Whether you’re a freelancer looking for new gigs, or a professional looking to network and advance your career, your LinkedIn profile is an essential piece of real estate. A well-crafted profile can help you stand out from the crowd, showcase your skills, and attract the right kind of attention from potential employers, clients, and collaborators.
But how do you make a profile that not only ticks all the boxes, but also showcases your personality and sets you apart from the rest? Here are some tips to help you elevate your LinkedIn profile and show off your unique skills and personality:
Start with the foundation: Start with these two steps to ensure you’re building a profile that aligns with your long-term career goals and authentic self. The worst thing you can do is build a giant billboard that points yourself in the wrong direction!
Get Clear on Your Goals
Before you rush into editing mode, PAUSE, and evaluate: What is my real goal here? Am I trying to pivot my career into a new field? Find a new job opportunity in the same industry? Establish myself as an expert to help me get promoted within my current role? Nail your dream job at a specific company? Your goal will influence your strategy for your LinkedIn revamp, so take some time to get very clear on your specific goal before you start editing anything.
(If you’re not clear on what your next step is for your career, this might be a good time to check out my career fulfilment coaching services. You don’t have to do this alone!)
Get Clear on Your Personal Brand
Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a resume; it’s a unique, constantly evolving platform to showcase your authentic self, skills, and abilities. Take some time to reflex on your personal brand– what sets you apart from the crowd and makes you unique. It’s a combination of your values, skills, and experiences that make you who you are. This is the narrative that you’ll weave into every aspect of your profile. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and let your voice shine through. People want to connect with real, authentic individuals, not just robots.
Great! You just did the hard part. Here’s what to focus on next:
Write a compelling headline:
Your headline should convey your value proposition, what you have to offer, and your unique perspective. It should also give potential employers, clients, and collaborators a sense of your personality. Make sure it’s brief, but memorable.
Tell a story with your summary:
Your summary is your chance to really showcase your personality and share your professional story. This is the place to share your background, your experience, and your aspirations. Be sure to also include a call-to-action, whether it’s a link to your website or an invitation to connect.
Get creative with your background image:
Your background image is another chance to show off your personality and set yourself apart. Consider using a photo of yourself in action, or a design that reflects your brand.
Tip: Another option is to use a graphic design tool (like Canva) to craft a banner that includes text reiterating your “why”.
Make the most of your experience section:
Your experience section is where you get to showcase your work history, skills, and accomplishments. But don’t just list your jobs and responsibilities. Instead, focus on your achievements and highlight how you made an impact in your previous roles. When describing your experience, use keywords relevant to your industry and career goals. This helps ensure that your profile is easily searchable by recruiters and potential clients.
Tip: Totally lost on what keywords are relevant to your dream job? Open up a few job descriptions from current job postings that fit your dream role. Look for keywords that are shared across all of them and be sure to sprinkle these throughout your profile (and resume!).
Get Creative with Your Skills:
Your skills section is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and let others know what you’re good at. Don’t just list generic skills like “Microsoft Office.” Instead, showcase specific skills, like “Expert in Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis.” You can also ask for endorsements from colleagues, clients, or former managers to vouch for your skills.
Tip- If you’re aiming for a specific job, be sure to include the skills that the job description calls out. You can also look for individuals with that job title who have a great LinkedIn profile for inspiration.
Keep your profile updated:
Your LinkedIn profile should be a living document that reflects your current professional status and goals. Make sure to keep it updated with new information, skills, and accomplishments as you grow and change.
Tip- Don’t forget to pin your key accomplishments in your featured section! This keeps them front and center.
Engage with your network:
Finally, one of the best ways to make the most of your LinkedIn profile is to engage with your network. Respond to messages, post updates, and comment on others’ posts. The more you engage, the more you’ll build your network and establish your presence on the platform.
Make sure you’re specifically connecting with people who can help advance your career. This includes former colleagues, clients, industry peers, and recruiters. When you make a connection, take the time to personalize your request and let them know why you’d like to connect.
Tip- Make a habit of purposely connecting with people in the industries and companies that you’re interested in. Went to a conference? Follow the speakers (and connect with any that you personally interacted with). Have amazing connections with your clients? Connect with them after a big win.
Remember, your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool for advancing your career and building your professional brand. By following these tips, you can make the most of your profile and stand out from the crowd.
But, don’t stop there! Invest in yourself and your career by working with a coach who can help you clarify your personal brand, identify your strengths, and create a strategy for success. I, Lydia, am here to help you achieve your career and life fulfillment goals. Let’s work together to get you the clarity you need on your career goals and make your LinkedIn presence a powerful tool to get you there. If you’re interested in learning more, book a discovery call now.
