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by guest writer Abhyank Srinet, founder, MiM-Essay.com
Did you know more than 1,75,000 new LinkedIn profiles are created every day?
With the kind of growth LinkedIn has witnessed in the recent years, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for a new job or want to develop new connections. But if you don’t have an optimized profile, your profile won’t show up for the right recruiters and you may lose out on a lot of opportunities.
So what makes your LinkedIn profile stand out? Check out these 8 LinkedIn profile hacks to find out.
1. Use a Professional Photo
LinkedIn profiles that have a picture are 11 times more likely to be viewed. If you haven’t yet added a photo to your LinkedIn Profile, it’s time to add one.
Make sure that the photo you have uploaded makes you look professional. Don’t include any photos that you would normally add to your Facebook account. No selfies, no pets or kids, and no scenery, unless it relates to and enhances your personal brand.
2. Customize Your LinkedIn Profile URL
A custom URL is more professional and makes it easier for people to remember your profile (which is an important aspect in the process of networking).
Edit your public profile URL so that it contains your name or a combination of your name and profession or location.
3. Write an Amazing Summary
The Summary section of your LinkedIn profile is a great way to highlight your experience.
The Summary section is the first section that people see in your profile, so it’s your chance to create a splendid first impression.
While writing your summary, make sure it highlights your recent accomplishments, that it’s easy to read and uses professional jargon wisely. (Just enough to attract professionals from your industry, but clear enough that outsiders can understand what you do.)
4. Add New Sections to Your Profile
LinkedIn gives you the option to add sections such as volunteering, honors and awards, causes you care about, patents, and languages to your profile. Try to fill in as much information as you can to add depth to your profile. These additions may also make it easier for connections to find you based on shared interests or experiences.
5. Find Profiles Similar to Yours and “Borrow” the Best Accomplishment Points
It’s important that your LinkedIn profile is complete and detailed. A lot of people struggle when deciding what accomplishments to add to their LinkedIn profile to catch the attention of recruiters.
Search for profiles similar to yours and look for accomplishments that are similar to the work you’ve done. Use them as inspiration; edit and add variations of them to your LinkedIn profile
6. Ask for Recommendations
Recommendations give connections a better idea of what you’re like to work with and also where your true skills and passions are. They also make it easier for opportunities to find you.
Ask for people who know you well to write recommendations for you. Having even 3 recommendations gives your profile a boost.
7. Re-Order Your Endorsements
The Skills & Endorsements section is an important component of your profile. Endorsements are another way recruiters can find out what some of your strongest soft skills might be.
Since people are going to endorse for all sorts of skills, you may need to re-order your endorsements to showcase the skills that play a critical role in your next job. To reorder your endorsements, go to your profile and click the pen icon. You can delete skills and change the order of existing skills there.
8. Avoid Using These Buzzwords
“Responsible, strategic, creative, effective, patient, expert, organizational, driven, innovative, analytical” are just some of the most commonly used words which add nothing distinctive to your profile. Refrain from including them in your LinkedIn profile – dig into a thesaurus for less common terms.
Looking for more tips? Check out Top 33 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers In 2017.
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