LinkedIn is a great resource when it comes to building your network, finding a job and showing off your accomplishments. With over 414 MILLION users, it’s important to make your profile stand out from the rest so you can land your dream job. Here are 8 tips to make your LinkedIn profile pop!
Customize Your URL
Customizing your URL makes your profile look more professional and makes it easier to share. Put it on your resume, put it in your email signature, put it on your business card, put that shit on everything. To change your URL simply sign into your account > view your profile > click on the settings icon next to your current URL.
Add a Professional Picture
This should be a no brainier. Adding a profile picture can result in 14 times more profile views than someone without a profile picture but remember, this isn’t Facebook or Instagram so be professional. If you don’t have a professional head shot, don’t sweat it. Pinterest can be a great resource for outfit inspiration and different posing ideas. Just have a friend take them on their iPhone.
Come Up With a Killer Summary
Think of your summary as your elevator pitch. This gives you the opportunity to talk about your background, any work experience and what your career goals are. The key to creating a great summary is to differentiate yourself from your competition and to use keywords that align with the jobs you are applying for. You can also add work samples and projects to highlight some of your relevant experience.
Keep Your Profile Up to Date
I can’t tell you how many times companies have reached out to me on LinkedIn trying to recruit me for positions. The great thing about your LinkedIn profile is that it can be viewed 24/7 by almost anyone, including hiring managers and recruiters. If they are impressed by what they see on your profile, they won’t hesitate to reach out to you.
Don’t Focus on Endorsements, Focus on Recommendations
While adding skills to your profile is important, don’t focus on getting your skills endorsed. The truth about endorsed skills is that anyone of your connections can endorse you, even if they don’t know you or have never worked with you before. If you have a skill or position that you really want to emphasize, have someone write you a recommendation to post on your page. A personal recommendation speaks volumes compared to an endorsement for Microsoft Office.
Volunteer Experience Can be Just as Important as Work Experience
If you don’t have any any relevant work experience, volunteering is a great way to gain experience. Volunteer Match is a great resource that lets LinkedIn users view upcoming volunteer opportunities in your city. Even if you aren’t volunteering in a role that is specific to your career, it shows hiring managers that you are well rounded, not to mention it could lead into a networking opportunity.
Only Add Relevant Education
I am sure you might be impressed with yourself that you graduated from college and got an A+ in your freshmen english class but employers won’t be. Only list relevant courses that will pertain to your career. This is also a great area to add any school projects that you completed but remember, only relevant projects not your biology project on the evolution of tortoises.
Add Your Industry
This is incredibly important if you are looking for a new job in a new industry or you are trying to break into an industry you don’t have much experience in. When recruiters and HR managers are looking through profiles, they filter through potential candidates by looking at your industry. Think of it this way, if they are looking for a candidate who works in the accounting industry, they are not going to waste their time looking at a profile that is in the Logistics and Supply Industry. Not to mention those who list an industry earn 15 times more profile views.
*Some information has been sourced from LinkedIn and Hubspot.