Maximise LinkedIn: A Job Seeker’s Guide for 2025

In today’s competitive job market, LinkedIn continues to be an essential platform for professionals seeking to connect, grow their networks, and land new opportunities. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can be the difference between being noticed by a recruiter and blending into the crowd. As New Zealand’s leading recruitment experts, Adecco is here to help you create a standout LinkedIn presence in 2025.

Why LinkedIn Matters

LinkedIn is more than just a digital CV. It’s a dynamic networking tool that allows you to showcase your professional brand, share insights, and connect with decision-makers in your field. According to LinkedIn’s own statistics, profiles with a professional photo are 21 times more likely to be viewed, and those with five or more skills listed are contacted 33 times more often by recruiters. These numbers underline the importance of optimising your profile.

Build Your Personal Brand

Before diving into your profile, reflect on your personal brand. What do you want potential employers or connections to know about you? Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your unique skills, values, and aspirations. This consistency helps establish trust and sets you apart.

Crafting the Perfect Profile

1. Start with a Strong First Impression

• Professional Photo: Choose a high-quality image that portrays you as approachable and professional. A natural smile can go a long way.
• Custom URL: Make your profile easy to find by creating a personalised LinkedIn URL, e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname.
• Background Image: Use a background image that complements your personal brand, such as a scenic shot of Aotearoa or an industry-related graphic.

2. Write an Engaging Headline and Summary

• Headline: Think beyond your job title. Highlight your expertise and value proposition, e.g., “Experienced Marketing Manager | Driving ROI through Innovative Campaigns.”
• Summary: Your summary is your elevator pitch. In 3-4 sentences, outline your key achievements, professional interests, and what you’re seeking in your next role.

3. Showcase Your Experience and Skills

• Experience: Detail your roles, achievements, and any relevant projects. Use bullet points for clarity and Are you ablinclude measurable results where possible.
• Skills: Add at least five skills to your profile. Be specific—“Digital Marketing” is more impactful than “Marketing.” Encourage colleagues to endorse your skills.

4. Add Certifications and Recommendations

• Certifications: Highlight any courses or qualifications you’ve completed, especially recent ones from platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
• Recommendations: Request recommendations from colleagues or managers who can vouch for your expertise. These act as public testimonials.

Engage and Network

LinkedIn isn’t just a static profile; it’s a platform for active engagement.

1. Post and Share Content

Share industry news, write thought leadership articles, or celebrate milestones. Add relevant hashtags like #CareerGrowth or #NZJobs to expand your reach.

2. Join Groups

Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your field. Engaging in discussions can help you connect with like-minded professionals and gain insights.

3. Interact with Your Network

Comment on posts, congratulate connections on achievements, and endorse their skills. Building relationships is key to expanding your network.

LinkedIn Tips for 2025

1. Stay Current: Update your profile regularly to reflect promotions, new skills, or projects.
2. Privacy Settings: Ensure your profile is public so recruiters can find you.
3. Keywords: Use industry-specific terms to make your profile searchable.
4. Avoid Common Pitfalls: Stay away from outdated photos, unprofessional images, or incomplete profiles. Present yourself as someone ready for the next opportunity.

Incorporating Te Reo Māori

Make your profile uniquely Kiwi by integrating te reo Māori where appropriate. For instance:

• Headline: “Kaiwhakahaere Whakatairanga | Marketing Manager”
• Summary: Acknowledge New Zealand’s diverse culture and your commitment to inclusivity and biculturalism.

New Zealand Insights

A recent survey highlighted that 60% of Kiwi recruiters actively use LinkedIn to search for candidates. This is especially important for white-collar roles and becomes increasingly critical as the job seeker moves up in their career. With this in mind, ensuring your profile aligns with the latest trends is crucial. For example, highlighting remote work skills or sustainability initiatives can resonate with employers in 2025.

Enhance Your LinkedIn Strategy for 2025

1. Leverage AI Tools

Take advantage of LinkedIn’s AI features, such as the Career Explorer and job-matching tools, to identify opportunities that align with your skills and career goals. These tools provide personalised insights to optimise your job search.

2. Personalised Outreach

Craft personalised connection requests and follow-up messages when networking. Avoid generic messages and instead mention shared interests, mutual connections, or specific reasons for connecting.

3. Monitor Analytics

Utilise LinkedIn’s analytics to understand your profile’s performance. Pay attention to metrics like profile views, post engagements, and search appearances to refine your strategy.

4. Showcase Licenses and Certifications

Add digital badges and certifications from reputable platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Microsoft. These credentials demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.

5. Research Companies

Use LinkedIn to research potential employers. Review company updates, employee posts, and workplace culture to ensure alignment with your values and career aspirations.

6. Highlight Volunteer Work

Incorporate volunteer activities or extracurricular achievements into your profile. These experiences showcase transferable skills, such as leadership and teamwork, and demonstrate community involvement.

Other Helpful Resources

For additional tips and insights, explore the following resources on adecco.co.nz:

• How to Upskill for Career Success in 2025: Learn about the key skills that will be in demand in the coming years and how to stay competitive.
• How to Manage Your Social Media to Boost Your Career Prospects: Effectively manage your online presence to enhance employability.
• Your Complete Guide to Temping and Casual Employment in New Zealand: Discover how temporary and casual work can serve as a career stepping stone.
• How to Leave a Job Well | Professional Resignation Tips: Gain insights into resigning professionally and maintaining positive relationships as you transition to new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is your digital handshake. A well-crafted profile can open doors to opportunities you never knew existed. Take the time to optimise your presence, engage with your network, and let your professional story shine.

At Adecco New Zealand, we’re here to support your journey. For more LinkedIn tips, check out our previous article, LinkedIn Profile Tips to Get Noticed, and explore more resources on adecco.co.nz/news.