I am a huge fan of LinkedIn! I use it daily. It has a smorgasbord of resources, knowledge, networks and connections, if only you use it properly. In order to use this tool properly, you first have to set it up correctly. Here are some pointers on how to do that.
Why is my Profile Important?
According to Forbes.com, having a good LinkedIn profile is the first thing a potential job seeker should worry about. There are several reasons for this:
1. Potential employers use their professional networks to seek out people who know someone they know (so they are more likely to be good employees, or at least come with references that can be trusted).
2. Potential employers can ‘check you out’ in a social media setting.
3. Potential employers can discern how well you market yourself without ever having to meet you
4. It's free, and easy. So, you literally can get an interview just by having a good/the right profile.
If we are thinking of your career in marketing terms, you should think of your resume as your brochure, and your LinkedIn profile as your website. It is a quick and easy way for a potential employer to know who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been and where you want to go. They can learn all about your product (you) easily and anonymously, then decide for themselves whether or not they want to see your pitch face-to-face (interview).
How to Build the Perfect LinkedIn Profile:
Building a good profile is easier than it seems. Most of the items you need are already in your resume, so it is typically a matter of cut, paste, and format.
A complete profile needs your resume, skills, qualifications, etc. LinkedIn has a lovely tool that will help you build it, so it's very user friendly. Once you have a complete profile, proofread it. The worst thing in the world for any employer to see is typos on a resume or on your LinkedIn profile. After you proof it, go away for a while – have a sandwich, do a little dance, switch the laundry – then come back and proof it again. If you aren’t good with that sort of thing, ask a friend or colleague to proof it for you.
Next, you will need to upload a photo of yourself. This is a VERY important part of LinkedIn. Years ago, job seekers tried to give themselves an edge by hand walking their resume in to the office of a potential employer. Now that most applications are routed online, few companies allow walk-in applicants. Your LinkedIn profile is the high-tech version of this tried and true practice.
Next, you will need to upload a photo of yourself. This is a VERY important part of LinkedIn. Years ago, job seekers tried to give themselves an edge by hand walking their resume in to the office of a potential employer. Now that most applications are routed online, few companies allow walk-in applicants. Your LinkedIn profile is the high-tech version of this tried and true practice.
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The photo should be a headshot with appropriate background and attire (e.g. doesn't portray you in a tank top, in a bar with a drink in your hand; in a bikini on a beach, etc). Remember, your LinkedIn profile is your 'first impression' for potential employers, so just as you would not drop off a resume in an office without first dressing the part, you should not direct any potential employers to your profile until it conveys the desired level of professionalism.
Finally, your summary should be a snapshot of where you have been professionally, what you can bring to the table, and where you are looking to bring it (i.e., industry, niche, etc). If you are seeking out new employment, your summary can say you are looking for work, but it has to be said without really saying it. For example, mine says:
"Detail-oriented Administrative Professional with expertise in program administration, project management and coordination, information management, team building, business communication and budget development and tracking. Strong organizational and planning skills. Demonstrated success communicating across all department levels, discretely handling confidential information, and managing multiple projects. Effectively works independently and with a team to complete projects and exceed deadlines."
Now, I am not looking for work right now, but if I were I would put in there something like 'seeking to further my career in XYZ field' or 'looking to utilize my XYZ skills to begin a career in XYZ’. You can also say something like ‘Currently available for full-time (or part-time) opportunities’. This tells people you are unemployed without giving it a negative spin.
Finally, your summary should be a snapshot of where you have been professionally, what you can bring to the table, and where you are looking to bring it (i.e., industry, niche, etc). If you are seeking out new employment, your summary can say you are looking for work, but it has to be said without really saying it. For example, mine says:
"Detail-oriented Administrative Professional with expertise in program administration, project management and coordination, information management, team building, business communication and budget development and tracking. Strong organizational and planning skills. Demonstrated success communicating across all department levels, discretely handling confidential information, and managing multiple projects. Effectively works independently and with a team to complete projects and exceed deadlines."
Now, I am not looking for work right now, but if I were I would put in there something like 'seeking to further my career in XYZ field' or 'looking to utilize my XYZ skills to begin a career in XYZ’. You can also say something like ‘Currently available for full-time (or part-time) opportunities’. This tells people you are unemployed without giving it a negative spin.
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