The world is increasingly harnessing the potential of social media in all fields. Overseas recruitment agencies are also looking at the virtual world to find new talent that will best suit the companies they work with.
One of the best social media tools in recruitment is LinkedIn. A 2015 study by Digital Marketing Ramblings found that LinkedIn’s 332 million users received 28 billion views in the third quarter of 2014, with the average user having 930 connections. Hotels and hospitality ventures often feature vacancy posts and career opportunities, and individuals are able to connect with influential people within the industry quite easily.
So how do you stand out from the thousands of prospective employees standing in the same shoes as you? Everything from the photograph you add to the content of your profile can make the difference between interest from a recruiter to being just one of the crowd.
The first thing to keep in mind is that LinkedIn is professional, and should be kept such. The kind of posts you would normally upload on Facebook or Twitter may appear too carefree on this social media website. Your profile picture should be simple or capture you in your profession – in uniform or in formal wear. Professional headshots are best, but if you do not have one, a straight-forward one will do.
Even if you are looking for jobs in the hospitality industry, avoid making it too obvious in your profile. It could appear desperate if ‘looking for new opportunities’ appears right under your name. Your headline should entice recruiters to offer you one instead. Your job title should feature keywords that the industry is familiar with and hiring managers are looking for – perhaps ‘chef’ instead of ‘cook’.
In the summary that follows, offer a brief overview of your career, including any highlights. When it comes to your experience, it is time to turn on the sell full-scale. Recruiters are aware of the roles and responsibilities that the various positions in the hospitality industry demand. Show them how you excelled in these roles and give them a reason to make you an offer.
It is also important to join various LinkedIn groups in the industry to keep in touch with the latest trends and issues. Sharing posts from other professionals shows you are engaged and interested in your profession.
Finally, it is vital to keep your profile updated with the latest in your career progression. Sharing relevant and timely articles or posts now and then helps keep you in view of recruitment agencies. Use LinkedIn to your advantage and watch your career grow.