profile more visible you must share valuable content and posts on LinkedIn.
This will establish you as a thought leader in the finance and accounting space, as well as demonstrate your expertise to organisational leaders.
Get creative by posting articles or insights from reputable sources and share your thoughts on industry trends to demonstrate your expertise and boost visibility.
Commenting on the posts of other finance and accounting leaders is also a great way to expand your network and join in the conversation.
4. Leverage LinkedIn's Features
LinkedIn offers various features to enhance your profile. Add certifications, licenses, and awards to showcase your qualifications.
Utilise the skills section to highlight your competencies and ask former colleagues for recommendations on your work ethic and achievements.
5. Utilise LinkedIn's Job Search Tools
LinkedIn is a powerful job search platform that 'has helped 4 million people get jobs through its "Jobs for You" feature.' (LinkedIn).
When looking for a new job opportunity, use the advanced search filters to find the latest openings in the finance and accounting industry.
You can set up job alerts based on your desired role and location which are delivered straight to your inbox, saving you time. LinkedIn also allows you to apply for jobs and track them all from your profile.
Following these LinkedIn profile tips will help you land your dream job by increasing your chances of being seen by recruiters and hiring managers who are looking for people like you.
As a finance and accounting recruiter, we are well-placed to help you find your next job. You can send us your CV here, or apply directly to our openings here.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates and career advice.