Optimising your LinkedIn profile is more than just a quick routine update, it is a strategic step that can improve how you look professionally and grow your career. LinkedIn is often the first point of contact between employers, employees and clients. With over 875 Million members, having a fully optimised LinkedIn profile can set you apart from your competition, especially when looking to take the next steps in your career.
Studies have shown that having a complete and optimised LinkedIn profile increases your chances of catching the attention of people that matter to you, such as recruiters, potential employers and future clients. For example, profiles with professional photos receive 21 times more views and 36 times more messages. Additionally, people who have a fully optimised LinkedIn profile which shows their strengths and experience are 40 times more likely to receive job opportunities through LinkedIn. This just highlights how important it is to make sure that your profile showcases your best professional self.
Not sure where to start with optimising your profile? Don’t worry, our team has put together this article which breaks it down step-by-step. Whether you’re looking to make a change in your career, seek new business opportunities or build your professional network, these tips will help you use LinkedIn to its full potential.
Write a Compelling Headline
Your headline serves as a personal tagline on LinkedIn. Instead of listing your job title, use this space to tell a story about your professional identity.
Think of it as a personal pitch that shows not only what it is that you do, but also how well you do it. For instance, if you are a marketing consultant specialising in growing small businesses, a headline like ‘ Strategic Marketing Consultant | Help Small Businesses Succeed and Scale’. This approach is important because your headline is the first impression you will make on anyone who views your profile – it sets the stage for the kind of professional you are.
Professional Profile Photo
Your profile photo isn’t just about which one you look the best at. It’s a great way to showcase professionalism, confidence and your approachability. You should always choose a high-quality, recent photo where you are clearly visible. It is always a good idea to use a plain, uncluttered background where possible. Your attire should always reflect your career and should be what you would wear to a business meeting or interview. For example, if you are a solicitor, your attire should be business formal, whereas if you’re in a creative industry such as graphic design or marketing, your attire could be more smart casual. What you wear makes you more relatable to the people who you want to connect with, so make sure you put some time into choosing the correct outfit.
Give a Great Summary
Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to tell your professional story, going beyond the mere bullet points of your CV. It’s the section where you can share your career journey, significant achievements, and personal motivations. When writing this part, use “I” to create a direct connection with the reader, making it easier for them to understand the person behind the profile.
Aim for a balanced look into your professional accomplishments alongside your personal ethos or passion projects that have influenced your career. For instance, if you’ve been the lead on significant projects, mention these, but also discuss your volunteer work or hobbies if they’ve shaped your professional skills and perspective.
An effective summary does more than list your previous roles and skills; it offers insights into your approach to work and what you value professionally. This not only helps potential employers and collaborators get to know you better but also enhances how they perceive your professional identity.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Your skills section is a crucial component of your LinkedIn profile. It allows algorithms and recruiters to match you with potential jobs. Regularly update this section with new skills you’ve acquired and prune outdated skills that no longer represent your current professional focus. Also, prioritise skills that are highly valued in your industry and seek endorsements from peers for these skills, which can lend credibility and attract more viewers to your profile.
Showcase Your Achievements
The skills section of your LinkedIn profile is essential. It helps both algorithms and recruiters connect you with potential job opportunities. Make sure to keep this section up-to-date by adding new skills you’ve learned and removing older skills that no longer reflect your current professional focus. Also, highlight skills that are particularly valued in your industry. Getting endorsements from colleagues for these skills can increase your credibility and draw more attention to your profile. Regular maintenance of this section not only keeps your profile relevant but also maximises your visibility to potential employers.
Build your Network
Networking on LinkedIn is about more than just adding people; it’s about creating real connections. Make sure to regularly talk to your connections by commenting on their posts, sharing interesting articles, and sending mess ages. Also, join groups that are related to your work and take part in their discussions.
Being active like this shows that you’re really involved and not just there in name. It keeps your profile visible to others and helps you build stronger relationships. This way, you’re more likely to get noticed and find new opportunities in your field.
Ask for Recommendations
Recommendations are like personal reviews that make your profile more trustworthy and credible. Ask colleagues, bosses, or clients who know your work well to write a few words about your skills and your character. These endorsements are especially powerful when they come from respected figures in your field or those who are well-known on LinkedIn.
Stay Active
Keep your LinkedIn profile lively by posting updates, sharing interesting articles, commenting on others’ posts, or writing your own articles and posts. This activity doesn’t just keep your profile up-to-date; it also shows you’re a knowledgeable person in your area of expertise. Regular posts help keep your profile in front of your network and potential employers.
Conclusion
Keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date is an ongoing task that needs regular attention and active participation in the LinkedIn community. By following these steps, you’ll have a well-rounded, professional online presence that could open up many career opportunities. For further career tricks, tips and advice, check out our candidate resources here.
