With 575+ million users, LinkedIn is the place to be seen when it comes to networking or job hunting.
Whether you are looking to build your client list, trying to land a new job or wanting to maximise your online visibility, we have the top tips that will help you create a powerful LinkedIn profile to achieve all those things.
Here are a few simple tips to follow when creating or refreshing your LinkedIn profile.
1. Professional Photo A well-presented and professional head-shot photo is all you need!
2. A Standout Headline A LinkedIn headline is the section at the top of a LinkedIn user’s profile where they can describe what they do in 120 characters or less. The trick to a powerful headline, is to keep it concise and creative. Your headline is what shows up on searches, so think of something that’ll set you apart from all the rest and contain keywords that others might use when searching. For example, “JavaScript Developer – Front & Back End – Seeking full time opportunity”. This headline acknowledges your currently seeking a new role and your key skills that a Recruiter may include in their search.
3. Connections When making connections, think about the people you work with, who inspires you, the type of companies you would like to work with or for (depending on whether you are a job seeker or looking to expand your client list). Connections can also endorse your skills to enhance your reach.
4. Your Summary In this section be sure to include keywords specific to your experience and your industry. This will help your profile appear in searches made by others. Include your skills and achievements. This section works in the same way as the summary on your CV.
5. Experience This is the main section that people will focus and read on your profile. Make sure you include all your previous jobs that are related to what you do now. Again, to make sure your profile stands out, do not just list of skills and things you can do, be sure to include everything you have achieved. Keep each position precise and informative, less is more in this section.
6. Certifications If you have any certifications, especially if they are requirements within your profession, then be sure to include these on your profile under the relevant section. Again, this will enable your profile to stand out and to make it clear to the reader you obtain these certifications.
7. Skills & Endorsements These work the same as references on your CV. Not only including your skills onto your profile you are also allowing your connections to endorse you. Your clients, employees and friends can endorse your skills to basically confirm and agree that you obtain these skills and achievements.
Be sure to add at least 5 skills to your related profession. Some examples are; “Recruitment Advertising”, “Staff training”, “Human Resources”, “SAGE Accounting”.
8. Interests This allows you to follow groups, influencers and companies of your interest. Following companies can be a great way to find out about them, if they are hiring or if they are looking to purchase certain services. Following influencers can expand your knowledge within your industry of interest, teach you new things and keep you up to date with news within that industry. Becoming a member of groups relating to your industry is a powerful networking tool. The more groups you are in the more potential contacts you can make and the higher up in searches your profile will appear.
9. A Completed Profile
Users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn. The main reason to complete your profile is to ensure that you will appear in LinkedIn search results. Be sure to have at least:
-Industry & location-Skills (min of 3) -Profile photo -50+ connections -Current position (with a description) -Two past positions -Education