LinkedIn provides an excellent resource for landing an accounting job. However, to get the most out of the site, you need to go beyond the basic functions. You should take advantage of more advanced features in order to attract the attention of accounting recruiters.
You can use LinkedIn as your career hub as you push forward with your professional development. LinkedIn estimates that there are more than 3.5 million accounting jobs worldwide, with employees staying in their positions for a median of 1.7 years. That’s a lot of opportunity if you know how to find it.
At the same time, LinkedIn represents a go-to resource for hiring managers. One study showed that nearly 9 out of 10 recruiters (87%) used the platform regularly to search for candidates.
Your job is to catch the attention of these hiring executives. How do you accomplish that? By getting value from some of LinkedIn’s lesser-used functions. With that in mind, here are three features that can help you land an accounting job:
Keep Your Skill Endorsements Up to Date
LinkedIn doesn’t just let you list your skills. It also provides an “Endorsement” feature. This confirms that you have the capability you’ve highlighted, giving potential employers an added sense of security.
To put it in terms an accountant might appreciate it, think of the process like a preapproval for a mortgage. The LinkedIn endorsement process gives you a “preapproved” reference. A hiring manager doesn’t have to follow up with your contacts. The stamp of approval already exists.
Here’s how it works: You add a skill to your profile. Then, that ability can receive validation from one of your contacts (it has to be a first-degree connection…someone who can vouch for you based on their own experience). That reference becomes the endorsement, a kind of thumbs-up for the skill in question.
Stand Out by Uploading Media Files
Most LinkedIn profiles are relatively similar. A few personal details and a list of previous jobs. Yawn.
You can use media files to make your profile stand out. Of course, you probably already have images attached, even if that just consists of your single head-shot picture. But you can include a more expansive array of content as well.
Spice up your profile with audio files, slide-decks, and video. You can use these to highlight your accomplishments or underline your best skills. At the same time, these elements let you include more personality. You’ll get more opportunities for the accounting jobs you want because you’re able to make a deeper connection with the hiring managers who scout you.
Share Your Story
We often use LinkedIn as a supped-up resume storage area. But don’t forget: it also acts as a social media platform. And just like Facebook or Twitter, you can use LinkedIn as a way to share your story, updating your contacts with details about your career and your thoughts on the industry as a whole.
These functions give you added opportunities to impress hiring managers. Once again, you can showcase your personality, cementing a strong initial impression. At the same time, you can position yourself as a thought leader. By posting about industry trends and your growing knowledge base, you let potential employers know that you sit at the cutting edge of the accounting profession.
This content also lets you leverage LinkedIn as a networking tool. Even if your posts don’t draw immediate recruiters, you can connect with others in the accounting profession. These contacts can lead to further contacts, letting you expand your footprint on the site.
LinkedIn provides a great way to give your accounting career a boost. You can further improve your prospects by teaming with a strong recruiting agency, like PrideStaff. They can help you find the perfect position for your skills and background.
Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.
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