Get the best out of your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is the best site for professional networking online. In fact, by 2020 the the site had over 660 million users in over 200 countries.

Users can stay connected with colleagues, clients and business associates with LinkedIn. The site also functions as a platform for job searching. On the other hand, it is also an ideal avenue through which companies can share information with potential employees.

If you use it right, LinkedIn can be a great asset to your career. You can easily create a basic account for free. LinkedIn Premium which offers specific additional features can cost money, but the service is more than worth it.

• Premium Career – ideal for job seekers to connect with hiring managers
• Premium Business – a great way to expand your network and get in touch with industry leaders, peers, and potential partners

Use LinkedIn to your advantage

There are some things you can do to make your LinkedIn account stand out. Create a good impression and it can lead to your personal and professional success.

Signing up

It is easy to join millions of other users on LinkedIn. Simply visit the homepage, and click the Join Now button to set up your account. The process is fairly simple and takes at most five minutes to complete.

Go with the right profile picture

Keep in mind that LinkedIn is far more professional than other social media platforms. Your profile picture needs to match the professionalism of the rest of your account. This is not the space for your latest selfie.

The right profile will create a good first impression when other view your account. Select a recent picture of you in a more formal attire – something that you where to work. Be sure that you have a pleasant and friendly expression. It is also best if the photo is a close range shot where your face is the focus of the picture.

Have a profile summary appropriate for LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful way to market yourself to potential recruiters. The profile summary, in particular, is a great space to tell your story concisely. Don’t go into convoluted sentences, though. Readers prefer summaries that use short and precise sentences. You should also decide what you want to convey. Avoid giving a complete history of your professional life. Instead, a better option would be including only the most important facts.

Be sure that the summary is free of grammar mistakes and typos. This space is basically a glimpse into who you are. So it is better to put your best foot forward with zero mistakes.

The proof is in the demonstration

The company advises users to avoid buzzwords. Sure, words like ‘leadership’, ‘creative’ and ‘focused’ might describe you well. But these are also words that others would also use. In fact, these buzzwords get used so much that any exclusivity they may have one held have long sine ceased.

Instead, used your account to show that you are all these things and more. The way you use your profile can be a subtle and far more classier way to show that you stand out from the crowd.

Include your LinkedIn URL in your resume

Recruiters often seek out the social media accounts of prospective employees. Thus, include your LinkedIn URL in your resume. That way, you give recruiters an opportunity to learn more about you and your qualifications.

The site automatically assigns you a URL. However, you can also create custom URL.

Start networking through LinkedIn

It is not enough to simply create an account. LinkedIn can be more useful than simply being another addition in your resume. You can use the site to network among your peers and business associates. Connect with colleagues you have met on a professional or educational basis. You can send contact invitations to others who have common interests as well.

Keep your account up to date

Don’t just sign up for LinkedIn and forget all about it. Like your resume, your account too should be updated regularly. Be sure to add your most recent achievements, skills and experiences.

If you become unemployed, it might be tempting to hide the fact away. However, don’t be afraid to be upfront about your employment status. Simply present yourself in a positive light.