According to Jobvite, 87% of recruiters say they’re now using LinkedIn to find quality candidates. Still, almost 60% say they can’t find eligible applicants. In short, most job seekers are not effectively leveraging LinkedIn to connect with online recruiters. In order to be successful, you have to increase your visibility on the site and create a profile that’ll convince a recruiter to contact you. Here are 4 quick tips I use to get recruiters to contact me regularly on LinkedIn with job openings.

1. Have an All-Star Profile Status

Even if a recruiter finds you, they’re not going to contact you if they see an incomplete, unprofessional or unappealing profile. David Weaver covers the basics of an All-Star status in his article How to Achieve LinkedIn All-Star Profile Status. I’ve summarized the key points below.

1. Have a professional profile photo (look as if you’re  going to an interview)
2. Include your industry and location
3. Make sure you have a current position (if unemployed, use a volunteer position)
4. Have at least two past positions
5. Insert education details
6. Have at least 50 connections in your network

Extra profiles sections that are attractive to recruiters include: a brief summary, certifications, organizational involvement, reviews from colleagues, and samples of your work.

2. Use  the Right Keywords throughout Your Profile

When recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn, they use keywords that relate to the position they’re trying to fill. If your profile isn’t strategically loaded with these keywords you’re probably getting missed by recruiters. Google multiple job descriptions of the career you want and sprinkle the terminology you find throughout your profile.

Keep in mind that the headline is the most searched part of a LinkedIn profile, so it’s advisable to add multiple descriptions in order to rank higher in search results and to give the recruiter a fuller picture of what you do.

Below is a job description for a Technical Writer position. I’ve highlighted some of the keywords I might use throughout my LinkedIn Profile.

3. Let Recruiters Know You’re Interested in New Opportunities

A critical (but often missed) part of getting recruiters to contact you is to let them know you’re open to other opportunities. LinkedIn allows you to let recruiters know you’re looking without alerting your current employer. Just follow these instructions:

• Go the Jobs icon at the top of your home screen.
• Click Preferences orUpdate Preferences.
• Adjust the preferences to fit your needs and click Done at the very bottom. (Be sure to toggle on Let recruiters know you’re open)

4. Share Relevant Content Regularly

A good way to standout on LinkedIn is by sharing content that others would find useful. Recruiters tend to focus recruitment efforts in LinkedIn groups for industry professionals, making them a great place to share content. For example, if you’re looking for a media producer job, find a digital media group and participate in discussions while sharing relevant blogs and videos.

Content is Currency

• Creating and sharing original content such as blog articles, videos or infographics is how you ‘purchase,’ the time, attention and interest of potential recruiters. Need help? Read How to Write a Blog That’ll Land You a Job.

Sharing is Caring

• In addition to or in place of your original content, share relevant content by others.

That’s it!

By upgrading your profile and establishing your industry knowledge, you’ll be able to attract your next gig instead of hunting for one.

Happy Job Hunting!