How do you use LinkedIn when finding an interim assignment?

Many interim professionals overlook or underutilize the opportunities LinkedIn has to offer. LinkedIn is not only important when you are looking for a new interim assignment. Its power lies in the maintenance of your network, so that when you are looking for an assignment you can use your network. Updating your profile or networking when you need to is actually too late. Here are some tips to make your profile even more appealing.

Make your profile professional and accessible

Pull out all the stops to appear as professional and accessible as possible. On LinkedIn the emphasis is on the business aspect, but it is also important to show something of yourself. Who are you as a person and what drives you? This means you have to find the right balance between business and personal information.

A profile picture and clear header

People are visual. Therefore, make sure you have a good profile picture. It comes across as professional and helps you convince your (future) clients of your expertise. Don't use a vacation snapshot or a selfie, but a professional portrait photo. Preferably a close-up, because your photo will only appear small on your LinkedIn profile. Think carefully about what you want your photo to convey. For example, would you prefer to appear serious or more open in the photo? In addition to a good profile picture, make sure you have a professional header. The header is prominent at the top of your personal profile or business page. Make sure the image you choose fits what you do and what message you want to convey.

The right headline

The headline is directly below your name and, next to the summary, one of the most important parts of an effective LinkedIn profile. State that you are available and make a concrete and clear description explaining what you do and for whom. Highlight your experience, qualities or specialties.

Don't forget the summary

When optimizing your profile, don't forget to fill in the summary. LinkedIn's search function works optimally when your profile is complete. This way you increase the chance of your profile ending up at the top of the search results. Write down briefly what you can help clients with. Don't turn it into a promotional story with lots of superlatives, but present yourself as a specialist with expertise.

A personal note is good, but keep the summary as businesslike as possible. One last tip, add your contact information to your summary. That way, visitors to your profile won't have to click extra to actually see these details. Make it easy for the reader, lower the threshold and who knows, maybe you will get a call for an interesting new assignment!

Confirm your knowledge and skills

LinkedIn is the place to mention your relevant work experience. For each employer, describe your position, responsibilities and the assignment you carried out. How did you successfully complete it? In addition, mention concrete results (where possible). This is the place where you substantiate your expertise. To emphasize your knowledge, experience and added value, you can ask clients, (former) colleagues and business associates to make a personal recommendation. This builds trust with potential clients. More endorsements for your skills on your profile show that you actually possess these skills.

Build your network

The larger your LinkedIn network, the easier you will be found by people who are looking for a specialist with your knowledge. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on contacts that are actually useful to you.

Ready to find your new interim assignment?

With these tips you can make a start to improve your findability as an entrepreneur. Do you want more tips for finding new interim assignments and are you curious what HeadFirst can do for you? Join our webinar “Find an assignment through HeadFirst”. Here the relationship managers of HeadFirst give concrete tips and tricks so you can successfully find your (next) assignment. There is also the possibility to ask questions. Whether you are looking for your first assignment or a new one, we would like to help you on your way.