Q: I have a LinkedIn account, but I don't really update it much. My last two jobs are not on there and I think my qualifications may even need some tweaking to reflect recent courses I have done. I am now on the job trail. I work in the marketing area. Should I overhaul my LinkedIn profile to give myself a better chance? (RL, email ).
A: I think the answer here is that if you're on LinkedIn, it's best to be on it properly. It is your call, of course. Some people don’t like sharing personal details online, and I fully understand and respect that.
However, you have put your hand into the lion’s mouth, but you have pulled back – perhaps it’s time to fully commit or withdraw completely.
Recruiters are all over LinkedIn. It is a first port of call for many of them when they get an application or they’re on the head-hunting trail. A poorly maintained LinkedIn account will not do anything for you, whereas one that is well maintained could score some points for you.
What might also raise some concerns is if there is a disparity between your CV and your LinkedIn. Employers and recruiters don't like confusion.
I recommend that you at least go back in there and update your key information so that it mirrors your CV. That will at least give employers some comfort that you are telling the truth – despite what you might hear, declining to tell the truth is not uncommon in the job-searching world.
I would suggest writing a few blogs about your sector. A headline such as ‘five tools that have turbocharged my marketing skills’ could be a place to start. Employers don’t necessarily expect to learn a huge amount about technologies or tools from this article, but it will set you apart as someone who thinks about your profession.
And that’s a good start as you embark upon your job-searching phase. Long-term, if you were to write one 400-word blog a month about your sector, your profile would soon be quite healthy and attractive.
How to take focus off current job
Q: I’m sure that the interview panel will ask me why I am leaving my current job. It doesn't really make sense when you look at it from afar. The reality is that I hate working there and have no respect for my managers. I’ve tried to work around this but it’s just unbearable. Should I tell the panel this? (CD, email ).
A: Not in so many lines. It is not a good idea to speak poorly of previous employers. Find ways of explaining why you're leaving this job without coming across as bitter or overly critical.
Talk about looking for new opportunities and chances to learn, and have something specific at the ready about the new role - are the company expanding into a new area, have they pioneered technologies or processes that interest you, or are they at a particular point in their evolution that attracts you?
Ultimately, the most effective answer of all is that you are now pursuing a job you really want. Persuade them that this is the case with the breadth of your knowledge about the role and your enthusiasm to secure it.
Slí Nua Careers (www.SliNuaCareers.com ) offer full online services, including CV preparation, LinkedIn profile optimisation, interview training and mock interviews. Email your questions to [email protected].
