LINKEDIN profile tips

---

Starting or updating your Linked In profile.

The most used Professional Networking Profile is Linked In (other platforms are available). 

Whether you are starting from scratch or simply updating the profile, it is best to start from the top and work down.   

Linked In prompts you on each section and gives you tips but here is my shillings worth of advice for you. 

Photograph

Use a photograph of only you. Use a recent photograph. Be mindful of the background behind you when choosing your photograph. Use a photograph that you feel paints a picture of how you are. Do not use that picture of you running the charity 5k run if it is the only one you have ever completed. Or abseiling on holiday 15 years ago. 

Colour stands out but black and white is sometimes more professional. 

Job Title

Use a job title that is relevant and recognisable to the industry. What your individual company choose to call your role could prevent you from being found by others. 

Key Words / Skills 

You can only choose from a pre-determined list but list as many as you can. 

These keywords are the ones searchers use to find you so choose carefully.

Work history 

Ensure employment dates are correct and mirror your CV.

Do not write the profile from scratch, copy and paste the work history from your CV. There are 2 reasons for that – 1 is that it saves you time but more importantly there are no grey areas or misleading information on either format. 

Connections

It is human nature to want as many connections as possible but this is not Facebook and it is not a competition. Connect with people that are relevant. Do not feel obliged to connect with every invitation or to invite everyone in the ‘People you may know’ section.

Groups

Endeavour to join relevant groups with likeminded individuals but be mindful that searchers can see what groups you are in. Joining the “Hang our Prime Minister” group or similar may portray the wrong external image of you – remember, a lot of people will look at your Linked In profile and build an opinion of you, long before they meet or speak with you. 

Also, but not only

The above tips are relevant to Linked In but can also be applied to other marketing material. 

If you are a Designer, you will have a portfolio. If you are a Web Developer, you may have a list of sites you have produced. An Account Manager may have sales figures and feedback comments. 

A Salesperson will have their target achievements and growth figures. 

Check

As always check and check again. Like a carpenter measures twice and cuts once. Get another person to proof read it.