Professional networking in four steps
Julie Black suggests ways to revamp your LinkedIn profile and argues for caution at the job offer stage.
Are you a LinkedIn all star? If you’re looking to make a career adjustment or seeking a new job then make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to speed and looking sharp.
While it may be tempting to come across as the perfect candidate for anything and everything, it’s actually better to focus and get specific, and thankfully LinkedIn allows you to do this. Here are four ways to revamp your profile.
Write a catchy headline
David Ogilvy said that five times as many people read headlines than they do the body copy. While he was obviously referring to advertising, he’s quite correct – headlines matter.
You could simply put chief executive or human resources director, but why not use this opportunity to tell others something about yourself?
How about ‘‘visionary leader and entrepreneur’’ or ‘‘strategy guru’’ or something else just as interesting and engaging?
Your profile reveals your recent job titles so you can use the headline as an opportunity to stand out. If you really get stuck, go to edit your headline and click ‘‘show examples’’ for other similar people’s headlines.
Refine your summary
It is critical to write your summary in the first person. This should be similar to the personal statement that you might use on your CV, so it’s an opportunity to let a little of your personality shine through.
Remember to include keywords in your summary – these are words that a search consultant might type in when looking for a suitable candidate.
For example, if you’ve had board experience, make sure this is captured not only in the body of your profile but also in your summary. This way you’re more likely to be found.
Tell us what you’ve won
... instead of what you’ve done. This means highlight your achievements and accomplishments, as opposed to your areas of responsibilities.
If you’ve got statistics and numbers to back it up, put them in.
LinkedIn allows you to upload media, so if there’s a video or presentation that portrays your accomplishments, make sure you upload it.
Get the photo right
Finally, get a photo. Profiles with photographs get about 14 times more views than those without. It should be a professional photo, and a clear headshot is best.
❚ Julie Black is a research consultant for Sheffield South Island.