What a Blank LinkedIn Profile Says to Employers

What a Blank LinkedIn Profile Says to EmployersWhat a Blank LinkedIn Profile Says to Employers4Job seekers often hear that they should be on LinkedIn to improve their chances of landing a position. However, joining just to say youre on it isnt going to advance your career. In fact, an empty or blank LinkedIn profile could actually cause damage.In my view, a blank LinkedIn profile signals a degree of unprofessionalism, says Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions and Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers Other Office Idiots. I also think it can be a signal that the worker doesnt care too much about technology. Both of these are red flags to potential employers.According to an article in U.S. News World Report, 94 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet candidates, yet only 36percent of job seekers are active on the site. Thus, failing to take advantage of LinkedIns potential could be wasting valuable opportunities to get noticed.How to right the shi p? Critically examine your current profile, and aim to give readers a clear sense of who you are by fixing the followingMissing or Bad PhotoAccording to Business Insider, LinkedIn profiles with a photo are seven times mora likely to be viewedthan ones without an uploaded photo.A quality leumund puts a face on your brand- projecting credibility, helping with memorability, and enabling viewers to start envisioning you in their work environment.Incomplete InformationThink of LinkedIn as an online resume, and treat it with the same respect. You wouldnt dream of sending a potential employer sloppy material with critical elements missing, so why present yourself in anything but the best possible light on a popular social media platform?Lack of Non-Essential SectionsIts tempting to neglect certain categories on the profile, figuring potential employers arent interested in them. However, offering more than basic background info can spark connections with readers and present a more complete picture of who you are and what you bring to the table.If you have a strong secondary hobby that may have business applications, LinkedIn is the place to post this, Oliver says. For example, I write career books, but I also do a lot of volunteer work. The Volunteer section of the profile allows me to show strengths other than writing. This helps me show a more rounded profile. Another spot which accomplishes that is the area called Organizations. If someone sits on a board, this may be a good area for her to fill out the information.No TestimonialsFinally, leave this area blank and run the risk of employers wondering if you couldnt find anyone to say good things about you. Positive statements from others are a subtle way to toot your own horn and add substance to what the rest of your profile is trying to convey- youre a great person to hireReaders, do you use LinkedIn to job search? Do you have a blank LinkedIn profile? Share with us below