7 steps to improving your LinkedIn profile

If you’re in the market for a new job, or generally looking to improve your personal brand, don’t forget to use these simple but effective hacks to boost your online presence on LinkedIn.

1. GET A PROFILE

This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who apply for our roles who still don’t have LinkedIn. Step one is to get a profile. Once you’re set up, here are some pointers to ensure your profile will get you noticed.

2. GROW YOUR PRESENCE

Build on your network. For everyone you meet through work, study, hobbies and interests, invite them to join your LinkedIn network. This will help you to keep in touch and allow you to easily reach out to them in future.

Remember the old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? This still rings true, today it’s also about who refers you and how they can verify your authenticity online.

3. LOOK THE PART

Make sure you have a profile picture. According to LinkedIn, profiles with headshots are 14 times more likely to be viewed than those without a profile picture.

It should also be a professional photo that is clear and only include you.

We at Pulse Recruitment often use LinkedIn to see what our candidates look like before calling or meeting them, it helps put a face to the name.

4. DON’T JUST BE A NUMBER

Customise your URL – having a nice and clean URL looks more professional. It also makes it easier to send people to your profile.

5. FLAUNT IT

An easy way to beef up your profile is to get some solid recommendations and endorsements from your colleagues or clients. This is an easy win to gain some credibility from your experience.

6. BOOST YOUR SEO

Your summary is a great place to add keywords to increase your SEO so that recruiters and HR managers can find your profile. The more keywords, the better.

7. GET PERSONAL

Australians tend to be quite reserved when it comes to showcasing their achievements or story on LinkedIn.

If you have completed a major project or been recognised with an award,  don’t forget to highlight this via your profile.

Be proud of your achievements and showcase your true value.

For those who have had a career break, explain the learnings you have accumulated during that time in a way that demonstrates your transferable skills.

If you are not in paid work right now, you still need to list a ‘current’ role so that you can appear in search results. This may include that you are on sabbatical, completing career research, attending courses or volunteering.

Hopefully these tips will help you maximise your potential on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; allow your profile to highlight your career achievements in a professional and well formatted manner that will inspire recruiters to add you to the top of their list.

Don’t miss out on more top tips and the latest industry updates via our LinkedIn page!