Your LinkedIn profile is a first glimpse at who you are. It tells your professional story, and allows you to be heard, seen, and discovered by potential connections, colleagues, and employers. Has it been a while since you’ve updated your LinkedIn profile? Here are a few tips to stand out from the crowd.
Identify Your Audience
Everyone uses LinkedIn for a different purpose. Are you looking for a new opportunity? Seeking to gain more customers? Trying to expand your network? Think about how you can tailor your profile’s content to attract your target audience. For example, listing “open to new opportunities” if you are looking for a new role, or vice versa. Once you’ve determined who you’re trying to attract to your profile, construct your “story” accordingly.
Write a Strong Summary
The “Summary” section on your LinkedIn profile is the first part of your profile visitors are going to see. Draw them in! Be bold and creative about how you’re going to reel visitors in to learn more about you. Some ideas of how to go about this include highlighting your special skills, the ways you can add value to a company or position, and what contributions you have to offer. Another idea is crafting a personal mission statement. Use this area of your profile to translate what sets you apart both personally and professionally.
Showcase Your Personal Interests and Accomplishments
In today’s job market, a huge part of company culture is personality. Some visitors of your LinkedIn profile are going to want a chance to get to know a bit about you – as well as your professional accomplishments. What are some of your hobbies? Special skills? Volunteer efforts or initiatives you have been a part of? Who you are and what you do outside of work is of value to your network.
Remember the Small Details
There are several small updates you can include in your profile to bring it to the next level. If you haven’t already, update the URL of your LinkedIn profile to your name. (Instructions below)
Additionally, make sure you have a nice LinkedIn profile picture. If you don’t have a professional headshot, that’s okay – but avoid any pictures with another person, pictures that have been oddly zoomed in or cropped, or that were taken in social settings. It’s also a great idea to mirror your resume to your profile – make sure the dates listed are consistent on your resume and on LinkedIn!
Add Extra Materials
A great way to set yourself apart on LinkedIn is to include extra materials. Don’t be afraid to ask for write ups or recommendations – written advocacy on your behalf is extremely valuable, especially to potential employers. Also, if you work in a creative vertical, make sure you include your portfolio on your LinkedIn. Not only does this make it easier for visitors to access, but it is a great way to advertise your hard work!
Do you have any additional LinkedIn profile tips or tricks? Let us know on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
