LinkedIn can be a digital goldmine of business opportunities for beauty professionals, but only a few are using this social network to their advantage. Learn how a professional LinkedIn profile can be your key to success in the beauty industry and how to make your profile stand out.
Why Beauty Professionals Need a LinkedIn Presence
94 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to identify top tier candidates, according to Jobvite, yet only 36 percent of candidates are on LinkedIn. If you are seeking a rewarding job in the beauty industry, being active on LinkedIn can shorten your job search by helping you get noticed by those with hiring authority, quickly.
Don’t underestimate the importance of LinkedIn if you are thinking of starting your own business. Entrepreneurship is all about making connections, and everyone from spa owners to producers may be researching your professionalism using….you guessed it, LinkedIn.
While being active on a channel like Instagram can help you get new clients once you are in the job, LinkedIn is the tool that will help you get that job or establish your brand professionally.
How to Stand Out on LinkedIn
A picture is worth 1000 words, as the saying goes, so the first key to a professional LinkedIn presence, is high-quality photos. Use a photo that is clear, not grainy, that’s recent, and that shows you looking professional. A photo of you applying makeup or performing a facial is fine for the body of your profile, but won’t impress potential bosses if it’s your profile photo.
Use the headline field to communicate who you are and what you are looking for. The more specific you can be, the greater impact you will see. Instead of something vague like “Beauty Professional for Makeup Services” consider targeting a specific audience or showcasing your unique skills. Something like “Freelance Makeup Artist Specializing in Bridal Looks” is more specific and more impressive. Spa owners may be impressed to see you have advanced training such as Laser Hair Removal. Make sure to list your credentials and specify any specialty services you may be trained in.
Fill out LinkedIn’s fields for experience and education, then supplement with media files. If you’ve got videos or photos that show off your work, upload these. Make sure to link to your website or photo profile so that hiring managers can see your work. If your skills need an update or you would like to further your education, consider taking courses at New York Institute of Beauty.
By updating your profile regularly with work samples and adding positions to build out your professional resume, you will generate LinkedIn traffic. You never know when the next great opportunity will come your way!
