“Not having an updated LinkedIn profile is like attending a networking event with a bag on your head.”
-A Wise Professional
Developing your personality is like filling your bowl with unlimited potential. It starts with introspection (read our blog on how introspection helps with personality development) – knowing who you are in order to be who you want to be. Your social profile will cater to the demands of the digital world.
LinkedIn is now the go-to platform for professionals to develop a presence, advance in their careers and network with like-minded professionals or leaders. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile is a big deal whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out on your professional journey. Making your presence on LinkedIn is easy – show them who you want to be.
Choosing a Profile Picture for LinkedIn
The fairytale of Snow White has taught us that if you stand in front of a mirror the first question you ask yourself is – who is the fairest of them all? When employers are hiring, they ask the same question to LinkedIn. Statistics show that a whopping 97% of recruiters use LinkedIn to help with hiring.
Dressing up for the job you want starts from taking that professional photo:
- Dress professionally: Choose an attire appropriate for your industry. A business suit is ideal for corporate roles, while business casual is more suited for creative roles
- Wear a smile: Do you want to seem friendly, wise or serious? An appropriate expression on your face will help employers understand you in the first look.
- Neutral Background: The focus of the professional photo is you – choose a plain uncluttered background.
Powerful Headline
Just as newspaper headlines grab your attention, your headline must grab the attention of your clients/bosses. There are several ways to make your headline pop:
- Professional Title and Summary: State your current title and industry, for e.g. “Digital Marketing Professional | Advertising” OR “Electrical Engineer | Telecommunication”.
- Key Skills and Achievements: Highlight your key skills and state your achievements – “Front End Development | Development and Maintenance of Websites”.
- Value Proposition: State the value you bring to the industry – “Transforming Data into Actionable Insights” would tell how your skills benefit the company.
Engage with a LinkedIn Summary
An effective LinkedIn summary is like a good synopsis behind a book. Your client or employers will choose you based on what you write about your professional self on your social profile:
- Hook your Readers: With a compelling statement, grab the attention of the people reading about you.
- Tell Your Story: Write a quick summary of your professional journey so far, in a story format.
- Share your Personality: Share some of your values, work ethics, philosophies that may be relevant.
Highlight Work Experience
While you’re putting up your social profile, make sure to sprinkle it with the garnish of work experience:
Use Action Words: Each of the bullet points in your experience/task list must start with an action word. Words like “managed”, “led”, “resolved” make an impact and show that you are action-oriented.
Quantify Results: Include statistics and numbers in your statements to gain trust.
Focus on Achievements: Highlight what you have achieved in your stints.
Networking and Job Search
Now that you’ve set up your profile, it’s time to take action.
LinkedIn isn’t all that different from Facebook, X or Instagram, really. The engagement on all platforms is like having the same dish from different regions of the world.
Apart from putting up relevant posts by yourself, like what others put up, input your comments (respectfully and professionally) and share posts. Read this detailed guide on how to make your LinkedIn posts stand out.
Professionals are always ready to help, all you have to do is ask. Maintain a polite conversation, and you’ve found yourself a varied network. Conduct your own research about companies and their people, and using the job search feature, you can customize the job recommendations you receive.
So, don’t attempt to network with a bag over your head. Show yourself, voice your thoughts and get the job you want. Start your professional journey by social profiling!
