LinkedIn has become one of the most powerful channels to find a job and to apply for jobs. So consider it as indispensable in your job search. Here you make business contacts, look for vacancies and get in touch with employers in Luxembourg, who are looking for new colleagues. So let's make sure you make a good digital impression with your profile!

why is a good linkedin profile so important?

Employers and recruiters in Luxembourg screen LinkedIn looking for new employees. If your profile matches the requirements of these companies and it looks professional and is well managed, your account will stand out from the crowd and you will get noticed. So make sure your LinkedIn page shows who you are, what you do and what you are looking for.

Also: your LinkedIn profile often pops up at the top of search results when people type your name into Google. An extra reason to be serious with your LinkedIn profile!

tips for a great linkedin profile

So how do you make a good LinkedIn profile? A Linkedin checklist:

  • upload a professional picture
  • type a clear headline
  • make a good summary
  • be clear about your previous jobs
  • what if you do not have a job now?
  • mention your skills and expertise
  • put your email address clearly visible on your profile
  • make sure you have good references (endorsements)
  • be concrete
  • mention your education, training and certificates
  • share achievements on your linkedin profile
  • be to the point
  • use keywords
  • take a background that adds something to your profession
  • keep your linkedin profile up to date
  • give 'additional information
  • create a clear url

tip 1: upload a professional picture

Use a photo in which only you can be seen and in which your face can be seen well (close up). So no picture where you are sitting on your bike and can be seen in the distance or with sunglasses on.

tip 2: create a clear headline

A professional header shows what you stand for and what your expertise is. 

For example, put relevant keywords here for your function or sector, on which you want to be found. Google will immediately pick up on these words. You can use a maximum of 120 characters. 

tip 3: write a clear summary

In that summary you explain what you have to offer and what kind of job you are looking for. Write four to six sentences about your good (work-related) qualities and characteristics. This is your chance to really stand out and give employers an impression of who you are, in addition to what you can do. Write the summary from the point of view of your target audience on LinkedIn.

tip 4: be clear about your previous jobs

The most important thing about your online resume: explain your previous jobs. What were your duties and responsibilities, what did you learn and achieve? And think carefully about what you do and do not mention. 

Be careful if you have had many different side jobs. This can give the impression that you cannot/will not stay in one place for long (job hopping). What you can do in that particular case is bundle similar jobs. For example: "2006-2009: a wide range of jobs in the hospitality industry during my studies". 

tip 5: what ‘current job’ do you mention if you are unemployed?

It is of course possible that you currently do not have a job and that you are looking for a new, interesting job. That is of course one of the reasons why you are on LinkedIn! However, it is not desirable to have nothing filled out at all. 

In this case you have the possibility to indicate your previous job as your current job. Were you a logistics employee and are you looking for a similar job again? Then leave it there! Are you unemployed because you consciously chose for a sabbatical or volunteer work? Then mention this. You will come across as someone who knows what he or she wants in life and is not afraid to make choices.

tip 6: mention your 'skills and expertise’

List your other skills in this section of your Linkedin profile, such as languages, practical skills, IT skills…  but also soft skills such as leadership qualities. This is a very small effort and it will make sure employers find you easier. 

Get other people to endorse these skills. Extra tip: when you do this with other people, people often do the same with you. 

tip 7: add your email address to your profile

This way employers can easily contact you. Make sure it is an email address you can use for professional purposes. superman99@hotmail.com is definitely a no go!

tip 8: recommendations: make sure you have good references (endorsements)

Recommendations are one of the most important parts of LinkedIn. It shows that everything you filled out above is correct and endorsed by friends, fellow students and (former) colleagues or managers. So always try to get as many recommendations as possible! Your profile is more relevant, easier to find and more interesting when you have recommendations.

tip 9: be concrete

Be as specific as possible about your current activities. And also mention your previous work, skills and expertise. This gives employers a better idea of what you are capable of and what added value you might have for them.

tip 10: mention your education, training and certificates

This way recruiters will immediately see your level of education and how eager you are to keep learning. And it puts you in contact with (former) fellow students. This ensures a relevant network. 

In this section you should also mention all your additional trainings, diplomas, courses and certificates. 

tip 11: share achievements on your linkedin profile

Did you set up and complete great projects in the past? Add those to the experience section of your Linkedin profile! So if you have worked in logistics for three years and during that period you made an expansion run smoothly, tell your potential employers about it!

tip 12: be to the point

Fill out your LinkedIn profile as completely as possible, but keep it short and to the point.

tip 13: use keywords

Make sure you mention all the keywords that are relevant for your specific job profile and field of expertise. This way people who scan your profile quickly get a clear image of you right away. 

What are keywords? Use the most common term for the positions you have held. Simple example: don't say 'employee', but 'customer service telephone operator'.

tip 14: add a professional background picture 

Make sure that you make a great first impression with your Linkedin-profile. Choosing the right pictures and visuals is very important.
If you're an accountant, for instance, don't use a background of the sports car you like so much. That comes across as odd. 

tip 15: keep your linkedin profile up to date

Make sure your Linkedin profile is up to date at all times. Did you start a temporary job? Put it immediately on your LinkedIn profile. That way future employers know when you're available again and you don't have to start looking for a job all over again after your temporary job. 

tip 16: always give 'additional information

Here you can mention all the things you think are important, but you have not mentioned elsewhere in your online resume. Think about volunteer work, committees and board positions at the local soccer club. 

Explain what you have learned and achieved. You can also add hobbies and interests here. Adding hobbies on your resume, gives the employer a picture of you as a person (rather than you as a list of functions). 

For example, the fact that you ran a half marathon indicates that you are a go-getter. And that you've taken a trip on your own may mean you're an independent person.
 

tip 17: create a clear url

A LinkedIn profile will only look really neat if you don't see :

https://nl.linked.com/pub/your-name/43/c18/99V/, but simply:
https://nl.linkedin.com/in/yourname.

You can easily change this when you click 'Edit Profile' and then edit the URL under your profile picture.

how a linkedin contact leads to a job

LinkedIn is used extensively by employers and recruiters as well as people looking for jobs. You can view thousands of job postings there for a reason.

A large Linkedin-network is very useful when you are looking for a job. The people in your network can give you tips or recommend you to a company. And also the other way around of course: maybe you can help someone find a job by using your network on Linkedin too. 

getting in touch through linkedin

If you want to connect with someone on LinkedIn, you go to someone's profile and click on 'connect'. Contrary to Facebook, people whose profile you visit receive a notification. So keep in mind that, when you click on a profile, that person will actually see that you checked him or her out on Linkedin.

Usually you only add people via LinkedIn whom you have already talked to. If you add someone you don't know yet, then state why you are approaching them. This could be because your work field matches or because you need something from him. 

Social media is becoming an increasingly important channel when applying for a job. Just as important as a CV or a cover letter. So make sure you stand out!

Looking for a new job? Check our vacancies: jobs Luxembourg!