Did you know that a recent study found 73 percent of all hires made through social networks were via LinkedIn and 41 percent of employee referrals for jobs involved LinkedIn?  

To stand out among the crowd, it is essential to have a professional profile that will catch the recruiters' attention.  

1. Choose an appropriate profile picture - since a photo can say a thousand words, make sure your profile picture is a professional, high-quality head shot   

2. Create a memorable headline - for people who are viewing your profile, your headline should be a short, unforgettable way to explain yourself in a professional context 

3. Complete your profile - make sure to list all your experience, institutions attended, honors and awards received     

4. Use key words to fill the "Skills" section - selecting appropriate words that summarize your experience, skills, and areas of expertise will increase the chance of people finding you   

5. Join groups and become active - find target groups, start or join discussions, and write thoughtful comments  

Remember, you must be active on LinkedIn and periodically update your information in order to stay on recruiters' radar!

To learn more about other job search skills...more