5 Tips to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network, with over 600 million users from various industries. If you're serious about your career, a LinkedIn profile is critical - especially one that will stand out amongst other professionals. Your LinkedIn profile is your chance to get your name and face in front of hundreds of professionals in your industry.
It's not enough to have a LinkedIn page. It would help if you had a LinkedIn profile that draws attention, says the right things, and enables you to connect with the right people.
Here are five ways to help make your LinkedIn profile stand out:
1. Add your headshot
The easiest thing you can do is add a headshot to your profile. Adding a Linkedin profile picture will help potential employers put a face to your name. Be creative if that fits with what you do or who you are, or stay more professional if that fits your industry. If you don't have a professional headshot, it's worth the investment. With the vast numbers of people on LinkedIn, those without a photo are pushed aside.
2. Create an eye-catching headline & interesting summary
Your headline will be the first thing visitors read. After gaining more experience, why not write something that pops? Think of it as an advertisement for you and your expertise. Instead of just listing your job title, discuss your specialties. Your LinkedIn summary should tell your story. Think of it as a longer headline. Here you have 2,000 characters to work with, so you can dive in a little deeper. Don't just focus on your experience but on what you do well and what you can bring.
3. Highlight your experience
Make sure to highlight your experience on your profile, don't just copy and paste your resume. You don't have the same one-page rule here, and most internet users won't read through too much. Include any jobs you deem relevant on your profile, and use two to four exciting and impressive bullet points for each job. Use good action words to show what you did and what you accomplished. The key is to demonstrate the following:
the impact you've made
the change you've enacted
the initiatives you've led
the results you've delivered.
4. Start making connections
It seems obvious, but it's easy to forget that you need to keep growing your connections to get the most out of LinkedIn. LinkedIn has a system of first, second, and third-degree connections, and having more relationships will keep you visible to others. While you can connect with people you don't know; it's preferred to connect with individuals you know, have worked with, or met in a professional environment.
5. Ask for recommendations
This is one of the best ways to ensure your profile stands out. Brainstorm some people that you've developed good working relationships with. There is a link on your profile that says Ask for Recommendations. It is easy, and you can choose what you'd like to be recommended for and send a request to people from your connections. Employers want to know that others have approved of your work, which is the best way to show that on your profile.
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LinkedIn is more than an online resume. It is a networking site that can help you grow your professional career. If you feel overwhelmed with the idea of updating your resume, and if you are a Latina located in the US, consider getting involved with us! We can assist you through our virtual free events and educational resources. Follow us on social media or contact us to get started.