Here are 5 ways to spiff up your LinkedIn profile.
5 Ways to Spiff up Your LinkedIn Profile
Sometimes my clients balk at adding another to-do in their job hunt. But this to-do often pays off well for the effort put into it. Recruiters really do use LinkedIn to start their searches for new hires.
So use it!
Here are 5 tips that have been helpful to my coachees:
*Use quality photos. Get a professional head-shot. (Selfies aren’t great for a professional presentation.) Make sure you take up approximately 60% of the head-shop (as opposed to pretty background material). Aim for a 400×400 sized photo, if possible.
Don’t skip the background photo. This is what reveals your “brand”. Carefully edit a good photo that enhances your professional image. You can find free photos on Creative Commons or buy photos from suppliers like Bigstock.com or Lightstock.com. You can add a short motto or quote if it is not too distracting.
*SEO your profile. What are the keywords that describe the job you want? Read some job descriptions on your industries job websites or aggregate sites like Indeed, Glassdoor or Google Jobs. Use those words throughout the entire profile. If you can work it into the title, do so!
Speaking of title: You can make your headline more than simply a job title. Add your “why”!
Also: Make sure your name on your profile is your business name (the name on your resume and the name you use when you attend business or professional events). If you have degrees or certifications, include them in your name.
*Link, link, link! Everywhere you can add the link to an article or blog post you have written or media you have been part of, link to it. This can be in the bio or the experience section.
*Write eye-catching bio and experience descriptions. If you can, start your bio with a one-paragraph story that reveals in an interesting way, your drive or personality. Then move into the details of the bio. Use “I” statements that tell what you do or have done. Follow these with action verbs. Include outcomes, successes and accomplishments. Use bullet points where ever you can.
In the experience section, if possible, show that you have experience with specific accomplishments.
*Don’t skip any sections. Ask colleagues and friends for endorsements. Include your interests that relate to the career you want. Linked in occasionally adds sections, so check in periodically and update.
- Like and share articles that relate to your industry so that section of your profile shows growth and development. (Plan a weekly session where you share articles and/or comment on others’ articles.)
- While you are at it, Linkedin likes for you to create your own articles right in LinkedIn.
- Make new connections based on suggestions that LinkedIn suggests. Also connect with people you meet in professional settings.
- If you highly respect a colleague, give them an endorsement on their LinkedIn profile.
- Don’t forget to include education, certifications and special trainings. Also, LinkedIn likes for you to take their courses and will give you a badge for your profile when you complete a course.
NOW:
Have someone proofread it. It’s hard to find your own editing mistakes.
LASTLY:
Let recruiters know you are out there by filling in the profile on LinkedIn’s Career Interest page: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/career-interests/
Career Interest asks simple things like:
- What job titles are you considering?
- What locations would you work in?
- What types of jobs are you open to? (FT, PT, Internships, etc)
- Industry you prefer
Your LinkedIn Profile is now more spiffy! You’re ready to be recruited! But this is just a start! For more help with the career or job hunt, contact me today.
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