5 Reasons Why Branding Your LinkedIn Profile is Critical to Your Executive Job Search

There aren’t too many employers that at some point don’t search LinkedIn to see if an executive job candidate has a profile.  This is because LinkedIn provides such an amazing window into a person’s professional life—more so than even a resume.

It’s a given that most employers will look for your LinkedIn page at some point, which means you not only should acquire a profile but begin branding it immediately.  If you’re not convinced, here are some reasons to acquire and brand a LinkedIn page.

1. Executive Recruiters and Employers Can Easily Find You

By developing a strong LinkedIn profile that touts your accolades and brands you as an executive, you are likely to attract recruiters and employers who are looking for your talents and wisdom to contribute to their businesses.  Just don’t forget to label yourself as an executive so seekers will be sure they’ve found the right match.

2. You Can Attract Networking Possibilities

Many industry professionals are on the hunt for people with which they can build their networks.  Of course, networking opportunities equal job opportunities.  So take this opportunity to label yourself as a knowledgeable executive in your field by linking out to your industry blog, Twitter account, and any other associations (memberships, etc.) you can mention.

3. Your Credibility Strengthens

As mentioned previously, employers and recruiters are visiting LinkedIn in hopes of finding out more about potential candidates.  If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, your credibility could diminish in the eyes of some employers.  The same goes for having a weakly branded profile.  If you have a profile but don’t show that you are ingrained in the industry and know your stuff, you may as well not have a page at all.

4. Differentiation is Easier

A major goal as an executive job seeker is differentiating yourself from your competition.  With a LinkedIn page, you have the opportunity to strengthen your brand by listing your logo, blogs, and more.  Also, you can showcase your notable recommendations that your competition won’t have.

5. You Can Showcase Your Industry Wisdom

A great way to brand your LinkedIn Profile is by using your status updates to discuss bits and pieces of your industry.  Whether you’re talking about what’s going on in the news or sharing a new publication you’ve been quoted in, this is your chance to update others on your field and career while strengthening your brand.

There are many other reasons to get on LinkedIn and brand your profile.  The more seriously you take the benefits of this site, the better your chances will be of getting noticed while conducting your executive job search.