Creating a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile is essential for making a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers. A standout profile not only showcases your skills and experience but also highlights your unique value as a professional. Catherine Fisher, career expert and vice president at LinkedIn, recently shared several strategies on Get Hired with Andrew Seaman for making your profile truly shine.
Here’s how you can apply them to enhance your presence on LinkedIn.
Optimize Your Profile Picture
The first thing visitors to your profile will notice is your picture. Fisher emphasizes the importance of having a professional, yet approachable photo.
“People inherently like to see who they’re talking to, and having that profile photo really does make a difference,” she says. However, there’s no need for a costly photoshoot. A simple, well-lit picture against a white background, with you smiling and facing the camera, can be just as effective.
“Take your phone, have a friend take the picture, just shoulders up, smile, look at the camera, you're done,” says Fisher
Craft a Targeted Headline
Your headline, the text right beneath your name, is another crucial element that can attract recruiters. Fisher suggests being specific and avoiding vague or overly creative titles. The key is to match your headline to the keywords that recruiters are searching for.
“What you’re trying to do is you’re trying to get recruiters who are putting in their keyword searches… be specific about what it is that you are doing,” she says. Avoid quirky titles like “CEO of Fun Times” and instead focus on clarity and relevance to your profession.
Leverage the ‘About’ Section
The ‘About’ section of your LinkedIn profile is a chance to tell your story and make a personal connection with visitors. Fisher encourages professionals to think beyond just listing skills.
“Really explain not just that you have these skills," she says. "Anyone can say, ‘I’m a great communicator,’ but find examples of your work that leveraged those skills and the results that came of it." This section should paint a clear picture of your passion, skills, and achievements, helping potential employers understand the value you bring to the table.
Showcase Your Skills and Experience
Hiring managers are increasingly focused on skills when evaluating candidates. Fisher highlights the importance of not just listing tasks under your work experience but demonstrating the impact of your contributions.
“Use that space to explain what impact you had on the business,” she says. For example, instead of simply stating that you managed a team, quantify your accomplishments by mentioning specific results, such as increased productivity or revenue growth.
In addition to detailing your experience, LinkedIn now allows users to tag skills directly in their profile sections, which can help increase visibility to recruiters. “Tag the skills that you know someone would endorse you for,” ensuring your profile reflects your strengths, says Fisher.
Activate the Open to Work Badge (If Comfortable)
One common question LinkedIn users have is whether to use the “Open to Work” badge. While some people may feel embarrassed to use it, Fisher says there’s no reason to be. “What that signals to the community is that you’re open to work,” she says.
If you’re uncomfortable making this public, there’s the option to quietly signal your availability to recruiters only. According to LinkedIn data, users who display the Open to Work badge receive more outreach from recruiters.
Set Up Job Alerts
Speed is critical when it comes to job applications, and Fisher stresses that applying early can significantly boost your chances. “If you’re one of the first to apply within 10 minutes, you’re four times more likely to hear back from the recruiter,” she says. Setting up job alerts ensures that you’re notified immediately when positions that match your criteria are posted, giving you a head start on other applicants.
Engage with Your Network
A great LinkedIn profile is more than just a static resume; it’s a dynamic tool for networking. Fisher stresses the importance of interacting with content and joining conversations on the platform.
“Start small,” she says. “Just start reading the content and engaging with it.” Whether you’re liking posts, leaving comments, or sharing articles, engaging with others on LinkedIn builds your professional presence and can attract attention from recruiters.
Utilize the Featured Section
One often overlooked part of LinkedIn profiles is the ‘Featured’ section, where you can highlight work samples, articles, or projects that demonstrate your skills. Fisher believes this is a key way to differentiate yourself from others.
“It shows the full picture of who you are,” she says, making your profile stand out by showcasing not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve done it.
Keep Your Profile Updated
Finally, Fisher says that your LinkedIn profile should evolve as your career does.
“Our careers are fluid," she says. "They change. So should your profile." Regularly updating your profile ensures it accurately reflects your current skills, experiences, and career goals.
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