So you need to update your LinkedIn profile, but it seems like a daunting task. We’ve got you covered with easy ways to update your profile in under 10 minutes each.
Whether you’re a recent college grad, making a career switch, or on the job hunt these tips are for you!
1. Update your profile picture
It might sound obvious, but your photo should give candidates a clear idea of what you’d look like if they met you tomorrow.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile photo is current (within the last couple years) and accurately depicts how you look on a daily basis. Where you take your picture and what you are wearing makes a huge difference.
Some helpful tips for taking a new LinkedIn profile picture include:
- Use a high-resolution image
- Make sure your face takes up at least 60% of the frame
- Get someone to take the picture for you or use a tripod
- Use soft, natural lighting
- If you are taking the picture with your phone, utilize Portrait Mode
- Avoid distracting backgrounds, ideally use a white background or trees or brick
Your profile picture is like a first-impression, you want to make sure it showcases who you are as a professional. It is the first thing recruiters will see before they click on your profile.
2. Highlight new skills, certificates, and accomplishments
Take some time to update the skills categories on your profile. It’s one of the quickest ways to showcase what you are good at and provides the opportunity for your network to endorse you. Make sure not to clutter your skills too much – you don’t want to lose credibility.
Certificates are the perfect way to spruce up your LinkedIn profile. You can earn highly credible certifications online for free. You can choose from lots of different certificates from Google, HubSpot, FEMA, even LinkedIn. The certification I got recently is the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from Google. They are an easy way to add something to your profile in little time.
3. Grow your network
Syncing your LinkedIn profile with your email address book is one of the simplest and most effective ways to expand your LinkedIn network. LinkedIn will automatically suggest connections upon doing this. Don’t worry – they won’t send an automatic request, you can still choose who you connect with.
Join your university’s alumni network to remain up to date on what’s going on with your classmates. You never know when a job opportunity will arise, and you can leverage your educational connections to gain access.
4. Share content related to your field and interests
It’s one thing to have a LinkedIn network of connections; it’s another to play an active part in that network, showing up in your friends’ LinkedIn feeds in a way that benefits them. One of the most accessible ways to achieve this is to share relevant content with your network. Keep an eye on your LinkedIn feed and share stuff that you find really fascinating – and that coincides with your point of view.
Commenting on relevant posts takes it a step further. Use this opportunity to express your well-thought out opinion on topics. This showcases your writing skills, viewpoints, and interest in the subject matter.
5. Utilize endorsements and recommendations
Endorsements from others increase your credibility and prove your abilities. To get your LinkedIn profile endorsed begin, browse through your network and choose connections who you believe actually merit your recommendation. This is the catalyst for others to return the favor. Don’t be scared to send a courteous message asking for a recommendation for a few important skills. Make sure to contact people whose approval you highly value.
Recommendations go a step farther than endorsements. They are written as personal testimonials to demonstrate the value of working with you. In the Recommendations area of your profile, there’s a drop-down option that makes it simple to contact specific connections and request recommendations. Consider who you would value a referral from, then tailor your request accordingly. It’s worthwhile to put forth the extra effort.
If you’re on a job hunt, looking to grow your network, or a recent college grad, use these easy ways to update your LinkedIn profile.
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