Article
Maximizing your LinkedIn profile can help you take your career to the next level.
LinkedIn is a key resource for recruiters, employers and peers who want to learn more about you professionally. It currently has a recorded 930 million members in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
How can you maximize your LinkedIn profile to help you get noticed in the job market?
When completed correctly, your profile should assist any viewer in understanding who you are, what you do, and what goals you have for your career. Typically, the information provided on your LinkedIn profile is very similar to that of a resume, where it outlines your educational background and previous work experience. It’s also important to list any achievements, accolades or any accomplishments you’ve acquired.
In addition to providing the insight into your background, a detailed summary can also be an essential part of your LinkedIn profile. It outlines your skills, and what experiences you have that make you a viable candidate in the job market. An optimized and branded LinkedIn profile will allow recruiters and potential employers to find you that much easier.
It’s vital to use keywords throughout your profile that speak to your experience. LinkedIn recruiters often use Boolean search tools which help them filter searches and navigate to relevant profiles and using keywords will help them find you. To know what keywords to highlight, think about search terms that someone might use to find someone with your skills – these will most likely be specific to your job and or industry.
Part of creating a personal brand on your LinkedIn account means putting a face to the name. Uploading a professional photo of yourself can increase profile views and engagement. Your photos should be a headshot, in full color and contain no one else but yourself. Ideally, you should be dressed in professional attire.
Your headline appears at the top of your page underneath your name. Let your creativity shine. Think about your value proposition and use this section as an opportunity to highlight it. To market yourself on LinkedIn, make sure to share what makes you unique, what you’re passionate about and what value you can bring to an organization.
LinkedIn includes a feature that enables the user to create a customized URL which looks more professional than the randomly generated link you are provided with when you sign up. A personalized URL indicates that you’ve taken the time to make your LinkedIn profile look as clean and cohesive as possible.
Proofread your LinkedIn profile to check for spelling and grammar mistakes and to make sure that it reads well. Simple details like missing capitals in your name, can put off the reader.
It can be helpful to have peers that will vouch for your ability when seeking a new role. Ask for recommendations or endorsements from people (e.g., colleagues or former managers) who can speak to your unique skill set and assist with building your professional brand and credibility.
Connecting with like-minded professionals helps build a community of potential collaborators and keep you informed of industry happenings. It can also increase the likelihood of learning about new job opportunities in your chosen field. As you search for a new job, LinkedIn networking may also come in handy as these new connections can provide testimonials or insight on prospective employers.
It’s not enough to simply create a LinkedIn profile. If you’re going to use LinkedIn as a personal branding tool, you have to work on building a community and interact with it. Ask questions when your peers share their work, read and share articles that interest you and get involved in conversations that are applicable to the workforce and your industry. Posting relevant content, staying curious and sharing informed opinions can demonstrate your commitment to your industry and helps build your credibility.
The key to creating a personal brand is passion. If you make sure that the work you’re passionate about is present in your LinkedIn profile, then an employer will inevitably take notice. Authenticity and engagement are key to building a following and establishing a brand that will set you apart from the masses.
If you’re interested in learning more about optimizing your LinkedIn profile, how to brand yourself and how to expand your professional network, check out our Aston Carter website for more career advice.
*This article was originally developed by Aston Carter EMEA and adapted for Aston Carter North America.
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