How to use LinkedIn to help your career in facilities management

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to use in your job search – we take a deeper look into what it has to offer. 

First things first, if you do not already have a LinkedIn account, then sign up for one here. 

Profile picture

Once you have done this, begin filling in your profile by adding a profile picture. Avoid using selfies – either get someone to take one for you on a plain background or have one taken by a professional photographer. After all, this is one of the first things employers will see so make it a good first impression. Perhaps include a background image related to your work if you have any examples of clippings or projects relevant to you.

Building your profile 

Next, you can start adding your work history, licences or certifications, any volunteering and skills you have. 

The skills you add can be endorsed by your LinkedIn connections, so begin adding anyone you have worked with or know and start building your professional network. Try to include keywords or software you can use and avoid generic terms such as ‘teamwork’.   

People you have worked with can also provide you with a testimonial that can add credibility to your profile – so ask for one if applicable. 

Add a brief summary to your profile of the field you are expert in and what you are looking for and maybe get someone to review this for you so that it all reads succinctly. This should be no more than 100 words, so think of it as your online CV.  

Custom URL

You should create a custom URL for your profile, which you can then add to your CV. To do this, click on ‘View profile’ and then on your right-hand side it will say ‘Edit public profile & URL’. Click on this and on the right-hand side it will say ‘Edit your custom URL’. Then click on the pencil and change it to your first and last name and then click save. You can copy and paste the URL and save it to your CV for reference.  

Settings and privacy

We suggest setting up two-factor authentication for your account to keep it safe and give your account an added layer of security. This can be found in your settings and privacy section, where you can also alter which parts of your profile are public on a Google search and much more. 

Applying for jobs

Once you have done all of the above, you can begin looking through all the workplace and facilities management roles on offer on your professional site here: https://jobs.iwfmjobs.com/ and begin applying to them with your CV. If you require advice on how to write a great CV then check out our article on this here.

LinkedIn can also be a great tool to research who will be interviewing you, so that you can prepare questions for them in the interview. You can also search for the company and see if there are any positive updates about it that you can mention if you secure an interview. Read our guide on how to prepare for an interview here.

Final thoughts

A strong LinkedIn profile will give you the tools you need for success in workplace and facilities management. Use it to its full potential and reap the rewards in securing that job you always wanted.