Proven Ways to Take the Most out of Your LinkedIn Profile

Do you know how to create a LinkedIn profile? An excellent one for that matter? In this article, we will highlight the proven tips necessary for creating a well-optimized professional LinkedIn profile. By the time you are through with this expert guide, you should be in a position to write a profile that impresses not only you but also the recruiter. Let’s just say that, with these tips, you can create a profile that attracts tons of job offers in 2019 and beyond.

That said, here is what you can do to get the most out of your LinkedIn:

Create a Killer LinkedIn Profile by Highlighting what’s Important

The search for the word “LinkedIn” on the internet has more than doubled since 2010. However, many adults still do not know how to make a good LinkedIn profile. Often, many people go wrong because they do not understand what hiring managers look out for. So, to ensure that you create a stunning profile, pay attention to the following; these are the things recruiters check:

· Job title: Ensure that you specify the positions you’ve held, for instance, project manager, salesperson, etc.

· Resume keywords: Fill your LinkedIn with keywords that are relevant to your industry.

· Highlight your hard and soft skills: You will notice that as you add them, LinkedIn auto-suggests things. It is best to select the auto-suggested results because they are based on what recruiters search on the platform.

· Industries: Ensure that you have provided information on the employment sectors you have worked in and those you wish to get into.

By ensuring that these things are easily noticeable on your LinkedIn, you significantly increase the chances of your profile showing up on the platform’s search results. This way, more recruiters can find you.

Use an Excellent LinkedIn Background Photo and Headshot

To make a good first impression, use the right background for your photo in addition to providing a professional LinkedIn profile picture. A picture with a background image size of 1000px by 140 px is ideal. Also, avoid using stock images for your background.

For your headshot, refraining from using your ID photo is one of LinkedIn profiles best practices. Instead, take a good LinkedIn photo by following these essential headshot tips.

Get Your Profile Name Right

Do not put a certification, professional title, postgraduate degree, or other academic titles to your name. If you do, there are chances your profile won’t appear in the search results when your name only is sought on the platform. Example, instead of Anne Doe, MBA. Limit it to just Anne Doe.

Write the Best LinkedIn Headlines

Writing your current professional title alone is not enough to market you. Think about funny LinkedIn headlines that are enriched with industry-specific keywords and subtle advertising. The character count for a LinkedIn profile headline is 120, so make a point of using as much of that space as possible. Do not be shy to go all the way; just remember to be professional with your headlines.

Show Off What You Have to Offer with a Good LinkedIn Summary

Now that your catchy headline has attracted recruiters to your profile, the next step is to figure out how to keep them there. Your LinkedIn summary determines whether the employer reads the rest of your profile or not, as it is the first thing they see after clicking it.

Similar to a resume summary, an excellent LinkedIn summary sells your outstanding achievements and abilities. However, a LinkedIn summary stands out from a resume summary in the following ways:

• LinkedIn summary length: it can be longer than the resume summary with a maximum of 2,000 characters.
• You can get more personal — like sharing a real-life experience — in your LinkedIn summary as long as you remain professional.
• Contact info can also be added to it.
• Your LinkedIn summary provides the ideal place to add publications to LinkedIn. You can also include videos or projects you have handled.

Your LinkedIn summary gives the reader a taste of what your profile is all about and the more personalized and unique it is, the better it sells you.

Customize Your LinkedIn URL

Why does your LinkedIn public profile URL matter? Apart from people seeing it and reading it, some may need to type it in the browser to find your profile. Moreover, a link to your LinkedIn profile is a must in your resume’s contact info section.

That said, you really don’t want a link that would tire the recruiter to type when you can actually create a custom link easily. Here is how:

1. Log In To Your Profile or Create One If You Don’t Have

Head on to your LinkedIn profile to start customizing your link. If you don’t have a profile simply visit their sign-up page and follow the guidelines. It’s easy.

2. Click “Me” Drop Down Menu on Your Homepage

On your homepage, find the “Me” button on the top corner on your right. Click on it.

3. Select “Edit Profile & URL” And Personalize Your Link

You will see an “edit profile and URL” tab. Click on it to access the tool that you will use to customize/change your profile link.

Don’t Use the LinkedIn Private Mode

The private mode setting essentially allows you to browse other people’s profiles anonymously. To the person whose profile you view, you will only appear as a LinkedIn member. No other information about you will be shown. This move, however, also means that potential employers/recruiters you are interested in won’t notice you.

Bonus LinkedIn Tips and Tricks

A detailed and up to date Linked profile will dramatically boost your career prospects. But if it isn’t working for you, it’s best to get professional help editing your profile. Here are other tricks you should use to land job offers through your LinkedIn profile:

• Use industry keywords in your headline, job history, summary, and any other relevant section.
• Don’t waste you profile summary space. Use it to show your unique personality.
• Add a great “master” resume to your profile. If you don’t have the time to create one, use a good resume builder.
• Be welcoming and warm.

Follow these tips and get ahead of other professionals and job seekers in your field.