LinkedIn hosts more than 500 million professional profiles and is a powerful social networking platform. You can use it to showcase your brand, find your next job, and stay up to date on industry news and events and so much more. Let’s get started!
1. UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO
Update a professional-looking headshot of yourself. Be sure to smile. Do not include a picture of you with your pet, kids, or spouse.
2. ADD A BANNER IMAGE
A Banner is another way to express who you are as a professional. It should relate to your industry or your brand.
3. WRITE A STRONG HEADLINE
The headline appears under your name and should tell readers what you do and the value you bring. It shouldn’t be your job title. If you don’t customize it, LinkedIn will select your current job title as default. Also, don’t use caps and do not include your contact details. It’s just not right. Examples of great headlines
4 . COMPLETE THE ABOUT SECTION
The about section is where you quickly tell your story. Don’t just list your job history. Tell the reader who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you’re good at what you do.
You can also put career choices in context, highlight your most significant professional accomplishments and achievements, or show off your personality.
You can also list the names of top brands and companies you have worked with during your career. Your About Section should be written in the 1st person. (I, we, she, our, them) Examples
5. UPLOAD EXAMPLES OF YOUR WORK
Under the FEATURED section, be sure to add a link to your personal/portfolio website, this should include presentations you created, look books you designed, photos showing your work, and videos. You can also add in writing samples, design projects, or any other pieces of work you’re proud of, remember it is a place where you can shine and show of your talent.
6. ADD IN YOUR EXPERIENCE
Your resume and LinkedIn work experience need to be written differently because they serve different purposes. Your resume should be tailored to the job you are applying for, and your LinkedIn should be a broader summary of all of your experience.
Your resume and LinkedIn must have the same dates and job titles – however, your resume doesn’t need to list every single job you had if you have a long work history, but your LinkedIn can list all jobs.
Bullet points are great for a resume because they contain a lot more information. How to write a resume. Your LinkedIn work experience entries should be general, less detailed, and not tailored for a specific position. Use a written summary of your achievements specific to each role. Examples
If you have been promoted several times within the same company, just add in a new job title and date under the same company name. Read More
7. START MAKING CONNECTIONS
The goal is not to make as many connections as possible. Consider the quality of your connections, not the quantity. Connect with potential clients or partners or employees working at your dream companies.
If you know a colleague on LinkedIn particularly well, ask them to write a Linkedin recommendation for you. LinkedIn recommendations show up on your profile and offer readers another view of your credentials.
