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LinkedIn is a powerful tool and the world’s largest professional network so if you want to progress in your career and professional development, a well-designed LinkedIn profile is essential in your job search regardless of your occupation. Recruiters and employers search on LinkedIn every minute of every day for suitable profiles to match their job opportunities, therefore, you need to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and stands out from the crowd. The following tips will enable you to create the perfect profile.
A Professional Photo
This is a fantastic opportunity to make the best first impression and attract connections to your profile. You are selling your brand so aim for a professional photo.
Create a Bold Headline
This is directly below your name and LinkedIn has a default heading, but you can modify this to articulate your expertise and capture your audience. It is best to use brief, descriptive keywords so the right professionals on LinkedIn can find you.
Customise Your URL
Your LinkedIn URL is the web address for your profile. There will be a default URL so you can make more relevant. On the right-hand side of your profile, you will see the option to edit your public LinkedIn URL with the option to make your URL more concise.
Create an Interesting Summary
The summary is the perfect opportunity to tell your story. It will be a longer version of your headline and you do not just have to focus on your past experience, it is a snapshot of your skills and experience and the strengths you can bring to a prospective employer. In this summary you can be creative and paint a picture of who you are in a professional capacity.
Career History
This does not have to include your entire career history however it is important to focus on the jobs in your most recent career that are related to your career goals and ensure your roles are described in depth and use keywords that will resonate with your target markets.
Join Groups
Connect with LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your profession, this will demonstrate your expertise and knowledge to recruiters and prospective employers. It is also a great way to increase your connections and expand your network. You can join up to 50 groups, but your time may be best spent focusing on a smaller and more targeted number.
Keep Your Page Active
Share articles with relevant content to highlight your expertise. Keep abreast of what your connections are sharing and to remain active, post regular and relevant content. Keep abreast of what is happening in your industry and share that information.
Make Relevant Connections
Review and connect with relevant connections, it is recommended to aim for around 350-500 connections on LinkedIn.
Request Recommendations for Your Skills and Experience
You can request recommendations; have a think about those you have developed a good working relationship with. Recommendations and endorsements will make your LinkedIn profile stand out and is a great opportunity to demonstrate your value.
Job Alerts
Maximise your LinkedIn account by setting up job alerts and that way you can apply to the best jobs that match your expectations.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool, and you want to make the most of that. A good LinkedIn profile will sell your skills and achievements. You want your profile to be visually attractive, this will help those employers and recruiters who view your profile, to have a better understanding of who you are and what you can do for them professionally. It is also important to remember to make sure your contact information is up to date and if you want to be found, ensure your privacy settings are set to public and always be thorough when adding information.