Motor industry job candidates need to spend time ensuring that their LinkedIn profiles are “fit for purpose” and not just copies of their CVs, says Jobco-op Automotive.

The online recruitment specialist says that most employers now look up online almost anyone they are considering interviewing and that LinkedIn is usually the most important element of their search.

Katie Trinder, joint managing director, said: “It is not just a question of cutting and pasting your CV into LinkedIn. A prospective employer will already have a copy of that information. It is more about making use of the medium to communicate other useful facts.

“So, for example, if you have a successful sales record, use two or three sentences on your profile to explain what you achieved and how you achieved it in a number of different roles.

"Use social media to build up a picture of yourself that is unavailable elsewhere.”

Katie said that candidates also needed to ensure that their LinkedIn pictures were appropriate and created the right first impression.

She explained: “This might be the first time that the prospective employer lays eyes on you, so your picture is important. It must be of reasonable quality, and show you looking professional and relaxed.

"A holiday snap taken in a bar or a snap of you with your pet Labrador are probably not going to have the effect that you want.

“Really, what you need to do is try to look at your LinkedIn with a fresh pair of eyes, seeing yourself as an employer may see you.”

Katie added that Jobco-op would provide support and help for candidates who wanted to create a good LinkedIn profile.

She said: “It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that it is fit for purpose and will help you to get that first interview.”