Tips to boost your LinkedIn profile
Having a strong online presence is vital if you’re looking to advance your career, and if you want to compete in a fast-changing market, you need to keep up with your peers. Being on a platform such as LinkedIn increases your chance of being noticed by recruiters.
Here are some practical tips for creating a compelling LinkedIn profile, showing your value and helping you get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
- Have the right profile picture
Ever heard of putting a face to a name? Someone is more likely to remember your name when they know what you look like, and one of the first things people notice is your profile picture.
Just like meeting someone in real life, a good picture will help shape their impression of you. The aim of your profile picture is to show that you are approachable and confident. It’s all about context, so make sure the picture is a professional-looking headshot with good lighting and that you are suitably dressed.
- Create an eye-catching headline
Together with your picture, your headline is the first thing recruiters see. Don’t just list your job title, use words that highlight your skills or achievements. Saying you’re an ‘award-winning content creator’ or ‘top-performing sales agent’ is more appealing than just saying writer or sales agent.
It also shows your accomplishments upfront, which could entice the reader to click on your profile to learn more.
- Let the ‘About me’ section speak volumes
The ‘About me’ section on your LinkedIn profile gives you the opportunity to tell your story and let the reader get to know you and your personality. Make the most of it by highlighting your professional experience, accomplishments and expertise but also what you want to achieve in the future.
To make it engaging and memorable, keep your summary concise and easy to read, using short paragraphs. Create a complete picture of you as a professional. This could help you connect with like-minded professionals and employers.
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TOP TIP Turn on ‘Open to Work’. It’s a blue button at the top of your profile that shows recruiters you’re actively looking for a job and lets you select job titles and preferred locations. |
- Use the right keywords
When recruiters search for people to fill a role, they use phrases and common words associated with the position in their search parameters. By using those terms, you can make yourself more visible when they’re searching for people in your field.
Choose common and specific words in terms of your skills, duties and abilities throughout your profile so you’ll be more likely to come up in the recruiter’s search.
- Start posting
LinkedIn is a social media platform, and by engaging with others, you can expand your network, build relationships and increase your visibility. Join related groups, participate in discussions, like, share and comment. Posting sets you apart as a thought leader and lets you pop up on people’s feeds.
Disclaimer: This article is solely intended for information. It does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice or recommendation. Please speak to a financial advisor or registered financial professional before making any financial decision(s).
Standard Bank, its subsidiaries or holding company, or any subsidiary of the holding company and all of its subsidiaries make no warranties or representations (implied or otherwise) as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of the information provided in this article or that it is free from errors or omissions.
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