LinkedIn is the leading social network for job seekers, professionals and businesses. Regardless of your profession or where you are at in your career, it’s in your best interest to have a presence on the site. A strong LinkedIn profile increases your chances of finding the right job and connecting with employers, coworkers, new business partners and more. If you’re already on LinkedIn, that’s a great start, but have you taken the time to create a profile that stands out? Read on for 3 easy ways to enhance your profile.
1. Update Your Profile Picture and Cover Photo
Having an updated, professional photo will ensure that employers can find you, and is a key element of your LinkedIn profile. If you have a professionally taken headshot, this is a great opportunity to use it. If not, the camera on your phone will also do the trick. Just make sure you choose an image that looks like you, is high-quality and reflects a professional work environment.
While many people might opt to keep the default cover photo, this is an opportunity to showcase a bit of your personality on LinkedIn. Try choosing a high-resolution photo that showcases your workplace, city, current workspace, or a favorite inspirational quote of yours.
2. Include a Summary
This is the “about me” section of your profile. While it may seem intimidating to fill out at first, it’s important to remember that this is an important element of your page. It should cover who you are, what you do and should include your years of experience. This section should just go through the basic highlights – try not to write more than a few paragraphs. This should entice the reader to keep scrolling on your page.
3. Add Work Experience with Descriptions
While common to add work history to profiles on LinkedIn, many don’t take the opportunity to add detailed descriptions to each of their past or current jobs. Think of this section as an in-depth resume—this is your chance to shine and highlight all of your accomplishments in the workplace. Make sure to add a title and location to each of the positions you list.
It’s obvious that since LinkedIn is so widely used, it’s a worthwhile investment to keep your profile updated. It’ll show potential employers that you’re actively seeking out new opportunities, and it will give recruiters and other connections the chance to see what you’ve been up to lately. Take the time to ensure your profile is set up properly, and then make the most of the opportunity. You never know what new opportunities may come from it!
If you’re looking for more workforce advice, follow our blog here.