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If you’re like me, every time you log in to your LinkedIn profile you’re faced with that dreaded completion percentage (mine is 85%). Since I’m not actively looking for a new job, I never feel the need to complete it. But if you are, you want to slide that bar all the way up to 100%.
A complete profile will include your current or latest position, at least two past positions beyond that, your degrees and certificates, a profile summary and current photo, specialties, and at least three recommendations from others.
Then, personalize your LinkedIn URL (e.g., www.linkedin.com/in/yourname) to make it easier for employers you’ve interviewed with find you and do their research. Many employers love to check up on you after an interview, and LinkedIn is a primary tool they use for that purpose. So make it easy for them.
And make it even easier by adding links that point to your other professional ventures. Whether you’re linking to a blog, your Twitter page, or your professional Web site, it’s important to show visitors that you’re more of a dynamic prospect than what is seen on your LinkedIn page.
When you showcase yourself as a professional in your field, first impressions mean everything. So if you have typos in your profile or get a company name wrong, you’re asking for someone to correct you—pretty embarrassing, right? To prevent this from happening, be sure to proofread, proofread, and proofread again until you’re sure there are no errors. The good news is you can change the profile anytime you like, so feel free to proofread often!
LinkedIn is such an amazing tool that you want to try your best to use everything it has to offer. If you don’t, you’re cheating yourself out of the great opportunities a well-crafted profile could provide.
Related articles
- 6 ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile (holykaw.alltop.com)
- Use Your LinkedIn Profile as Your Resume with New “Apply with LinkedIn” Button (blogworld.com)
