10 steps to an All-Star LinkedIn profile

Whatever stage of your job search you’re at, you need a LinkedIn profile that sets you apart from the competition.

With over 600 million users, LinkedIn is the place to be seen if you’re serious about your career. Increasing your visibility on the platform is essential to get you in front of employers and recruiters.

Here’s how to make that happen.

1. Add a headshot

Profiles without a photo are easily passed over on LinkedIn. If you can, it’s well worth investing in a professional headshot to create a good first impression.

Regardless, make sure you're looking at the camera and don't be afraid to smile.

2. Create an eye-catching headline

The next thing people will see after your name is your headline. Use these 220 characters to write a mini-ad for yourself.

As well as your job title, show how you add value in your role and don't be shy about singing your own praises.

3. Craft an interesting summary

Your summary can be up to 2,000 characters, but try to keep it under 1,000. Use it to tell your story, highlight key achievements, showcase what you do well and what you can bring to your next employer.

Use reelvant keywords for your skills and experience tp help LinkedIn's algorithm serve up relevant jobs and put you in front of recruiters.

4. Highlight your experience

Don’t just cut and paste your CV into your LinkedIn profile! Focus on jobs that are relevant to your career direction and give impressive and interesting details for each.

Use action words to highlight what you did and the results you achieved. Remember, think about who is viewing your profile and what they'd want to know about you.

Whatever you do, don't write in the 3rd person! This is about you and everyone knows it's you writing it ;-)

5. Use visual media

You can add a background or cover photo to make your profile stand out. Choose a theme that reflects your personality or your profession. You can also connect videos, infographics and other relevant media to your profile.

When you're posting on the platform, use a video, image or animation to grab attention and build your personal brand.

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For more tips on finding work, check out these blogs

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6. Customise your URL, check your settings.

Change your forgettable default URL to something relevant and memorable using the option you’ll find on the right side of your profile.

And while you're there, look through all your settings to make sure you're as visible as possible. Add the Open to Work banner if you're actively searching.

7. Build up your connections

LinkedIn is for networking, and having more connections makes you more visible. Prioritise connecting with people you know personally or have met professionally.

Once connected, join in conversations and discussions about topics relevant to your career.

8. Ask for recommendations

When you edit your profile, you’ll see a link that says Ask for Recommendations. Click on it, choose what you’d like to be recommended for, and send requests to your connections. 

It may feel a bit alien, but people generally love being asked. The worst that can happen? They do nothing!

9. Keep your page up to date 

Once you have your basic profile, make sure it's kept up to date. It's easy to set up and then forget about.

Look for groups to join that are relevant to your professional interests too.

10. Check your LinkedIn profile strength

Your profile comes with a “Profile Strength” gauge on the right-hand side. Keep adding to it and following the site's tips until your strength is rated as “All-Star.” 
 

Of course, LinkedIn as a platform is always evolving! It regularly adds new features and functionality. Stay up to date, be an 'early adopter' and don't be afraid to get yourself out there.

Our recruitment consultants offer all candidates advice throughout the recruitment process. If you've got experience in Finance, Procurement, Data, Technology, Legal Business Services or Continuing Healthcare, contact us to see if we can help.

 

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