Believe it or not, most recruiters and hiring managers will check your social media presence during the hiring process. LinkedIn is the most important platform of them all because it exhibits your professionalism. Many employers and agencies will search your LinkedIn profile more than once; many of them may check it even before the phone interview. Whether you are currently in the market or are happy with your current role, it is essential to refresh your profile to strengthen your image.
Here you will find 8 things you need to know when updating your LinkedIn profile:
- Pick a “Good Looking” Profile Photo
I didn’t say “professional.” Why? LinkedIn is trying to make itself look more dynamic. Yes, it is a professional platform where you talk/post professionally. However, that doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit for your profile photo.
Upload a profile photo that shows your personality. If you think of yourself as an easy-going person, one of your life photos would be perfect. If you think you are strict and treat things seriously, then a photo in a suit definitely fits you better.
However, it can’t be a nightclub photo or the one you cropped from somewhere else. Your LinkedIn photo should be neat. One taken at your workplace or with a pure-coloured background is also great.
- Add Your Contact Information
If you are actively looking for a job, you should add your contact information so that recruiters can reach out to you.
Go to your personal page, then find “Contact and Personal Info” on the right-hand side. Click the pencil icon to edit it.
- Get a Customized URL
Customize your unique URL when updating your LinkedIn profile. There are 3 reasons for doing this. First of all, it will make you look more professional. Second, putting your custom URL on your resume will look much neater than the chaotic letters and numbers you’re assigned. Third, it is easier for others, especially recruiters and employers, to find you on LinkedIn.
- Customize Your Summary
Instead of talking about yourself in a third-person tone, write this part as a self-introduction. Here you can show your personality, passions, achievements and career objectives. Combining that with a “good-looking” profile photo will bring your profile to life.
- Highlight Your Volunteer Activities
Or at least add some volunteer causes. This is to flesh out your profile so that people see a person engaged in life rather than a lifeless page.
In fact, you should get involved in some volunteer organizations or community events. It is not only an excellent way to give back to society but also helpful to your self-realization. Go with a cause that you are passionate about or that is good for your career development.
- Ask for Recommendations
When writing an essay, you need sufficient grounds to support your arguments. The same logic applies here. Your achievements need to be supported by the recommendations of other people.
Choose your recommendations wisely. It is suggested that you have 1-2 recommendations per job. If you worked in a position for a long time, say over 5 years, the number can go up to 3-4.
The recommender could have worked in the same department or even on the same project as you. It can also be your supervisor or a person you directly managed (subordinator). You can also ask a client to write a few words in your favour.
To learn how to ask for recommendations from your colleagues and supervisors, read How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations.
- Organize Your Public Profile
Now for the most critical part – choose what you want the public to see.
Go to your LinkedIn personal page. On the right-hand side, click “Edit public profile & URL.” You will then be directed to a new page to select sections that you’d like to show publicly (you can also customize your URL here).
- Switch on Your Career Interests
If you are actively looking for new opportunities but don’t want to be found by your boss, this tip will be important to you.
Go to your LinkedIn personal page. Scroll down a bit and find “Your Dashboard.” Click on “Career interests.” Turn on “Let recruiters know you’re open” on the top of the page, and edit the options below.
By turning on the “Career interests” option, you are telling recruiters that you are open to new opportunities. Be ready for the InMail flood!
Having social media content that is positive and healthy is very important. If you don’t organize your profile and maintain your personal image, you may not be able to organize your work and care about your company brand.
Now Google your name and see what comes up. I hope you are happy with what you see after updating your LinkedIn profile. 🙂
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