Your LinkedIn profile holds a lot of weight in your job search. Make sure that weight is helping and not hindering!
After your cover letter is composed, references are compiled and social media pages are cleansed, it’s time to focus on perfecting that LinkedIn profile. A physical resume is important but capitalizing on all of LinkedIn’s profile features can truly help land you that dream job!
Here are our 10 ways to start the process of maximizing your LinkedIn profile.
- Profile photo
There is no better first impression than a smiling face just waiting to be on a business card. Profiles with colour pictures that clearly display your face receive 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests.[i] Not to mention, a clear image helps someone search your name and locate your profile after meeting you in person.
- Full name — plain and simple
Keep it simple! Refrain from adding initials, acronyms or other titles to your name, unless it is a maiden name that users may need to search your profile.
- Keyword heavy headline
Rather than simply just writing your current position title, include hashmarks (|) to list core responsibilities or industry associations with flare. For example: Social Media Marketing | SEO | Fortune 500 Experience.
- Custom vanity URL
Your LinkedIn vanity URL by default is usually your first and last name followed by a plethora of alphanumeric characters. Did you know this can be edited? Change the vanity to simply read your first and last name, or something that is easily remembered and can comfortably fit on a business card or email signature.
- Posts showcasing your latest activity
Don’t neglect composing a blog via the LinkedIn Pulse platform. Not only will your content be featured in the posts section of your profile, it is also a great opportunity to exemplify your professional perspective, accomplishments and writing style.
- Added media
Often compared to a written 30-second elevator pitch, creating a summary with added media can be an effective way to stand out from the crowd. Bring your summary to life by adding a link to your website, project or video, or any additional media forms you’re proud of. Make sure to highlight the value you brought to your past positions and showcase experiences that have influenced your professional development.
- Meaningful recommendations
The recommendation section of your profile should be treated like a two-way street. Be sure to make recommendations and ask for ones in return. However, be mindful of which recommendations appear on your page as LinkedIn endorsements enable the user to click on the post to learn more about your connection and their professional credentials.
- Top 10 Skills
These “Top 10” skills are a visual representation of what you bring to the table. Since they are crowd sourced skills, they represent a confirmation from your connections that you truly are a qualified candidate. Prioritize this list to highlight skills that set you apart from the competition.
- Group affiliations and followings
Following alumni groups, community organizations or industry groups you belong to can add a personal touch to your profile. It may lead to connections with professionals with mutual interests, and provide a picture of your values when they can see which influencers, news sources and companies are important to you — deepening a potential connection.
- Additional “forget me not” information
Finally, don’t forget to include your educational background, honours and awards you’ve received, volunteer experience and language fluencies. These are highlights that may distinguish your profile from other candidates with similar professional experiences and goals — giving you a leg up on the competition!
For more help building a strong LinkedIn profile contact your local Adecco branch and connect with a recruiter today!
To view more of our blogs and articles, visit our resources page on our website.
[i] https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/blog/best-practices–linkedin-profile/2018/picture-perfect–make-a-great-first-impression-with-your-linkedi
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