This blog was written by Next Stop Canada mentor Tyson Dimayuga, and updated by Next Stop Canada CEC Specialist Shai Yut.
When faced with all the new aspects of an unfamiliar job market, newcomer job seekers may be wondering how they should get started on networking. From our previous blog “Effective Virtual Networking for Newcomers to Canada” we stressed the importance of doing this online, especially during the time of COVID-19. Now, many employers are continuing to search for candidates in virtual spaces. Nowhere are they more active than on LinkedIn and that’s why it’s so important to create a profile that is both polished and professional.
If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, stop reading this blog and create one right away. It’s easy and free to sign up for an account! If you already have a LinkedIn profile and don’t actively manage and update it, then you’ll want to do so before connecting with potential employers. Today’s online environment is already crowded, and to effectively use this platform means you need to make your profile stand out and be attractive for others to take notice of you. Here are some tips to improve your online visibility that can improve your chances of connecting with networks you’re interested in making.
Your online resume.
Your LinkedIn is a digital profile of yourself, and you want to make the best impression on your networks. Here is a breakdown of the essentials of a LinkedIn profile.
- Have a profile photo – make sure it is an industry-appropriate professional headshot
- Key-in a headline – this is your unique “value proposition.” Highlight what you do instead of what you are.
- Include your updated location, industry, and contact information – keep these in private mode or only visible to your connections
- Your experience
- Include relevant past and present work experiences (paid or unpaid). Aside from responsibilities and role descriptions, make sure you highlight your achievements. You will want to showcase your accomplishments and successes.
- Include your volunteer works as well; volunteering is highly encouraged and appreciated in the Canadian culture. Volunteering will show your willingness to take part in community building.
- Do not forget to include your education (Canadian equivalency if available), accreditations, and certifications.
For the summary section, here are tips on how to tell your story well.
- Write in the first person, as if you are talking to someone in your target audience
- Tell a brief story of who you are and what you do, highlight 3 or 4 key career accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications.
- What problems can you solve?
- What are you passionate about?
Putting together a professional profile may take a while. However, it does not need to be completed in one sitting. In fact, before you even begin working on your profile, it may be a good idea to brainstorm and jot down notes before you dive in. You’ll come to find that creating a profile is a process, and one that will see many edits, changes and additions along the way. It all contributes to the progress of your online representation!
