Linkedin is often an underused platform, especially when it comes to looking for jobs.
Often when people receive an email from a potential candidate or they spot something online that you've said they will check you out on Linkedin first before anything else. This means your Linkedin profile should be looking epic. More epic than your CV.
We've put together some pointers to help you get started...
Photos
Have a clear and professional profile photo. As well as a cover photo that is in line with what you do or your key theme.
Headline
Your headline will automatically be populated from your latest job position on linkedin.
However you can change this so that's it's relevant to what you do overall.
Depending on what you are aiming for and looking for you should have specific keywords in this section that are searchable. Go for a 10 word limit, so that it's simple and clear.
Things to think about: the work you're doing now and the work you want to be doing. Including who you'd like to approach you.
Summary Section
Here is the perfect place to add your mission statement. Your big why, what and for who.
Also, add bullet points of your key achievements and key skills. So that people can immediately see what they can expect from you before having to go through all of your work experience.
Use this section as your sales pitch and help say yes to you and what you do.
You can also add links and media files here. So, if you have an online portfolio or website add this here.
You could even upload your CV and case studies!
If you are looking for work and you can advertise this publicaly this is a great place to share this information so that people know they can get in touch with you.
Work Experience
Always add some description that explains what you did at this role, as well as successes. Give the metrics!
A sentence or two, plus bullet points to clearly explain what impact you created.
Add links to the company website - especially if it's your own of course!
References
Ask colleagues and past colleagues for references/testimonials. Linkedin makes it super easy to do this. But it's always good practice to ask them personally prior to sending a Linkedin request.
Sometimes it's worth giving them pointers as to the kind of thing they could write - often people are busy and don't know what to say so they put it off. Help them out by doing the leg work.
Use the timeline
Linkedin's timeline is getting some engagement and traction in recent months. People are starting to have conversations and interact with each other - on a more personal level.
This means that it's a great place to ask for advice, to let people know that you're looking for work and ask them to let you know if they see anything. But also, to talk to people who might be able to offer you work in the future - without actively telling them so.
There's so much more that can be done with Linkedin but these are some great pointers to get you started.
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