LinkedIn is among the most popular websites for professionals of all ages and in every field to network and find new job opportunities. It operates very much like a social networking website but with a focus on business. While every member can upload a copy of their CV or resume, their personal profile also serves as a resume of sorts. Use your profile to its full potential by following these tips:

Fill out all the information on your profile

This may sound like common sense, but many members have incomplete profiles. Potential employers won’t give you a second glance if you can’t take the time to finish filling out your information. Start viewing every section of your profile as a unique opportunity to showcase yourself. Don’t skimp on your education, job history, or skills–this is your chance to set yourself apart.

Your profile picture matters

Your profile picture puts a face to the profile, so it must give an air of professionalism. It’s time to call your friend with that expensive camera because you will need more than your smartphone for this. If you don’t have a friend with a camera, then hire a local photographer and have some professional headshots taken. A neutral background is a good idea; white is usually the best choice. Relax and smile. Steer clear of group photos or full-body shots. Think business casual and leave the hats and sunglasses off for this one.

Reread and edit what you already have

If you have already started filling out your profile, regularly reevaluating and updating particular sections, such as your bio, is a good idea. Your biography must be written concisely. Try employing a bulleted or numbered list if you are afraid you have too much information. When looking at your profile, ask yourself: Does my bio clearly state what I do currently and what I can do for future employers? Does the information I supply explain why I am a better candidate than someone with a similar background and qualifications? If the answer is “no,” then you know what to do.

Don’t forget about recommendations, skills, and endorsements

The LinkedIn site lets members request recommendations from other LinkedIn members you work or have previously worked with. Anyone can speak highly of themselves on their profile, but commendation from others makes you appear more legitimate. Other users can “endorse” the skills you have listed on your profile, which is another way to obtain validation from your connections. This will increase your views and give you more credibility.

Keep search engine optimization at the forefront of your mind

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of increasing traffic to your website, or in this case, your LinkedIn profile. Keywords are king when it comes to SEO. Do your research and find out which exact words and phrases are the most relevant for your chosen industry. If you have a business blog, you can improve search visibility by using backlinks, which is where one website links to another. More ways to increase your visibility are to utilize hashtags and participate in groups.

CV Studio

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