No matter what stage of the job search process you are in, it’s mandatory to have a well-optimized LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has 600+ million users worldwide, making it the largest professional network. Every organization feeds its talent pipeline by sourcing candidates from LinkedIn.
Whether you’re actively seeking a job or not, it’s imperative to ensure your LinkedIn profile always shines. It’s great for even networking, you know!
It’s not enough to have a LinkedIn page. You need a profile that draws attention, is active, and says the right things. Check these simple yet effective tips for LinkedIn profile writing and stand out from the crowd:
1: Follow a Clear Structure
It’s a profile, not an academic essay. Don’t ramble long paragraphs that lack progression from one sentence to another. To make things easy, follow a structure. Start with a hook, mission, list your expertise and skills, proof of that and end up with a CTA.
2: Add a Professional Headshot and Background Photo
First off, to add a human touch, upload a professional headshot. It should be a picture from vacation. It needs to be professional! If you don’t have one, go get one.
Next, add a background photo to grab the attention of the audience. It sets the context and tells people a little more about you.
3: Craft a Descriptive Headline
This headline should be more than just a boring job title. Use this field to tell others a bit more about your role. Have a look at how others sharing job titles have played with the headline and come up with your unique version.
4: Turn the Summary into a Story
Now it’s time to write the LinkedIn summary. It’s amazing how so many people still leave it blank. Don’t use this space to list your previous job titles or skills. Instead, use it to tell your own story.
Try a few drafts and run the summary by others. Tell people how your skills can make a difference in their lives. When crafting a summary, don’t use buzzwords like specialized, certified, experts, focused, or strategic, and others. They have no impact whatsoever on your profile nor do they demonstrate your skills.
5: Highlight Your Experience
Now it’s time to add previous job experiences. List down all jobs that matter. Describe your role a bit and what you have accomplished in each position. Again, don’t add long paragraphs. Everything should be skimmable. Let your resume describe things in detail.
6: List Down Relevant Skills
Mention the skills that you are good at and that will appeal to employers. Knitting is not a relevant skill so don’t add that. Take the time to spring clean your skills and only include those that you are proficient in.
7: Ask For Endorsements
Endorsements are a great way to increase your profile’s credibility. Ask one of your connections to endorse your skills. You will have to return the favor, too.
Remember that relevant endorsement matters. Endorsement means this person has proven skills. This is exactly what an HR manager needs to see to narrow down a profile!
8: Request Recommendations
This is different from endorsements. Endorsements give a quick view of your profile. Recommendations take things to the next level. They are like testimonials illustrating the experience of a person working with you.
Reach out to your previous employers or colleagues and ask for a recommendation. They are great for your profile!
9: Take a Skills Assessment
To make your LinkedIn profile more valuable, take a skills assessment. It’s another way to demonstrate your skills and display a badge of “verified skills” on your profile. Candidates with this badge have 30 percent more chances to get hired for the roles they applied for. Find assessments relevant to your niche/industry or job role and take tests.
10 Update your Profile Regularly
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is not something you set and forget. Keep on updating your profile as you take up new roles and learn new skills. After all, it’s imperative to stay relevant and let potential employers know what value your experience can bring.
Start sharing content, comment on others’ posts, and keep on connecting with the right people. Let your profile narrate the story of your career and leave an impact on others be it potential employers or your connections.
