LinkedIn has quickly become the go-to place for networking and looking for jobs. Professionals use the social media platform to regularly showcase career milestones and achievements as well as connect with colleagues and prospective clients. A stellar profile is a must for LinkedIn users looking to grow their network and get hired. While the social media giant has the ability to get your name in front of hundreds of employers, there are key ways in which you can ensure that you stand out on Linkedin and differentiate yourself from the noise.
Use a professional headshot
Let’s start with the basics: a high-quality headshot. Not only is it more professional, but it’s your first impression to anyone scrolling their feed and landing on your profile. Take some time to make it a quality photo that showcases you in the best light – literally. It can be helpful to research others in your field and take a look at their profile pictures. What are they wearing? Which photos stand out to you most? Take what you like from other photos and then add your own personality to yours.
Add a custom LinkedIn banner
Your headshot may be the first photo people see but the second photo employers and connections will see is your banner photo. It can help to grab people’s attention and make your LinkedIn profile appear more polished. You can add a more creative shot of yourself along with your contact details, website URL, and more.
Write a well-rounded summary
This is the first opportunity other LinkedIn users will have to read about you and get to know you. It’s the first chance you’ll have to describe yourself and what you do. Spend some time writing and rewriting your summary until it’s exactly what you want. Try using keywords that often pop up in your industry. Your summary is a written picture of who you are as a professional. Plus, it will help others find you online.
Make your headline interesting
When writing your headline, think about your target audience, and try to be specific about how you help your company and customers. Imagine being on the receiving end of your headline. Is it clear? Does it paint a picture of who you are and what you have to offer?
List relevant skills
This is one of the easiest things to do on LinkedIn. Find your skills and add them to your profile. You can identify ones that are relevant to your career. This helps employers see that you possess the exact skills they are looking for when filling a job opening.
Make connections
Just like in the real world, the more networking and connections you have, the more likely you are to get an opportunity. When employers look at your profile, you may not look very appealing as a prospect if you have 2 connections. Try connecting with individuals that you have worked with or know in real life. It’s just like any other social media; if you’re trying to connect with someone that you’ve only met once or twice – or not at all – add a note to your LinkedIn invitation to introduce yourself or help them remember how they know you.
Post relevant and valuable content
This is very important when it comes to getting noticed. Keep in mind, LinkedIn is a social media platform after all. Don’t be afraid to be social! Share your latest achievements, snap some pictures at a work event and tag your colleagues. You can even practice writing short or long-form content and then publishing it on LinkedIn. Your connections will interact, and LinkedIn will show their connections to your post. It will help you to get noticed and create more connections. You will also look like an expert in your field if the material is relevant and accurate when you publish it.
Engage with others
If your connections interact with your posts, be sure to return the favor! You can also add comments to high-profile accounts that naturally receive a lot of traction. In most cases, by engaging with larger accounts, you’ll expand your reach beyond your own connections and start to grow your presence much faster on LinkedIn.
Continue your learning
Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning where you can take courses and sharpen your skills. These hand-picked courses can be perfectly aligned with your career goals or simply something that plays into your hobbies. Depending on the course, LinkedIn provides you with a course certificate that can be added to your profile.
Customize your URL
This is one of the easiest ways to make yourself stand out on LinkedIn. When applying for a job, some employers ask for your LinkedIn profile URL. With a custom URL, you can send them a simple URL that’s easy to read and, more importantly, easy to remember.
Conclusion: Stay committed to standing out on LinkedIn
Getting your LinkedIn profile to a point where you stand out can take some time and requires both patience and creativity. By making these few upgrades and edits, you’re sure to impress your future employer and land that perfect job!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are LinkedIn’s best practices for engaging with connections?
Engage consistently by commenting thoughtfully on posts, sharing relevant content, and sending personalized messages to maintain strong connections.
How often should I update my LinkedIn profile?
Update quarterly or after significant career changes to reflect new skills, roles, and accomplishments, keeping your profile fresh and relevant.
Does LinkedIn Premium help with visibility?
LinkedIn Premium offers tools like InMail and profile insights, which can boost visibility, but active engagement remains essential.
What kind of content performs best on LinkedIn?
Posts that offer insights, industry news, and value-driven tips often perform best. Use visuals and keep content professional yet personable.
How can I leverage LinkedIn groups to stand out?
Participate in relevant groups by joining discussions and offering expertise. It’s a great way to network and demonstrate industry knowledge.