LinkedIn is a great tool for researching prospective careers, building your network, and reaching out and connecting with people. This should be an entirely professional social media tool, so keep your personal life out of it. It really should function as an on-line resume and professional networking tool. It takes some time and effort to create a great LinkedIn account, but if you do it right, it will certainly help you in connecting with the right people and getting a job.
Here are some tips on how to set up an effective LinkedIn profile:
- Create an effective and informative professional headline. This helps people to understand, in just a few words, who you are and what your skills are
- Take time to write a clear, concise, and compelling summary statement. Tailor it to what your target audience will be interested in knowing about you. Be sure to include key words, industry-specific lingo and job-specific skills so that it is easily searchable
- Carefully proof read your entire profile. Then, have at least one or two other people look over your profile; ask them to give you feedback on whether it is clear and accurate
- Get a professional headshot done. You want to be dressed in business attire and looking sharp. This is about creating a positive and professional image – think about what message your photo sends about you and whether it fits with your career goals
- Add industry relevant skills to your profile. Once you have added these skills, start endorsing others for the skills that they possess. This will, in turn, result in others endorsing you
- Similar to endorsements, the process of getting recommendations is founded in reciprocity. If you want others to write a recommendation for you, first write a recommendation for them. Take time to write serious and thoughtful recommendations, as they are also a reflection of you. When you write a recommendation for someone else, they are then prompted to return the favour and write one for you. Endorsements and recommendations add to your credibility
- Customize your profile URL – go to your profile, click on Edit, click on Manage Public Profile Settings, on the right hand side of that page, click on Customize your public profile URL. This allows you to create a shorter URL that looks better and more professional on contact cards and resumes
- Join groups that relate to your career interests and industries. Being involved in groups can help you to connect with people that you might not otherwise interact with
