1. Add a Professional Photo
Your profile photo, if present, is usually the first thing a recruiter (or anyone) notices. Linkedin itself says photo makes your profile 7x more likely to be viewed. Use a high-quality headshot of you alone, dressed professionally.
2. Craft an Appealing Headline
Your 120-character headline is prime real estate. Make it descriptive using keywords about your experience, skills, and career goals. Careermocha has a feature to generate a linkedin headline based on your CV (and job search goals).
If your profile is aligned to a role that you are searching for (e.g. Product Manager, Head of Sales, Business Analyst, React Developer), it is better to include the target role in your headline - this helps recruiters and other people in your network to identify which jobs align with your profile.
3. List Your Location Strategically
Tailor your location to your target roles and companies. Listing a major city, even if you live nearby, expands your visibility. If you're in the process of relocating to a city, it could be okay to update your location beforehand so that the recruiters do not filter you out based on location for an in-person role.
4. Select the Right Industry
Choose an industry relevant to your experience and interests. This helps you appear in more targeted searches.
5. Write an Engaging Summary
Crafting a great professional summary is essential for making a strong impression on potential employers or professional connections. Here are guidelines for creating three different types of professional summaries:
1. Impact-Focused Summary:
- Start Broad: Begin with a broad description of your mission or what you do in a way that anyone can understand.
- Gradual Specificity: Gradually get more specific about your role and expertise.
- Highlight Impact: Emphasise how your work contributes to measurable business goals.
- Example: "I am the driving force behind turning innovative ideas into market-leading products. My mission is to bridge the gap between customer needs and product development, ensuring that every feature and enhancement serves a clear purpose. I thrive on creating seamless user experiences and solving complex problems. Currently, I hold the role of Product Manager at XYZ, where I've spearheaded the development of groundbreaking products that have disrupted industries. My specialties include product strategy, roadmap planning, user research, agile methodologies, and cross-functional team leadership."
2. Storytelling Summary:
- Start with an Anecdote: Begin with a memorable anecdote that illustrates one or two key personality traits.
- Connect to Career: Show how these traits are applied in your job or career.
- Ideal for Networking: This type of summary is great for networking and making connections.
- Example: "In my early years, I pursued a passion for tennis, reaching a semi-professional level. The demanding world of tennis taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking. These qualities have seamlessly translated into my role as a Product Manager, where I excel in navigating complex challenges and delivering winning solutions. I bring my unwavering dedication and competitive spirit to the table, ensuring that every product I oversee is a game-changer. As a Product Manager, I'm adept at blending strategy, innovation, and user-centricity to drive product success."
3. Minimalistic Summary:
- Concise Information: Keep it short and to the point, focusing on essential details.
- Relevant Skills: Mention your current role, previous positions (if relevant), and your most important skills.
- Ideal for Technical Industries: Suitable for more traditional or technical industries where clarity and keywords matter.
- Example: "With over a decade of experience in product management, I'm currently entrusted with the role of Product Manager at Notion, where I'm dedicated to enhancing our platform to empower users worldwide. My track record includes leading cross-functional teams, shaping product strategy, and delivering user-centric features. I previously served as a Senior Product Manager at Evernote, contributing to the growth and innovation of productivity tools. Expertise: Product strategy, UX design, Agile methodologies, and user-focused development."
Remember, the type of summary you choose should align with your goals and target audience. Tailor it to make it engaging, informative, and relevant to your field of expertise.
6. Showcase Your Education
Provide details about your degree, major, relevant courses, activities, and awards. Verifying your university helps build credibility. Do not mention certifications or online courses that are not relevant to the job you are after.
7. Highlight Relevant Experience
Whether paid or unpaid, list roles that allowed you to develop useful skills
Quantify your responsibilities and achievements when possible
You can add a section on projects too
Include both hard and soft skills sought by your target employers
Ask connections to endorse your top skills to give them more visibility
8. Grow Your Network Strategically
LinkedIn isn't just about amassing connections; it's about fostering meaningful professional relationships. Connect with classmates, professors, colleagues, employers, and industry contacts. Follow recruiters in your space (industry/role/location) and interact with thought leaders with genuine content and insights. You could also share your learnings and insights with your network by publishing them on Linkedin.
Don't Spam Your Network: Be thoughtful and selective in your connection requests and messages. When sending a connection request to someone you haven't met or interacted with, it is highly recommended to add a personalised note.
9. Join Relevant Groups and Follow Target companies
Join alumni, professional, industry, and local groups to expand your reach and get involved in discussions
This can also allow you to attend in person events further strengthening your network
Follow companies you're interested in to get updates on new job postings and industry news
10. Refresh Content Regularly
Update your profile as you gain new skills, accomplishments, and experiences. This keeps it fresh and optimised.
LinkedIn is more than a networking site; it's a powerful tool for job searching that offers a plethora of opportunities to connect, engage, and apply for roles tailored to your skills and interests. By investing time in building a strong profile, networking with intent, and actively engaging with the platform's features, you can turn LinkedIn into a valuable ally in your career journey.
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