This Underutilized LinkedIn Feature Could Boost Your Hireability, According to a Recruiter
In today’s competitive job market, standing out on LinkedIn is more important than ever. With millions of users vying for attention from recruiters and hiring managers, it’s crucial to leverage every tool at your disposal. However, there’s one often-overlooked feature that could make a significant difference in your hireability, according to a seasoned recruiter.
The feature in question? LinkedIn’s “Skills” endorsements and the accompanying “Skill Assessments.”
While many professionals fill out their profiles with job titles, work experience, and education, fewer take the time to fully utilize the platform’s skills section. This part of your profile allows you to list and prioritize your key competencies, which can then be endorsed by colleagues or validated through LinkedIn’s official Skill Assessments.
### Why Skills Matter to Recruiters
Recruiters regularly use LinkedIn as a sourcing tool, and they’re not just scanning for keywords like “team player” or “hard worker.” Instead, they’re looking for tangible proof of your expertise. By showcasing relevant skills—and backing them up with endorsements or verified assessments—you signal to recruiters that you’re both qualified and credible.
“Skills are like your professional currency on LinkedIn,” says Jane Doe, a senior recruiter at a Fortune 500 company. “When I’m reviewing candidates, seeing a robust skills section with third-party validation tells me that this person knows their stuff. It gives them an edge over someone whose profile lacks that level of detail.”
### The Power of Endorsements
Endorsements may seem trivial, but they carry weight. When peers or former colleagues endorse your skills, it adds social proof to your profile. For example, if you list “data analysis” as a skill and several people vouch for your proficiency, it reinforces your claim and makes you appear more trustworthy to potential employers.
However, endorsements alone aren’t always enough. That’s where LinkedIn’s Skill Assessments come into play.
### Verified Expertise Through Skill Assessments
LinkedIn offers free quizzes across a wide range of topics, including technical skills (like coding languages) and soft skills (such as leadership). If you pass one of these assessments, you earn a badge that appears next to the corresponding skill on your profile. These badges serve as objective evidence of your abilities, making your profile even more attractive to recruiters.
“Skill Assessments provide a layer of credibility that endorsements sometimes lack,” explains Doe. “Anyone can click ‘endorse,’ but passing an assessment shows that you’ve been tested and proven competent in that area.”
For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role and have a badge for “Google Analytics,” recruiters will immediately see that you’re proficient in a critical tool for the job. This small addition could set you apart from other applicants who merely list the skill without verification.
### How to Maximize This Feature
To get the most out of LinkedIn’s skills section, follow these tips:
1. **Prioritize Relevant Skills**: Tailor your skills list to align with the types of roles you’re targeting. Place the most relevant ones at the top so they’re immediately visible to visitors.
2. **Ask for Endorsements Strategically**: Don’t hesitate to politely ask colleagues or supervisors to endorse specific skills. Be sure to reciprocate when appropriate.
3. **Take Advantage of Skill Assessments**: Browse LinkedIn’s library of available assessments and complete those that match your expertise. Even if you don’t pass on the first try, the process itself can help you identify areas for improvement.
4. **Keep Your Skills Updated**: As your career evolves, so should your skills section. Regularly review and refresh it to ensure it reflects your current capabilities.
A Small Change with Big Impact
While optimizing your skills section might seem like a minor tweak, its impact can be substantial. In a world where recruiters spend mere seconds scanning each profile, having a well-curated skills section can make all the difference.
So, take a few minutes to revisit your LinkedIn profile. Add some new skills, reach out for endorsements, and consider taking a Skill Assessment or two. You never know—it might just land you your next big opportunity.