10 tips to improve your LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world's largest online professional network, with over 800 million users across 200 countries using LinkedIn. An estimated 57% of job seekers use LinkedIn to find new job opportunities, so creating a stronger LinkedIn profile as a candidate can significantly increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters and potential employers. 

Here are our top tips to easily make your LinkedIn profile stand out: 

MAKE SURE YOUR PROFILE IS COMPLETE

Go through all the sections of your profile to ensure you have completed your profile. This includes your summary, work experience, education, skills, and contact information.  

67% of employers screen candidates’ social media profiles, so a complete profile will always make you look more professional and trustworthy. 

USE AN APPROPRIATE PROFILE PICTURE

Not everyone will have a professional headshot they can use immediately on LinkedIn, but there are tricks you can use to make sure your picture looks professional and up-to-date.  

Here are quick fixes you could follow: 

• Pick a photo that looks like you 
• Your face should fill 60% of the frame 
• Wear something you would wear to work 
• Avoid applying filters 
• Don’t forget to smile! 

ADD PERSONALITY TO YOUR HEADLINE 

Many people use their headlines to show their job title which is typically good practice as LinkedIn is a professional network. However, if you are currently looking for a new role you can use your headline to showcase what you are looking for, your skills and expertise. For example, Marketing Executive | B2B Marketing | Seeking new opportunities  

Adding industry-related keywords into this area of your profile can also increase the chances of your profile showing in searches. 

WRITE A STRONG SUMMARY

Your summary should be a concise and engaging introduction to who you are, your professional career, and your career goals. Your summary section is a fantastic space to highlight your unique selling points and what sets you apart from the competition. 

HIGHLIGHT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

In your work experience section, focus on achievements in your roles rather than just listing job responsibilities. To make them easier to read you can simply list them or format them as bullet points.  

CUSTOMISE YOUR PROFILE URL

When you set up your profile you will have a URL set up which you can share. The immediate URL will be random, but you can personalise your LinkedIn URL to include your name. This will make it easier for others to find and share your profile. 

ADD YOUR SKILLS AND ENDORSEMENTS 

You can add relevant skills to your profile which will boost your credibility. We would recommend adding 5 – 10 of the most relevant skills for your career path so they are more visible on your profile. 

To further the credibility of your profile you can also request your colleagues and connections to endorse your skills. This feature is often treated as a like-for-like, where if you endorse someone, they will often do the same. 

REQUESTING RECOMMENDATIONS

Ask your previous supervisors, colleagues, or clients if they could provide a recommendation on your profile. In this area, you can build on your strengths and the value you added in work environments, adding further credibility to your profile. 

KEEPING AN ACTIVE PROFILE

Make sure your profile is active. You can easily do this by posting/ sharing industry-related content, commenting on your networks’ posts, and joining relevant groups.  

We would also recommend that you use the platform to grow your network and connect with people. You will be able to see recommended connections who you can easily add as well as search for people who might be more relevant in your industry and career path. This can lead to building valuable working relationships and exciting opportunities further down the line. 

REFRESHING YOUR PROFILE

Similar to your CV, it’s best practice to refresh your profile information regularly. This could include updating your headline, summary, skills, and work experience to ensure your profile always reflects the current stage of your career and shows you’re invested in your professional development. 

By following our tips, you can easily build a stronger LinkedIn profile as well as create a better presence on LinkedIn which can make a significant difference in attracting new opportunities and building a strong professional network.