Better no profile than a poor profile. When I'm networking in the marketplace and someone gives me the name of a potential candidate, the first thing I do is check to see if there is a profile on LinkedIn. If it's not there, I'll probably place a call. If it's there and looks as expected, I'll definitely place a call. If it's there and is poorly done and rife with errors, I won't place a call. When Woody Allen said "Eighty percent of success is showing up," he was not referring to LinkedIn.
Use standard terms. As recruiters, we have all sort of cool software at our fingertips to help us identify fantastic candidates for a position. This software can comb through LinkedIn and identify potential candidates based on skills. If, for example, we are looking for an Account Manager for a digital agency, we will look for people with SEO and SEM experience. Maybe your company calls you a Search Wizard. That's really cool, but you won't turn up in a keyword search for SEO. You might be the best account manager in the world, but if we can't find you, our clients can't hire you. Use standard terminology.
Use appropriate photos. Repeat after me, LinkedIn is not Facebook. The best photo is a decent head shot with you looking friendly and professional. If the only photo you have of yourself involves alcohol, a Halloween costume, or a cat beard, please stick to the little grey-scale avatar. No photo is better than an unsuitable one.
Join relevant groups. One of the ways recruiters learn about a particular field is to checkout LinkedIn Groups. Join industry and functional groups and post comments that show that you have expertise in your field. Show that you are passionate about what you do.
Link to other social media. You can share your Twitter feed with LinkedIn users but only do this is you tweet about work-related matters. It's great that it's #FajitaNight at the local #nudist resort. Your LinkedIn followers do not need to know this.
Reach out to recruiters. One of the great things about LinkedIn is that you can see who viewed your profile. If you see that recruiters are looking at your profile, feel free to send them a message telling them that you'd be open to helping them network in the future. (This is code for: were you looking at my profile to see if I'm suitable for a job that is amazingly fulfilling and pays ridiculously well?)
Use the postal code of the city where you want to work. Often we will use postal codes as a way of finding good candidates for a search. If you live in Pig's Elbow and are happy to drive the 3 hours to Chicago each day (or are happy to relocate), use a Chicago postal codes so you are not excluded from our Chicago-based searches.
Check your inbox. Recruiters will send you mail through LinkedIn if we think you have an interesting background. Use the notification function to trigger an email when someone sends you a request or message. And check the system a couple of time a week. Finding out that someone wanted to talk to you about a dream job after the job has been filled feels a bit like finding an expired winning lottery ticket in the pocket of your winter coat. There are enough "if only" moments in life as it is.
Happy hunting!
Nancy
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