You might ask - Why is this even a topic for discussion at this stage in 2021?
And why, as a lawyer, should you place any importance on your LinkedIn profile?
It’s simple –
Recruiters AND Employers use LinkedIn to find people for their businesses and clients!
If you haven’t filled out your LinkedIn profile properly, guess what, they can’t find you!
That means you are not being contacted about that dream opportunity – But your peers / colleagues / friends are – well, if they filled out their profile.
Right now businesses are growing at a phenomenal rate. It is THE most competitive market we have seen, probably ever. Growth means recruitment. Recruitment offers opportunity.
Whatever it is that motivates you – work type, work/life balance, part-time, money, career progression...
If there isn’t an opportunity to give it to you in the market right now, you can guarantee in the next 6 months, there 100% will be.
So, you want to be found, right?
Making a killer LinkedIn Profile
The Basics
The most important thing to consider is that you want your LinkedIn profile to attract views.
To do that you need to do a few things.
- Start with a good headshot photograph, it doesn’t need to be taken by a professional, but let people see you. Include a strong banner picture, it will help you get noticed too.
- Your profile really needs to explain the value that you bring and the types of opportunities you are looking for.
- Use keywords. These are the specific words that describe the work you do or are interested in.
- Complete all the sections of your LinkedIn profile.
The Devil’s in the Detail
Employers and recruiters search Linkedin using keywords that describe the area of law you are in.
If your profile doesn’t contain those keywords, you either wont come up when they are searching or you will be at the bottom of the list.
When filling out the different sections, give a good amount of detail and really try to get into the nitty gritty of what you do, the work you handle, what drives you and your values/ interests.
If you are an employment solicitor writing “I advise on a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment & HR issues” gives a good overview but to make sure you get noticed / found for appropriate opportunities, it would be better to go further.
You could include something like this;
“I advise on a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment & HR issues. I have significant interest and experience in representing senior employees and Directors in complex dismissal claims”
Non-contentious matters include;
Disciplinary procedures, changes to working time terms and conditions, advising on the introduction of a random drug and alcohol testing program, advising on multi-jurisdictional share acquisitions, compromise agreements, service and consultancy agreements, advising on collective and individual redundancy
Contentious matters include;
Deal with a full range of matters including Employment Tribunal litigation. This includes; dismissal claims, discrimination claims including age, gender, race, disability and religious belief discrimination, contractual claims, whistleblowing, failure to inform and consult under TUPE.
Leveraging your Network
Once you have a good profile you are in a stronger position to leverage your network.
- Connect with your peers and recruiters
- Follow your competitors
- Create or share content
- Comment on posts
- Drop a connection a message if there is something you notice you are interested in or there is an opportunity you are interested in exploring.
All of this is building your network on the platform.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Include a Profile Picture
With a profile picture your profile will be viewed 21 times more than without (source LinkedIn)
Avoid typos
At the very least prospective employers cross reference your application with LinkedIn so make sure it is up to date and accurate.
Up to date & Accurate
If your LinkedIn profile contradicts the information you have provided, it can cause problems or even put a new employer off completely.
Respond to messages
If a recruiter or hiring manager gets in touch, get back to them as quickly as you can – the market is moving quicker than ever. And, even if now is not the right time, ping them a response to let them know.
For further information, confidential advice on your LinkedIn profile, a chat about the market and opportunities available to you, please feel free to get in touch with the team at G2 Legal.
