How to Create a Winning LinkedIn Profile

Employers scan LinkedIn daily looking for strong candidates to fill their coveted roles. That is why having a solid LinkedIn profile is of the utmost importance. As a job seeker in a competitive market, it is crucial that your profile be current, optimized, and well-written.

Having a well-written LinkedIn profile will give you credibility and establish you as a trustworthy potential employee. You can almost guarantee that every time a recruiter contacts you, they have looked at your profile. This acts as validation that you are indeed a “real person.” It also allows an employer to put a face with a name and ensures that your CV or resume is not “too good to be true.”

“Among the social networks, LinkedIn can be one of the most useful when it comes to cultivating critical, lucrative business opportunities, since it has a high concentration of business decision makers.” – Lewis Howes, American Author

Ready to get started? This next section will provide you with the writing tips you need to craft a winning LinkedIn profile page.

Writing tips

There are many ways in which you can make your LinkedIn profile stand out. It all comes down to formatting and the quality of your writing. Be sure to pay attention to detail when creating each of the following sections of your profile:

 

  • Headline: This is the first thing that recruiters will see, so it is important to make it clear as to what type of job you are seeking. Pro Tip: Focus on what you do. State the work title that you qualify for, are currently doing, or the title you desire. Be specific and highlight the field you are interested in. You may also want to include any specialties or certifications that you possess.
  • Job title: Your job title is also heavily weighted in LinkedIn’s search algorithm. It is important to state the most accurate name for what you do so it is clear to the reader, so be sure to be as specific as possible.
  • Profile picture: This is a must-have. If you do not have a profile picture, employers are going to naturally assume that you’re not invested in your career and/or that your profile is “fake.” Your picture does not need to be professional, but it should be clear with good lighting, and show your SMILE!
  • Keywords: When you incorporate the right keywords in your profile, it makes it easier for recruiters to find you. So, be sure to incorporate your key strengths and accomplishments. According to Convert with Content: “While many people search for individuals and companies, they are also searching keywords. These LinkedIn search results are sorted by “relevance.” Relevance is LinkedIn’s very own algorithm.”
  • Work experience: Try to focus more on the work you do versus the company you work for. Pro Tip: Add measurable results and accomplishments to your bullet points and avoid long and generic job descriptions. Keep it clear and concise!

 

Remember that this is your chance to really shine. When it comes to creating your LinkedIn profile, it’s all about showing employers who YOU truly are.

A recipe for success

Think of your LinkedIn profile as a place where you can tell your story and build your personal brand. Who are you and what do you want to be known for? What sets you apart from others in your industry? What makes you unique? Write your story in the summary section of your profile and keep it simple, genuine, and authentic.

Another tip for success is knowing your audience. When crafting your profile, think about who will likely be reading it. Be sure to include any technical skills or experience that may be important in your industry.

Finally, including recommendations on your profile can go a long way on LinkedIn. Although they are just “mini references,” they can be highly effective. Try reaching out to a few former managers and colleagues and asking for a short review. Having five or more recommendations on your profile is ideal.

In conclusion, make as many connections as possible, and let recruiters know that you are available for work by adding the #OpenToWork hashtag to your profile. Put your best foot forward, because writing a winning LinkedIn profile can be worth its weight in gold!

“Your LinkedIn is your opportunity to give the broader narrative around your strengths and work style. You have more room [than your resume] to showcase a wide range of experiences and skills which means a greater chance that there will be something in your profile that a viewer will connect with. That connection is key in a job search.” – Heather Yurovsky, Muse Career Coach

 

About the Author


 

Kim Kim Wacker - Authoris a seasoned content marketing professional with over twelve years of corporate communications experience. Her sweetspot is with creative writing both short and long-form, and she has a proven track record working with IBM, Jackson Healthcare, and Walt Disney World, among many others. Kim is also a singer and actress and has been performing on stage and screen her entire life and has a great passion for TV and film production. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn.