Create a great online profile – 10 tips for Microsoft Dynamics consultants

If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics consultant wanting one of those perfect Dynamics jobs, the many job portals on the Internet are among the best options for finding it. But given the high number of potential candidates on each of these websites, it’s not easy to stand out. Here are a few tips to help you optimise your online profiles so it is most attractive to top Dynamics partners and Dynamics end users.

My experience working as a Resource Director for 365 Talent Portal has allowed me to compile this list of top tips for Dynamics consultants from our hiring clients’ feedback to our consultants’ profiles.  If you’d like to create your own profile in a couple of minutes – it’s completely free – then click here:

So, how to make your Dynamics profile shine?

 

1 – Fill in all the sections

The various sections on job portals are designed in accordance to what an employer or a client needs to know about you to decide whether they’re going to contact you or not. When looking for candidates to fill a position, an employer will look for the key skills and experience that match their job description. The more information you give (within reason), the more likely you are to come up as a match and then to be approached with an offer.

 

2 – Upload a picture of yourself

81% of our clients said that they look at the profiles with pictures first. When looking for resources online, employers tend to feel more comfortable with candidates whose faces they can see, which means uploading a picture increases your chances of being hired.

Make sure that your photo is a headshot and that you’re alone on it. It helps to look relaxed, but don’t be too way-out as that can look unprofessional.  Although you don’t have to use a professional business portrait, keep in mind that your profile picture plays a big part in how you present yourself to an employer. Be mindful of what the photo you’re using says about you.

 

3 – If possible, upload your CV and connect your LinkedIn account

Our clients told us that they love it when they are able to view a consultants’ full profile and CV in one place. Make it easier for them to hire you by uploading your CV if the option is available on the site you are using (it is on www.365TalentPortal.com).

For the same reason, connect your LinkedIn account to your job portal account if possible. This will help employers get a full visibility of your previous projects and experience.

 

4 – Indicate what kind of project you’re looking for

Many of the best Dynamics partners and Dynamics end-users have needs for both freelance and permanent positions. In order to be contacted with project offers which match your wishes, it is important that you give as much information as you can regarding the type of role you’re looking for – for instance Dynamics AX freelance jobs, CRM jobs UK, Dynamics AX Jobs USA, and so on. Also indicate whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time roles, and for onsite or remote positions.

 

5 – Indicate your availability

This is especially important if you’re a Microsoft Dynamics 365 contractor or freelancer: it’s always disappointing to receive great project offers when you’re already on a job. On the other hand, when you need a new engagement, it’s never good if no one calls. Make sure you indicate your availability on your online profiles.  Many generalist sites don’t allow this – ours does.

 

6 – State clearly which Dynamics products you can work with

Recently, some of our clients have expressed a need for consultants who have experience working across several different Microsoft Dynamics and Office products.  This reflects Microsoft’s recent focus on integrating products into an overall project, to provide highly functional solutions with which rival suppliers cannot compete.

You can ride this wave and get more work, or more highly paid work.  By indicating the range of Microsoft Dynamics products and modules you’re able to work with, you’ll increase your chances of being offered a position that allows you to make the best out of your skills. This will enable you to appear in search results more often and to gain visibility.

But be careful not to go too far – if you indicate Dynamics products with which you’re not too comfortable working, you’ll risk being contacted with irrelevant project offers and maybe face difficult interviews – it’s really important always to make a good impression.

 

7 – Advertise your certifications

Do you have any Dynamics certification?  Microsoft are starting to focus more and more on certification and so are the top Dynamics partners – some are making it a prerequisite for you to have up to date exams before they will consider hiring you.

We are regularly being asked to provide information about independent consultants with specific certifications (on both new and specific old versions). This is why it is in your own benefit to list all your Dynamics certifications and exams (even old ones) in your profile so you can stand out when a client needs a specialist with your skills.  And if you need to brush up your qualifications, we have an extensive set of Microsoft certification exam preparation guides and can provide access to a great online learning portal for free Dynamics 365 training.

 

8 – Advertise your special skills

With the new product releases coming up, more and more end-users are purchasing Microsoft Dynamics solutions – which creates a huge demand for Dynamics training specialists. If you have particular training skills – perhaps you are an AX trade and logistics expert or a CRM Microsoft Certified Trainer – don’t forget to mention it in your profile. If you aren’t a MCT yet, it might be worth considering it as your next certification: this will open more opportunities for you.

Skills outside core Dynamics – .NET, Azure, BI tools, Office 365 among others – are also becoming increasingly important to Dynamics projects.  Please highlight skills and experience in these areas, and if you haven’t any, build them into your long-term personal development plans.

 

9 – Make good use of the summary/background section

This section allows you to tell the employer what kind of a professional you are and to attract their attention. Use it to summarise your general experience with Dynamics products (10 years with CRM, 5 years with GP); to highlight your areas of expertise and to advertise your main achievements.

 

10 – Check what your profile looks like

Many job portals allow you to see your profile as a potential employer would see it. Use that option and make sure that all the information is there and visible.

 

About us: 365 Talent Portal is the online platform that enables thousands of Microsoft Dynamics consultants & Microsoft Azure consultants to improve their Dynamics careers and their technical, consulting, and soft skills, as well as advertise their profiles whenever they choose to look for Microsoft Dynamics jobs & Microsoft Azure jobs. This profile gives the best Microsoft partners and Dynamics end users instant, direct access to the consultants that want to be contacted. With a network spanning 114 countries, 365 Talent Portal allows companies to search for and hire Dynamics consultants based on their detailed skills, rates and available dates, to find the best permanent and independent consultant resources for their projects.  Companies can find and employ them via a very low cost Dynamics recruitment model on either a freelance or permanent basis, without incurring the hefty fees typical of recruitment agencies.

For all your Dynamics staffing needs, please visit 365talentportal.com, email info@365talentportal.com or call us on +44 2071 931 455 (UK) or +1 415 800 4263 (USA)