Unlike Twitter and Facebook, LinkedIn is a social media platform that completely focuses on networking for professionals. Did you know that LinkedIn has over 467 MILLION users? The potential to connecting, networking even finding a job is an overwhelming reality but only on one condition-you have to use it right! Time is a precious commodity and every minute wasted could be a potential in furthering your career.
Are you wondering if you are one of those people who are missing the target for using LinkedIn? You are in luck because today I am going to share my checklist for hitting the LinkedIn Target! Now, I am going to break this blog into two parts to avoid overwhelming you with information. This first part will focus solely on how people perceive you and your profile.
1. Is your headline correct?
The headline under your name lists your current job position. Have you changed careers or been promoted? Be creative when you write this. The worst thing to do in your headline is write a position that keeps people guessing. If you are an author, write what kind you are. Are you a romantic novelist? Children’s Author?
Focus Point: Be Specific and Creative
2. What does your profile picture say about you?
“A picture is worth a thousand words” and this phrase is completely true when it comes to your profile picture. Look at your profile picture. Write out the first 10 words that come to mind. If the words “Messy”, “Unprofessional”, “Mug shot” or “College Party” come up, then it is a good idea to change it. This is especially important if you are looking for a job or trying to expand your client base.
Focus Point: Your Picture should say, “I would like to work with that person.”
3. Is your summary boring?
This section of your profile needs to not only grab someone’s attention AND keep it. Write in short paragraphs describing the following:
1. Professional Experience
2. Current Position and how it fits you professionally.
3. Contact points: social networks, email, phone number (optional), etc
Focus Point: Summary – Open doors to get to know you better.
Tune in next week, to find out the last part of this blog. We go from focusing on YOU to how your profile looks.