In today’s uber-connected world, it’s becoming more and more important to stand out from the crowd. After all, businesses have more tools at their disposal than ever before to research potential job candidates. And that can be great news for you!
If you’re looking to separate yourself from the rest of the pack, taking a few minutes to spruce up your LinkedIn profile is a great way to do it. Not only is your LinkedIn page a prime destination for many hiring managers, it’s often one of the first results in a quick Google search for your name.
Here are a few tips for making yourself really shine on LinkedIn. Best of all, most of these improvements can be made in just a few minutes!
1. Use a vanity URL that matches your other social accounts
Building your personal brand doesn’t have to be hard. Start by creating a custom “vanity” URL that can be the same across all of your social networks (and even your personal online portfolio.) This can help make your profile more easy to find and more memorable to potential employers.
2. Make it memorable with a great photo
A picture says 1,000 words, right? The old adage holds as true today as ever. After all, your LinkedIn snapshot helps viewers make a snap judgment about who you are. A great photo can tell a new employer that you’re professional, creative, or experienced. A poor photo can reveal just the opposite. Choose a photo (and cover image) that tells your story.
3. Say it all in your headline
One mistake that LinkedIn users often make is to include a headline that only describes their current position. Your headline (the line just below your name) is your chance to show off your skills and strengths. It basically serves as the “Cliff Notes” for your entire profile. So instead of “Junior Developer,” try a more descriptive headline like, “Developer | Java Expert | Experienced in Ruby | Skilled in HTML 5.”
4. Include the key stats
If you’ve taken the time to list out responsibilities under each of your previous jobs, you’re off to a good start. But to really impress a future employer, try including the numbers. Talk about the revenue you brought in, the number of microsites you launched, or the percentage of growth in new Facebook fans you caused. It will give a new employer a great idea of what to expect when they hire you.
5. Speak their language
Most companies are looking for someone who will fit into the culture they’ve built. To show them you’re a perfect fit, make sure you’re using the same jargon they are. Talk about pivot tables, KPIs, or AJAX. If you’re looking for a structured, corporate job, make sure you’re conservative in your writing. If a passionate startup is your dream job, talk about your entrepreneurial spirit.
6. Publish thought leadership articles
LinkedIn offers the opportunity to publish posts on its “LinkedIn Pulse” platform. This gives you the ability to write out your thoughts in long-form, going in greater depth about topics that match your specific areas of expertise. Take advantage of this useful platform by publishing posts that will display your prowess as a though leader and further establish your voice.
7. Join groups
Joining (and being active in) groups on LinkedIn is important for several reasons. It’s a great way to network with people in your industry, it lets your profile viewers see which topics interest you most, and it can help other group members (i.e. those who are hiring) find you more easily.
8. Add work samples
Another effective way to spice up your LinkedIn profile is by including work samples. It’s a simple way to highlight your previous work and give context to specific challenges you’ve overcome or work processes you’ve executed on.
9. Get lots of recommendations
Sure, your skills may look great on paper. But how do you work with a team? What has your relationship with past managers been like? These are questions that any hiring manager is going to have. Lucky for you, a few solid recommendations from previous (or current) co-workers can answer those questions early on. Asking for a recommendation is quick and painless, and most co-workers are happy to put in a good word.
10. Bolster your connections (network outside your circle)
The number of connections you’ve made on LinkedIn may not seem very important, but it’s one of the first things a viewer will see on your LinkedIn profile. Take time to seek out connections from school or work, but don’t be afraid to network outside your circle. If you’ve interacted with other LinkedIn members in groups or see that another member has similar interests and skills as you do, it may be worthwhile to reach out. Be careful not to be too spammy, as this can get your account banned.
11. Add languages and/or volunteer work
You don’t spend all of your time at work, do you? Be sure to include information in your LinkedIn profile that shows off your passions outside of the office. This could be other languages you speak, or volunteer/humanitarian work you’ve taken part in. Show potential employers that you’re a person, not merely a skill-set!
12. Update in stealth mode.
When you make updates to your LinkedIn profile, LinkedIn posts notifications to your connections. This allows them to congratulate you on promotions or keep up with your job changes. But if you’re making numerous changes to your profile, it’s best to toggle the “notify your network” button to “No.” This is especially important if you’re currently employed, since making wholesale changes to your profile could raise a flag that you may be looking elsewhere.
13. Proofread!
Few things can ruin your credibility more quickly than simple spelling mistakes. Take the time to read through your profile carefully to look for typos. After all of the work you’ve done, there’s no sense in letting a small mistake steal your thunder.
