Before we proceed with the article, we would like to show you some stats.
(Source: expandedramblings) So, it’s evident from these stats that having a LinkedIn profile is must, if you’re serious about your career. But having only a profile will not help you. You need to make your profile visible enough to attract all the desired attention from companies and recruiters. Let’s take a lot.
Look at your public profile first. Does it look professional?
The highlighted area of Arianna Huffington’s profile is the focus point, when someone visits a LinkedIn profile. Create a professional headline, so people can understand what you do and what your skill set is. Add a professional image to your profile. According to expandedramblings, the likelihood of profile visits increases 11x, once a profile image is added. So, don’t take any chance.
This is necessarily as many people might search with your name on LinkedIn. In these cases, owning a vanity URL would land them on your profile directly. Moreover, it may also show your profile in Google searches. If it’s already booked, try the nearest one. Here is a Jose Jimenez video on how to create a vanity URL on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn search engine works differently compared to other networks. Your profile can rank for your name, your skills, your current job profile or even for your company. For this reason, it’s very necessary to add the keywords carefully. And try different variations as well. For example, if you are a “software engineer”, also try using “.net developer” or “software professional” etc. LinkedIn offers a number of places where you can put the most relevant keywords for your profile. Let’s check them out one by one.
Summery: The area right under your profile is called “Summery”. Here you can write anything about your professional career without any boundary of word count. The way Sarah Bird created her summery is pretty casual in tone. But if you look closely, it includes all the required information that a professional would be interested to know.
Experience: Here you can list your companies and work areas in a detailed way. The recommendations that were given by your colleagues are also featured in this section. So, ask for more and more recommendations from your peers. They can have a huge impact on your LinkedIn profile.
Update Skills: There are 3 options to update your skill set on the platform.
You can add new skills, also drag and reorder them. This feature would come handy, in case you want to prioritize any of your skills. Interests: Add all your interests that would help a professional know about you quickly. Showcase websites: Showcase your work in the experience section.
You can add documents, PPT files, link, photo, video in this section. This will create a better portfolio showcasing your professional work links.
Don’t just connect with any random person. encourage First check their credentials. LinkedIn is an excellent channel to get connected with influencers. Even though it does not encourage having random connection but there are a multiple ways to connect with influencers. Start with LinkedIn Groups. Check the groups that the person is connected with. Start interacting. Write meaningful comments on their activities. If you send someone connect request and don’t know him at all, write a well-crafted message, referring why you want to connect. Such practices are considered very professional on the network.
LinkedIn has its own publishing tool and now anyone can become a LinkedIn Publisher. The more you post, the more your chances to get new connections goes higher. Also LinkedIn provides with an option to share with your entire community once you’re ready to publish.
LinkedIn is a professional network. The updates that you give on Twitter or Facebook, may turn your LinkedIn connections off. Post professional and niche content regularly. Share useful updates. Engage in group discussions. And last not not the least, don’t spam your connections’ inbox.