5 Ways to get Noticed on LinkedIn
With the majority of today’s jobs being found through networking and the prevalent use of social media, it has never been more important to have a strong online presence. LinkedIn is a great site for individuals to showcase their professional achievements, connect with other professionals and gain insight into various industries. While setting up an account is a great first step, there are a number of ways to enhance your profile to make you stand out in the job market even more. Here are five ways to improve your profile and get noticed professionally.
1. Give Thought to Your Profile Picture
One of the first things people see when viewing your page is your picture. Make sure you are dressed cleanly and professionally. Avoid distracting backgrounds and shots with other people. Also, make sure you use a current photo. You want it to look like you. First impressions count for a lot so when it comes to your profile, choosing the right picture matters.
2. Update Your Experience
As I’m sure you know, resumes are a critical part of any job search, and there is no exception on LinkedIn. Make sure all of your relevant past experiences are listed. Highlight your significant contributions and accomplishments so that others can see what you’ve done. Don’t forget to include your latest internship or personal achievement. Keeping your profile up-to-date is incredibly important.
3. Utilize the Skills Section
The skills section allows you to advertise the best of your abilities to future employers. We all have many different skills, but if it is difficult for you to come up with these on your own, try asking someone else. A friend, coworker, employer, or professor might see a certain strength in you that you overlooked. Understanding your skills and being able to communicate them effectively will let people know what you have to offer.
4. Share Your Work
Failing to show examples of your work will prevent others from seeing all the wonderful things you’ve created. Whether it’s a piece of writing, a project you’ve worked on or a social media campaign you’ve implemented, these samples will attest to the originality and quality of your work. Choose pieces you’re passionate about and your value will shine through.
5. Stay Engaged
Being an active LinkedIn user shows others that you take your professional life seriously. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, and make connections. If you read a thought-provoking article, share it. If a friend earned a promotion or accepted a new job, congratulate them. All of these interactions will help you build a strong online presence.
Keeping these tips in mind, take a few minutes to look over your profile, make some updates and interact with other users. Putting in the extra effort is guaranteed to make you stand out.
Maggie Michals @maggiemichals
Maggie is a senior at Ohio University, and an account associate for the Business Development team for 1804 Communication. She is a student in the Scripps College of Communication studying communication along with journalism and marketing. Maggie has interned at Montefiore, a senior healthcare facility in Cleveland, where she gained experience in management, event planning and public relations. She can be reached by email mm548613@ohio.edu.