Table of Contents

1. Create a Robust and Optimized Profile
2. Use a Recent and Professional Photo
3. Don’t Ignore Invitations to Connect
4. Follow Thought Leaders
5. Don’t Forget About Us

It’s no secret that LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. For the job seeker, that means you have the opportunity to connect – and build relationships – with hospitality professionals across the globe.

However, it’s important to remember that it’s not about connecting haphazardly with your fingers crossed that it will lead to a job offer.

Hospitality hiring managers and recruiters are always on the lookout for skilled and talented professionals – sometimes reaching out when you’re not even looking for a job. LinkedIn consultant (and a writer for Hcareers) Debra Jason shares a story of one spa director she met when presenting at ISPA’s national conference in 2019. He told her he was not looking for work when he was approached by a resort and conference center. After viewing his LinkedIn profile, they reached out. He was open to a conversation and the next thing he knew, was starting a new job as Director of Sales and Marketing. 

So how do you use it most effectively as a job search tool? Here are four pointers for success:

Create a Robust and Optimized Profile (And Keep It Updated)

According to LinkedIn, completed profiles open the doors to receiving 40 times more opportunities through the network. An optimized profile means you’re using keywords strategically. 

Debra Jason suggests you think about this. . . if someone (i.e., a hiring manager or recruiter) doesn’t know you, what keyword phrase might they search to find someone with your skills and talents? Would it be “event professional,” “food and beverage director,” etc.? 

Place these keywords in strategic places throughout your profile (i.e., professional headline, About section, job titles, descriptions in your experience section(s), skills). The more specific you can be, the better. For instance, some folks use the term ‘project manager,’ but if you search that phrase on LI, you’ll get more than 33 million results. “Event project manager” brings up more than 5 million results. Take it one step further to ‘conference event project manager’ and you get 635,000 results. See the difference?

Use a Recent and Professional Photo

LinkedIn profiles with photos receive 14 times more views than those without. A professional photo doesn’t mean it needs to be shot by a professional. Put on a nice outfit, stand in front of a nice background and ask someone to take your picture. No selfies, sunglasses, or puppy dogs (unless you’re a pet groomer), please.

A study by Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov revealed that it only takes 100 milliseconds to form an impression of someone just by looking at a photo of their face. Amy Cuddy’s research suggested that 80 to 90 percent of that first impression is based on just two qualities — trustworthiness and competence. Do you look trustworthy and competent in your photo?

Don’t Ignore Invitations to Connect

We all get them – connection requests from people we don’t know. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. First, visit their profile and do your due diligence. Maybe this person is also in the hospitality industry, has several common connections, or is a gatekeeper who has the ability to open doors to a potential opportunity for you. 

Then, before accepting or ignoring their request, send them a quick and simple message. Ask them if they were referred to you or if they were simply searching LinkedIn. If they don’t respond, you’ll know what to do next. If they do respond, you’re now having a conversation and starting the relationship! Who knows where that may lead!

Follow Thought Leaders

You don’t have to connect with everyone. If there’s someone you admire or a company you would like to work for, start following them on LinkedIn and get engaged when they post something on the network. “Like,” comment, or share what they post (commenting is the best option because it can lead to a response). They’ll start to see your name pop up in their notifications and that may begin to pique their curiosity about you.

After you followed them and engaged if you’d like to connect with them, be sure you send them a personalized connection request (perhaps reference something they posted on LinkedIn). And, remember to #ditchthepitch. First and foremost, establish, build and nurture the relationship.

Keep in mind that being social, whether on LinkedIn or other platforms, is about getting involved and engaged. Post updates or your own articles or videos, share other people’s articles (always give credit where credit is due), and comment on others’ posts (as suggested in point #4 above). The more you interact, the more visibility you’ll gain along with recognition.  And, that’s a good thing when you’re searching for opportunities.

Don’t Forget About Us

Need additional help with your job search, writing a resume, or interviewing? Hcareers provides global hospitality career advice and news for industry professionals. From how to create your personal brand to what and where are the most applied to hospitality jobs, you’ll find tips from employers and HR experts on Hcareers’ website.

Since your personal job seeker profile on Hcareers displays your credentials to prospective employers, it’s also important to include your most relevant information there. As you do on LinkedIn, to ensure you have a leg-up on the competition, highlight the best of yourself.

Discover 5 ways to create an all-star job seeker profile on Hcareers here.