Each year accounting recruits ask me what they can do to stand out amongst the crowd of applicants. One easy and quick thing you can do is add a link to your LinkedIn profile onto your resume. Including this link on your resume can open up an additional opportunity for the potential employer to get to know you, your achievements, skills, affiliations, educational background, and your interests. Give the employer every opportunity to find all the positive things you have to offer.

Here are a few tips for putting together your LinkedIn profile to make sure it is professional and conveying the image you want to portray.

• Make sure your profile is free of spelling errors and mistakes. Dates of employment should be accurate and descriptions of responsibilities well written. The information listed must be up to date in order to leave a good impression.
• Upload a professional photo. You don’t have to be photogenic to get a professional photo taken! Keep in mind the photo can also vary in professionalism based on the type of job you are aiming to land. If the firm you want to work for wears suits every day, then wear a suit in your photo.  This makes it easier for the employer to envision you working for them.
• Fill out all the sections you have information and background for. Employers love to see your skills, connections, interests, etc.  All these things help them get to know you and what you have to offer them as an employee.  Take the time to think through each section and what the information you have included says about you.
• Reach out to the prospective employer by sending them a message through LinkedIn, commenting on their posts, or actively sharing information they are producing. If they are an active LinkedIn user, this will surely catch their eye.

Be sure whatever information you include is an accurate representation of you and tells the employer what kind of skills you bring to the table that will help you be a valuable and successful employee.