Here at the Jefferson Chamber, we understand that networking is the key to success in business and professional development. In recent years, LinkedIn has become the go-to online networking tool for job seekers and recruiters. Though digital, LinkedIn is like a face to face interaction; the pictures, descriptions, and tonality one uses can convey their personality on their profile. Below are 5 easy tips for you to improve your LinkedIn.
1. Include a Professional Picture
Your profile picture is the first thing people see on your page, and the first thing they judge. Just having a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others. Make sure it is a good quality, professional picture! Professional clothing is a must. Avoid using selfies, pictures with other people, and pictures with too much flash. Ideally, your picture should be in an office neutral outdoor setting, showing your smiling face from the shoulders up.
2. Add a Header Picture
You know that big grey box behind your profile picture on LinkedIn? There should be a picture there! Similarly to Facebook profiles, users can add header pictures to their LinkedIn profiles. Think of this as an extra way to show off your personality and interests; mine is a picture of a sunset behind the New Orleans sky line! If you are an advanced computer user, you can even create personalized headers using online graphic design sites like Canva.
3. Keep it Updated
You wouldn’t send recruiters an outdated resume, so don’t direct them to an outdated LinkedIn page! Update your profile regularly with new projects you’ve completed at work, new positions you’ve taken on, and new jobs you’ve taken. Awards, skills, and honors should also be updated regularly.
4. Format Cohesively
All of your job descriptions should be written in the same way. If you used bullet points to describe one job, use bullets to describe the rest. (I prefer bullet points, as they are easier to read.) No matter what formatting you use, make sure it is consistent.
5. Show your personality!
On LinkedIn, its ok to show a little bit of your personality! Write a descriptive bio that makes you standout, add videos, power points, and links to your page, and include hobbies like languages and clubs. Recruiters like to know who they are hiring beyond just a page of facts.
Use these tips to help your profile stand out! And don’t forget to ask the Chamber Staff to connect on LinkedIn. If you prefer face to face networking, check out these Chamber events!
