With about 740 million users and one of the top 25 most visited websites worldwide, LinkedIn is a necessity for many job seekers. Below are some tips to make your profile and resume stand out above the rest:
1. Use photos or graphics
Make sure to select a professional looking profile photo of yourself. If you do not have a professional photo and need to take your own, try taking a photo with your face towards a window so there’s enough light and download an app that allows you to blur the background. Make sure you’re standing straight and wear solid colors. Besides a profile photo, also consider adding a background photo. It grabs attention and will make you stand out.
2. Write a headline that is more than just a job title
Instead of just writing Civil Engineer, try something like 25+ years of civil engineering experience designing solid road and highway design that exceeded expectations or standards, as well as above average soil drainage and utility infrastructure for new and renovated facilities. Put emphasis on not just what you do but also what you do well. If you need ideas, start reading other profiles and find those you think sells the candidate.
3. Write a summary
Don’t leave this field blank when creating a profile. Take the time to tell your story. Obviously, you don’t want to write War and Peace but you definitely want to share why your skills are important and what they bring to an employer. You want to make sure your story stands out in a positive way that will attract future employers. Don’t be afraid to ask others to read it and gain some constructive criticism.
4. Add skills in the appropriate skills section
Recruiters search for certain skills when they’re looking for candidates to contact for the positions they’re trying to fill. Be sure to check the boxes in the skills section as you set up your profile – for skills you possess and things you’ve done in your career. This will help you become more easily found as Recruiters search for candidates similar to you.
5. Make it easy to get in touch
Take the time to include a personal email address, even if it’s one just for LinkedIn, in your summary box. You want to make it easy for people to find and/or connect with you. Also ensure your “accept inmail” function is turned on in your settings so that people can send you inmails directly through LI.
6. Write how people read
Keep it short, clear and concise. While you don’t want to dumb it down, you also want to sound approachable and easily understood. Pretend you are writing a letter to your mom or a friend. This will help you keep it simple and clear.
7. Proofread and proofread
Make sure you read it over several times. The hardest typos to find are always the most simple and easy as your brain tends to fill in the missing piece for you. One tip is to read the sentences backwards. This way you will spot misspelled words and grammar mistakes more easily as you won’t automatically fill what is not there.
8. Periodically visit your profile and add content on LinkedIn
Like all social media sites LinkedIn changes and adds content. Visit your profile periodically and make sure there’s not a new section or area to complete or change. The more you use LinkedIn by posting articles and liking other posts, the more established you become on LinkedIn. Don’t just create a profile and walk away. Take the time to search on LinkedIn for help, finding blogs and articles with more suggestions on continuing with further improvements. Engagement is also helpful to get your profile in front of others. “Like” and comment on the blogs and articles you read, just like any other social platform.