New LinkedIn Features Allow Job Seekers to Prove their Skills and Hiring Managers to Quickly Assess Candidates
Let’s face it, it can feel hard to actually get noticed on LinkedIn. However, I’ve got to credit LinkedIn for consistently developing new ways for job seekers and hiring managers to connect. Recently, LinkedIn has come out with two new features that allow both talent to shine and hiring managers to quickly ascertain whether potential candidates have the right skills for their open positions. While these features are still in Beta, they are worth a mention. Note: the features may be active for some users that LinkedIn has assigned as Beta-users. Since it appears I am part of the Beta crowd, I have done the research, and here’s what I know.
Feature #1: Demonstrate Soft Skills
On the top right corner of the Skills section of your personal LinkedIn profile resides a button labeled “Demonstrate skills”. Note: if you aren’t in Beta, you will see a button labeled “Take skill quiz” and by clicking it you will be taken directly to the 2nd feature.
Once you click on the “Demonstrate skills” button, LinkedIn will present four categories along with specific roles under each category that you might want to consider for your next career. These recommendations are made based on the skills you’ve already entered on your personal profile. Here is an example:
Once you click on one of the category headers, you will then be given the opportunity to demonstrate your soft skills by answering the question, “Why do you think you would succeed in [name of category]?”. For example, “Why do you think you would succeed in Human Resources?” You have the option to provide a written response (in 4,000 characters or less) or a video. You will also be given guidance on how best to answer the question. Upon your approval, the response will be included in the relevant job applications you submit.
PRO TIP: If you decide to submit a written response make sure you have someone review the copy for grammar, syntax, and spelling errors.
Feature #2: Skill Assessments
Right after the new “Demonstrate soft skills” feature, you will find the 2nd feature, “Take Skill Assessment.”
LinkedIn offers job seekers another opportunity to demonstrate their skills through a multiple-choice hard skill assessment. Users get the chance to earn a skills badge if they score in the top 30%. These assessments do not appear to be related to specific skills or work history entered on their profile. Currently, the skill assessments only focus on software and SEO proficiencies.
Curious about the assessments? Here are 4 things you should know:
- You have 90 seconds to answer each question. There is an accessibility exception if you have a disability.
- You must complete the assessment in one sitting.
- You can re-take the assessment if you do not earn a badge the first time around.
- Results of the assessment will be PRIVATE unless you indicate otherwise.
Job seekers win but what about the hiring managers?
These two new features offer a win-win situation for job seekers and hiring managers alike. Job seekers now have a new way to differentiate themselves from their competition by proving what they presented on their profile through both personal and measurable responses. I love this because it is a small opportunity to step away from the sterile application process and share proven results and personal brands in a written or video narrative. Plus, on the other side, hiring managers will have free, built-in tools on LinkedIn to help more quickly ascertain whether the candidate is the right fit. Hiring right can mean shorter hiring windows and lower turnover rates which we know can mean huge cost savings for companies.
PRO TIP: It is a great time to develop or update your personal brand so that your response to why you think you would succeed can be as impactful as possible. Crafting a personal brand can be tricky so if you need help with your personal brand, please reach out to me at [email protected]