As marketers, we spend a majority of our time managing and implementing strategy and campaigns for other companies, but we rarely spend time marketing ourselves. I often find myself pushing my own marketing to the bottom of my to do list but, one thing I do ensure, is that I keep my LinkedIn profile up to date and relevant. Why? Because this is THE platform that drives my business.
It’s so important that you brand yourself, especially when searching for a new role. Here are seven tips to help your profile standout from the competition.
Your profile picture.
This is your introduction to your connections, leads and possibly, your new employer. LinkedIn is a professional site so it’s really important to use a professional, high-res photo. NO SELFIES. It’s actually surprising how many people still use selfies or photos of them enjoying night out!
It’s also a really good idea to add a cover (the image behind your profile picture). You could use this area to showcase your design skills, your brand, your services, or even your contact details.
Your Headline.
A lot of people make the mistake of using this area for their job title alone, but this is your chance to really sell yourself within Linkedin search. Use this field to explain what it is you can help with, your expertise and why you do what you do.
Try not to use a job title that resonates with an external audience. Some job titles might be used only in your business and the market may not understand them. Also recruiters and talent algorithms will be searching for specific job titles so try and ensure that it encompasses something you want to be found for.
Think about the problem they need solving and then think about what it is you can do to help.
Add skills
This is really quick and easy to complete. It also helps to substantiate the description in your headline and summary and provides the ability for your connections to endorse you.
Spotlight your offering
Think of this section as your professional bio where you support your headline and expand on your experience.
Use the ‘About’ section within your profile to really sell your skills and services. Share industry awards or results of campaigns (where you can) and what you can bring to a business to help them solve.
Take a skills assessment
A skills assessment is an online LinkedIn test that enables you to demonstrate the level of your skills and display a Verified Skills badge on your profile. Data shows that candidates with verified skills are around 30%more likely to get hired for the roles they apply for. Displaying the results of your skills assessments is entirely voluntary plus, you can retake the tests as often as you like before showing that you’ve passed.
SEO
LinkedIn is a powerful search engine tool that has the power to drive targeted, high-volume traffic to your profile. For that reason, it’s important to apply your industry, role and service keywords within your profile. I recommend doing a little research on this section and making sure you’re using the most relevant terms.
Build your reputation with recommendations
A recommendation is a personal testimonial written to illustrate the experience of working with you. Think about who you would most value a recommendation from and take the initiative to ask key contacts to recommend you on LinkedIn.
I hope you’ve found these tips useful. As always if you need any help with your interview process, or CV writing, you can access our free resources or feel free to reach out.
You may also find our career resource section useful.