LinkedIn is more than a social media platform. It is a place to showcase your abilities, your work history, and who you are professionally and personally.
Many professionals still ignore LinkedIn. While it may seem like another platform to manage, when used effectively, it can grow your professional influence beyond your local community.
Employers will often look up candidates on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. So why not have a polished professional appearance on LinkedIn?
What Employers Look For
As mentioned, employers are looking you up as part of the hiring process. They want to learn more about you beyond your resume. The first point to make is to clean up your social media when you are looking for a new job, a career change, or in general.
The second point to make is about LinkedIn – use it as your leverage, have a professional headshot (not AI), and a strong profile.
LinkedIn is a chance to showcase your work, demonstrate a proven track record, and show how you have been involved in your community.
It also gives you a chance to describe who you are as a professional with more personality, where you can describe your values and what your aspirations are for your career.
Revamping or Creating Your Profile on LinkedIn
Professional photos: The photo is the first thing people look at, so have a clear shot of your face in a professional outfit. No full body photos, sunglasses, wedding pictures, or anything else.
Headline: Research a catchy headline that speaks to what you are capable of. For example, have a hook – think about what I am putting on here, is it intriguing to the reader, that will make them want to click and view your profile.
For example, have a hook — think about what you are focussing on here; is it intriguing to the reader(s); will it make them want to click and view your profile?
This is where AI can help you — do not rely on it to completely write your headline, but if you need ideas, AI is a tool that can get you started.
Summary: The summary is your snapshot “snapshot” of who you are, what you value, and what you can offer the employer when someone reads your profile. There is a lot of space to have your say in the summary section, so make it personal, clear, and professional.
Job History: When filling out your job history on LinkedIn, it is okay to go past ten years, unlike the resume, where you typically only go back ten years. Put your Write an engaging history, and also fill out the description of what you did. There is also space to put a company description, along with what you did contributions you made. Focus on key achievements, metrics, and what you did to bring about change, influence, and structure in the workplace.
Finally, make your profile visible to those you want to target. Are you a business owner? Make it clear, put your website.
Are you a freelancer? Put a link to your portfolio. If you are a job seeker, then make it clear about what you are looking for in your next role.
Post on LinkedIn daily and engage with others. Comment on posts and respond to comments. LinkedIn is a tool that you can use to help grow your professional online presence in a positive and meaningful way.
