In my last post, I explained why you MUST be on LinkedIn; however, you don’t want to write a boring, generic profile either. Just as your resume should be written to get you noticed, the same is true for your LinkedIn profile; you never know who will be viewing it. It is a well-known fact that recruiters scour LinkedIn profiles to find applicants for their open positions. It is also a place where prospective employers look you up prior to conducting an interview or to verify your information.
If you follow these tips, you’ll put together a powerful profile:
1) Be sure to include a photo, and make sure that you look professional and make a great impression. (No pictures with your dog or out by the pool!)
2) Emphasize and include your unique selling propositions (your brand) within the summary section. (Any info that sets you apart and distinguishes you from others in your profession.)
3) Unlike your resume, it is acceptable to use the first person pronoun “I” when writing your profile.
4) Customize your LinkedIn URL with a short, personal name. For ex., here’s my profile address: linkedin.com/in/donnabradshaw. (Here’s an extra tip – put your LinkedIn URL on your resume and email signature line to help you to grow your connections).
5) Make sure that the company history you have written on your resume conforms to the info on your profile, e.g., dates, company names, etc.
6) Write your content to target the job you want, not the one you have.
7) Include industry specific keywords on your profile for optimum searchability.
8) Don’t copy your resume word for word; strive to make your resume differ from your LI profile.
9) Fill out your profile completely; make every effort to have a 100% complete profile.
10) Get endorsements from people who have worked with you; your bosses/supervisors, vendors, customers, etc.; the more recent, the better.
11) Join groups relevant to your industry and job position so that you can participate in them and become a known expert.
12) Include your twitter address, websites, blogs, online resumes, reports, etc. within the summary section.
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Need help?
For a well-written, uniquely branded LinkedIn profile that gets noticed
or for a LinkedIn Skills Workshop to help you with navigating LinkedIn –
call 201-236-1158 or email – Donna@CACoaching.com.
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