When you’re not looking for a job, it can be all too easy to ignore your LinkedIn profile. But, trust us, the career-oriented networking platform has more perks than meets the eye.
According to Jennifer Lander, business and personal coach and author of Work In Purpose, LinkedIn is the best platform to promote yourself professionally, demonstrate yours skills and build credibility as a professional.
LinkedIn allows you to build connections, whether it be for a job or business opportunity, with people in your industry of interest who you may not normally connect with offline, says Lander.
And if you are seeking a new career path, LinkedIn could help you land your dream job.
A large number of jobs go unadvertised. LinkedIn is a way to attract opportunities to you, rather than only apply for jobs or cold calling for business development.
The majority of HR managers and recruiters look at LinkedIn profiles when searching and recruiting for roles as do other people who you have connected with professional for business opportunities – if you haven’t put your best foot forward on LinkedIn you are disadvantaging yourself, explains Lander.
So—whichever position you may be in—if your profile is in need of an overhaul, you’re in luck. Ahead, Lander reveals her ultimate do’s (and don’ts!) to help make your profile seriously shine.
Keep scrolling to find out how to leverage your LinkedIn profile to your advantage!
What are your top tips for making a LinkedIn profile effective and successful?
- Use a professional looking photo (no selfies at Friday night drinks!), with clothes and grooming appropriate for your industry.
- Ensure your profile is complete and include your skills, capabilities as well as outcomes and achievements you have delivered.
- Connect and interact with others in your industry or areas of interest (like and comment on others posts and follow pages of experts in your industry).
- Share content – ideally write your own content, either post on LinkedIn or linked to content you have posted on other channels e.g. website, social media, blog. This puts you ahead of others because you are ‘adding-value’ and building your credibility as an expert.
What are some common mistakes people make on LinkedIn?
- Unprofessional profile pic.
- Incomplete profile.
- Spelling mistakes (make sure you proofread your profile!)
- Being passive on LinkedIn – connect, share content, like others content.
- Reaching out to others with an annoying “Hi, can you help me” type messages. Do your research and add value to the person you want to connect with. For example, send them an article in their area of interest, detail how you can help them in their business / organisation. Make it about how you can help them, not what you can get for yourself – this will separate you from the norm.
