The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to the Great Resignation – and to the scramble by a great many employers for qualified job candidates. This article explores one method C-suite executives and senior leaders can use to improve the odds that their company will attract qualified candidates via LinkedIn.
To inspire job candidates not only to sign on but to also stay for a while, companies need to offer greater flexibility than they have in the past and also make apparent their corporate values and corporate responsibility with regards to current societal issues. Company leaders also need to be more transparent about their leadership style, purpose, and values. The way C-suite executives and senior-level leaders use LinkedIn can help address these needs.
Why are these matters important?
We know that employees who have resigned already (or are planning to) are looking for greater flexibility in work schedule, greater work-life balance, and the ability to work remotely, at least occasionally, if they so choose. Beyond these recently emergent issues, years of Deloitte Millennial Surveys and other studies have stressed that Millennials and Gen Z workers want to align themselves with companies and leaders that have a purpose that goes beyond profit; they want to work for companies and leaders that address critical societal issues. They are looking for leaders who value employees as individuals.
Do these matters require a change in the way most C-suite executives and senior leaders use LinkedIn?
Yes. Most C-suite executives’ profiles are remarkably scant, revealing little information about them beyond their jobs over the years and where they earned their degree(s). But there is the potential for C-suite executives and senior-level leaders to use their LinkedIn profile and their presence on the LinkedIn platform to address these matters. For example:
- In their About section on their personal profile, a leader can address their business passion, principles, and process. A leader’s authenticity and transparency can be compelling reasons to want to work for them.
- Under their Experience section and their current job position, if their company is demonstrating good corporate citizenship with respect to some pressing social issues and working with their workforce to provide increased flexibility for employees, they can highlight these aspects of their company here.
Are such changes a good idea?
Yes. Today, most of the talented people who are looking for their next job are social media savvy. They do their research online. Because they are interested in the reputation of the company and leaders with whom they may associate next, it makes sense for companies and leaders to use LinkedIn as part of their overall strategy to appeal to them.
If your company is interested in using LinkedIn as part of your strategy for attracting top talent, I’ll be honored to work with you to tailor a plan for your company and your top leaders.
If you are a C-suite executive or senior leader who would like to improve your LinkedIn profile and presence, I can make it easy for you. I have a track record of working effectively with C-suite executives and senior leaders to create LinkedIn profiles and other executive-branded materials that help them show up as authentically and powerfully online as they do in person. This way, they can attract the talent they want to hire, increase their visibility and influence, and control their career. I also mentor clients on LinkedIn etiquette and effective posting strategies to ensure their success. Let me help you use this essential business tool effectively. Contact me through my website: www.carolkaemmerer.com or profile: www.linkedin.com/in/carolkaemmerer.
Other resources:
Book me to speak either virtually or in-person on personal branding via LinkedIn. I am a member of the National Speakers Association, a Certified Virtual Presenter, and an Advisor to the C-Suite Network.
My NEW book Second Edition: LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive: Promote Your Brand with Authenticity, Tact and Power is available through online booksellers. For quantity discounts or signed copies, contact me directly.
Online course:
My new online course, How to be Found on LinkedIn: Key Factors for Attracting Ideal-for-You Opportunities is a self-paced learning opportunity. For details and registration, see https://carolkaemmerer.com/onlinecourse
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Articles by Carol Kaemmerer
Is Your LinkedIn Profile Missing the Mark?
Comfortable in Your Job? Uncomfortable Life Lessons to Safeguard Your Career
How to Be Found on LinkedIn: Ten Top Strategies to Rank Well on a LinkedIn Keyword Search
Why Are You Playing Small on LinkedIn?
If You’re Not “Writing to the Margins” on LinkedIn, You’re Missing Out
Don’t Be Hooked Through a Big Phish: Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams on LinkedIn
A Small Omission That Undermines Your Credibility on LinkedIn
What is Your Poor LinkedIn Profile Costing You?
C-Suite Executives: Stop Hiding Online
