Kristine Penning
November 30, 2020
Newsletter Article
While not crucial to the job search, many employers like to look at a candidate’s LinkedIn profile to learn a little bit more about them. Do you have a LinkedIn profile? What message is it sending to potential employers? We talked to several recruiters from top agricultural organizations about what they like to see in a LinkedIn profile and what common mistakes job seekers make.
Cover the Bases
“A good LinkedIn profile should be authentic, descriptive, and detail. It should give the employer a lot insight to your passion, your background, and your education.”
-Angie Scott, Tyson Foods
Pay Attention to Details
“Include thorough information about your work history, education, and interests. Also include a nice profile picture.
“Avoid errors and spelling mistakes. A little bit of extra time and an extra set of eyes can help prevent these damaging mishaps.”
Tomesah Harrison, Bayer
Keep Your Profile Up-To-Date & Complete
“A common mistake we see on LinkedIn profiles are dormant profiles. So they really aren’t updating it or they aren’t complete.”
-Julie Veneirakis, Valent
“As a recruiter, when I’m looking for talent, if you have an incomplete profile versus another candidate with a complete profile, recruiters tend to go with the candidate with more information, because they can do a better assessment.”
- Javier Ramirez, Elanco Animal Health
Include Contact Information
“When I think of a good LinkedIn profile, I think of one that has contact information. As much as your LinkedIn can tell about who you are, it’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and be able to talk to somebody.”
-Mara Gordon, Land O’Lakes
Be Direct
“Make sure you’re not too wordy with your information. Get to the point. Kind of think of it as a resume. Use some bullets and make it easy to read. Be very intentional about what you’re interested in and where you want to go so it’s easy for employers to know what you’re looking for.
“Sometimes individuals highlight activities or roles that don’t necessarily pertain to what you’re seeking. While it’s great that you worked at the local pizza place in your hometown, it might not be applicable to what you’re looking for now.”
-Jennifer Struck, Corteva
“It’s all about your brand. Make sure that you’re providing information about what’s important to you. If you really want an opportunity in ag, talk about why and what you’ve done in agriculture.”
-Julie Veneirakis, Valent
Check out more advice from agricultural employers on our YouTube channel.
