In the current world, jobs are scarce. This is why having a good LinkedIn profile is the key. Whether you are seeking a job or not, LinkedIn is a very important website. Especially if you are an active user in the LinkedIn job search. It will also reflect you are as a professional, your strengths and experience, and will catch the attention of recruiters.
Importance of Building LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn profile is crucial in the current world of business. A kind of an online CV, it allows you to present your abilities, work experience, and accomplishments to employers, customers and partners. Having an optimized profile means recruiters can easily find you during a job search than when you are not optimized. It also creates networking on LinkedIn profile where one can get connected with the leaders in the industry, join groups of the industry and get to know what is current in the market. Spending time to make a good first impression on the LinkedIn profile is time well spent and can greatly improve your career opportunities and connections.
How to Build a Powerful LinkedIn Profile
Here are essential LinkedIn profile tips. They will help you stand out and make the most of your profile.
Start with a Professional Profile Picture
Your profile picture is the first thing that people will notice. Ensure you portray it in a business-like manner. Make sure the photo is well lit, with no distracting background. You must pose for the photo in business appropriate clothing. Having a photo increases the chance of the profile being viewed by 14 times.
Craft a Compelling Headline
Your headline on LinkedIn is not just the title of your job. It is like a slogan that captures your company’s selling proposition to clients and customers. Instead of just stating your position, try to think how you assist people or why they would find you beneficial. For example, instead of “Marketing Manager” use “Creative Marketing Strategist | Creating Brand Experience Based on Market Data.”
Write a Powerful Summary
The summary section on LinkedIn is also known as the ‘About’ section and is your opportunity to share your story. The language to be used should be first person and the language should be interesting. Use the opportunity to describe yourself as you are – and paint the picture about your next professional step while doing so. Do not forget to use such phrases as LinkedIn job search or networking in LinkedIn to enhance your website ranking on the search. Conclude your summary with an appeal, which encourages others to get in touch with you.
Highlight Key Skills and Endorsements
LinkedIn enables one to list down to 50 skills. It is very important to select those skills that are relevant to the industry and the desired job. Focus on those areas of your performance that put your best foot forward. Ask your friends and co-workers to recommend your skills, because it can help you become more credible and find a better position in the search.
Get Recommendations
Recommendations are real and should be a part of each LinkedIn profile. Contact managers you have worked for in the past, your fellow employees, and clients who could vouch for you and your performance. A personalized recommendation brings the social proof, and could be a wonderful weapon for potential employers to know what you can offer.
Enumerate Your Experience in Detail
Your experience section should not only provide details of previous jobs. Enumerate your achievements, roles and the contribution you made in every organization. Always use action words and, if possible, some numbers as well, for example, “Boosted sales figures by 30 percent within half a year” or “Mentored 10 people and supervised their performance of large-scale projects and ensured timely completion.” The more specific you are, the more specific information you give, the more it becomes easier for the recruiters to figure out your worth to the company.
Display Achievements
Updating one’s accomplishments on the LinkedIn account demonstrates professionalism so are the certifications and achievements added to the profile. LinkedIn has a separate category for certifications, which can be useful if you plan a career change or if you have new competencies. It is useful to do this in highly competitive industries and to be able to show that one is current with developments in the field.
Make Use of Keywords
Using keywords when completing your LinkedIn profile increases your chances of being found when recruiters or hiring managers search for candidates. However, do not make the mistake of keyword listing; instead, incorporate these terms into your profile in a natural way.
Customize Your LinkedIn URL
Customized LinkedIn URL is a minor change that can go a long way when it comes to professionalism of the LinkedIn profile. Navigate to your LinkedIn privacy and click on the edit button next to your current URL to make it shorter and easier to remember, preferably your complete name like linkedin.com/in/johndoe. This make it easier to share your profile and that you are serious with your online professional profile.
Post Freely and Interact with the Content
While we know that the focus when it comes to LinkedIn is connecting with people, it is actually about content. Post updates on your projects, like and comment on the posts of your colleagues as well as post articles that relate to your area of practice. By staying active, you enhance your exposure and demonstrate your competence. You can also interact with your network’s updates and participate in LinkedIn groups of your industry as other ways of reaching out and creating value.
Final Words
Developing a professional presence within the LinkedIn network is a process that is never complete and should be ongoing. By using these tips for creating the LinkedIn profile, one can improve one’s image within the platform and increase the potential of finding connected opportunities. Therefore, start building your profile right now, link to the people you work within the same field, and do not let life just happen to you!
HiCareer is here to assist you to make a great first impression no matter where you’re building your career profile. We provide the best job opportunities and career knowledge. Regardless if your goals are to get noticed by recruiters or to grow your connections, HiCareer has the content to help you succeed.
