It’s a tough job market out there today– but luckily, professional networking sites like LinkedIn allow candidates to brand and present themselves to employers exactly the way they want. Check out our tips on how to maximize your LinkedIn portfolio to its fullest potential.
1. Look Professional
The bio section of your profile is the first thing any employer is going to see when they view your profile. This means it’s imperative you sell yourself right off the bat. Employers almost never view a profile that’s lacking a photo, so make sure you have a professional and recent image that’s cropped to show your face clearly. Next, ensure that your headline is catchy and uses specific keywords that employers can search to find you by. And lastly, customize your LinkedIn URL– it’s a quick and simple way to look more professional.
2. Specify Your Summary
The summary section can either make or break your profile. You could have great experience and the necessary skills for a position, but if your summary section is too broad or generalized, employers might feel as though you lack interest or drive. This is the opportunity to showcase who you are and where your career is going!
3. Build Up Connections
Everything is about networking nowadays. Without connections, you will be listed lowly on the results an employer receives when they’re searching LinkedIn for candidates. If possible, shoot for at least 100 connections. Connect with friends, family, old classmates, professors, or anyone else whom may be appropriate in order to build up your online network.
4. Show Your Work
Anyone can simply state their skills and say what that they’re capable of doing, but it’s much more impressive if you can back it up. Visuals are a great way to catch an employer’s eye and make yourself stand out. Upload any and all examples that show off work you’re proud of.
5. List Recommendations
Recommendations are a quick way to build up credibility with employers, so if you’ve got them, show them! Recommendations are a testament to your character and allow insight into your real world experiences and connections. Plus, the majority of LinkedIn profiles that employers view don’t list any recommendations, so this will really set you apart from all the other candidates.
For more career tips and tricks, check out some of our other blogs, or visit our website to view the most recent job opportunities!
