How To Build A STRONG LinkedIn Profile
The job search process is always evolving.
It’s not about going to the job boards, finding the job opening you like, and then applying to it. That method will only have you waiting by the phone for a call that’s likely not going to happen. Today’s job seekers need to take a more proactive and interactive approach called job networking—and LinkedIn is a resource to help you do it.
Creating a strong LinkedIn profile will help you get in front of the right contacts (recruiters, hiring managers, professionals in the field, etc.) who can lead you to the path of the next job opportunity. However, in order for it all to happen, you need a LinkedIn profile that communicates and displays the right information. Take a run through the LinkedIn profile checklist below to learn how to use your LinkedIn profile effectively.
The Basics Of An Effective LinkedIn Profile
Make Sure you Have An Appropriate Headline
The Headline is what shows up for your LinkedIn profile when it comes up in search results. It’s also what shows up when others look at you through their contacts’ connections. By default, your LinkedIn profile headline reads your current job title and employer, but if you want to grab the attention of others it should say more than that. Think about keywords and highlighting your greatest skill sets.
Display Professionalism In Your Profile Photo
A LinkedIn profile that includes a headshot photo is more likely to be clicked on than a profile without a photo. In selecting your profile photo, go with a headshot that presents you professionally and that makes you come off approachable.
Personalize Your LinkedIn URL
Whether you choose to include your LinkedIn profile to your resume or email signature, personalize the URL. It’ll come off more professional and memorable. For ex. www.linkedin.com/yourname or www.linkedin.com/professionalkeyword.
The Important Details In An Effective LinkedIn Profile
Offer Your Value Statement Through The Summary Section
Like the resume, your LinkedIn profile should have a Summary at the top that highlights what it is that you have to offer and how that translates to value for the potential employer. While pronouns like I, me and my are not advised on the resume, on your LinkedIn profile it needs to take on a more conversational tone, so they are okay.
Make Your Work Experience Keyword-Rich
As you describe and highlight accomplishments on the job under Work Experience, think about relevant keywords to include naturally in your writing. The more keyword-rich your profile is, the more likely it’ll show up in search results.
Get Endorsed For The Right Skills And Expertise
Review the Skills and Expertise section to prioritize what’s important. When you do that, your contacts are more likely to endorse you for the right skills, which in turn show recruiters and hiring managers you have what they are looking for. What you want to avoid is including Skills and Expertise that don’t relate to the job or your profession. That will simply dilute your overall message.
Additional Steps For Making An Effective LinkedIn Profile
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Don’t Let Your Education Give Away Your Age
Your education, which can include specialized training and certifications received, adds value to your qualifications. When listing the information, take caution with dates. It’s not necessary to indicate when you received your degree from college—that can give away your age in some cases. Also don’t include anything that may be too dated. You want to show you hold current skills that are valuable to the profession, not dated skills.
Join Relevant Groups
LinkedIn offers Groups to join in all areas—professional associations, industry groups, alumni groups, etc. If they’re relevant to your profession or skills needed for the job, share their badge on your profile. It helps hiring managers and recruiters to see that you’re connected and active in networks that are important.
You can also benefit by taking things a step further with Groups like participating in discussions and sharing interesting articles to get your name out there. Many hiring managers and recruiters will look at discussions in relevant groups to pull out potential candidates for job openings they have available.
Make Your Profile Public
LinkedIn profiles that are made public allow others to view your information whether you’re connected with them or not. This option is best when you’re a job seeker.
Looking for more great LinkedIn advice? Check out this “JT Talks Jobs” podcast, where Work It Daily CEO J.T. O’Donnell discusses LinkedIn optimization tips.
Did you know that as a member of Work It Daily you have access to unlimited LinkedIn profile reviews?
Join Work It Daily today and take advantage of our trained career support specialists that will work individually with you to come up with a specialized plan. All of our memberships offer private coaching along with unlimited networking potential, and a library of exclusive career courses. Additionally, and for no extra cost, you’ll also receive unlimited resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews by our trained specialists as part of our membership.
This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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