How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Support Your Career Goals (Downloadable Guide)
Almost 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but most job seekers are overlooking this valuable opportunity. If you’re like many professionals, you probably created a profile and occasionally go back to add more connections. However, there is so much more you can do with this platform to advance your career.
Take charge of your future and attract more attention from potential employers by learning how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to support your career goals. Try these tips for designing and using your LinkedIn profile.
Designing Your LinkedIn Profile
1. Edit Your Headline
- Specific Headline: Start by writing a specific headline. Tell employers what value you add and make them want to learn more.
- Avoid Jargon: Keep your audience in mind and avoid technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them.
2. Update Your Summary
- Showcase Achievements: Your summary is where you can add more details and showcase your achievements. Provide statistics to describe your impact.
- Add Multimedia: Add multimedia attachments like videos and work samples to help you stand out.
3. Choose Your Photo
- Professional Image: Pick an image that looks professional and clear. Focus on your face and use flattering natural light.
4. Add Keywords
- Keyword Optimization: Help recruiters and automated search tools find you. Browse through job descriptions and resumes for keywords that are popular in your field and include them in your profile, including the headline and summary.
5. Choose Your URL
- Custom URL: LinkedIn gives your profile a URL, but you can change it to something more effective. If your name is already taken, use a slight variation with your middle initial or hometown.
6. Welcome Recruiters
- Visibility Settings: Ensure your profile is visible to recruiters. Go into your privacy settings to opt in for recruiter visibility. Remember to reset this switch every few months if you’re still looking.
7. Be Consistent
- Consistency with Resume: While your resume is usually written for a specific opening, your profile is a more general statement. Ensure they are similar enough to avoid causing any confusion.
8. Check the Meter
- Profile Strength Meter: LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter to help you rate yourself. Follow its recommendations, such as adding more information about volunteer work and foreign languages.
Using Your LinkedIn Profile
1. Gather Recommendations and Endorsements
- Recommendations: Recruiters want to know what others say about you. Ask former employers and other contacts for recommendations.
- Endorsements: Use endorsements to advertise skills that are in high demand. If you’re generous about helping others, they’ll be more likely to return the favor.
2. Write and Publish
- Content Strategy: Share your knowledge and insights on the LinkedIn publishing platform. Develop a content strategy and use a calendar to remind you to publish regularly.
3. Join Groups
- Active Participation: Look for groups in your subject area and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions. Avoid over-promoting yourself.
4. Monitor Your Connections
- Valuable Connections: Stay on the lookout for valuable connections to add to your network. Send personal invitations that make a positive impression.
5. Encourage Others
- Community Engagement: Think of LinkedIn as a community where you can exchange ideas and support. Comment on posts from other users and share them with your own connections.
6. Be Discreet
- Privacy Settings: While raising your visibility, keep in mind there may be times when you want to keep your job-hunting activities off view from your current boss and HR department. Adjust your privacy settings to control what information is public.
Conclusion
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile can make it easier for others to find you and help you reach your professional goals. You’ll increase your job satisfaction and likely spend less time on the unemployment line.
Need a copy of this information to use while working on your LinkedIn profile? Download our guide!
By following these tips, you can create a compelling LinkedIn profile that attracts recruiters and supports your career aspirations.
