Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by George Palmer
A solid and professional LinkedIn profile is essential as we move into a new era of digital networking and job searching.
You can connect with future employers and clients on LinkedIn in addition to using it to display your professional achievements.
Let’s delve into the best practices for writing a polished and professional LinkedIn profile in this blog post.
8 Steps to Build a Professional Linkedin Profile
Step 1: Start with a Strong Headline
When someone visits your LinkedIn profile, the headline is the first thing they see.
By creating a compelling title that concisely describes your area of expertise, you can make an excellent first impression.
Along with your present work title, your headline should highlight any special abilities or credentials that set you apart from other experts in your industry.
Rather than just saying “Marketing Manager,” you should write “Marketing Manager with 10 years of experience in social media strategy and analytics.”
This will not only attract prospective employers but will also raise your ranking on Linkedin search for jobs in your industry.
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Summary
After your headline, the next important section of your LinkedIn profile is the summary.
The summary section is your chance to show your personality and give a brief overview of your professional journey.
Keep in mind that your summary should be written in the first person and should not be too long.
Ensure to highlight your key accomplishments and skills while also including keywords related to your industry.
Remember to keep your summary informal and engaging, as this is your opportunity to make a connection with potential employers and clients.
Step 3: Show off Your Professional Experience
The experience section of your LinkedIn profile is where you can showcase your professional accomplishments and skills.
List all of your previous work experiences, including any volunteer work or internships.
When writing about your previous experiences, use bullet points to highlight your key achievements and responsibilities.
Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to highlight your accomplishments.
For example, instead of saying “managed a team,” you should say “successfully led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 20% increase in sales.”
Step 4: Showcase Your Education and Certifications
Include all of your academic accomplishments and any relevant certifications you have obtained in the education part of your LinkedIn profile.
This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also raise your search engine ranking for terms linked to your area of expertise.
The name of your school or certification program, the title of your degree or certification, and the year you graduated or earned your certification should all be included.
Step 5: Get Recommendations
Having recommendations from former coworkers or bosses can help increase your reputation and highlight your career achievements.
Be sure to request referrals from previous coworkers who can attest to your qualifications and experience.
When requesting recommendations, be sure to be specific and state why you believe the person would be a good fit to write one for you.
You’ll have a better chance of getting a solid recommendation if you do this.
Step 6: Add Relevant Skills and Endorsements
Your LinkedIn profile’s skills section is a great place to display your professional experience and highlight your strongest claim.
Add only the skills that are relevant to your industry and your employment objectives.
Additionally, you can request recommendations from people you know and respect who can attest to your abilities.
Step 7: Customize Your LinkedIn URL
Customizing your LinkedIn URL is a simple but effective way to make your profile stand out and increase your visibility on Linkedin.
Instead of using the default URL provided by LinkedIn, create a customized URL that includes your name or professional brand.
For example, instead of using “linkedin.com/in/123456789,” you should use “linkedin.com/in/yourname.”
A customized URL will make your profile easier to find and also increase your chances of ranking higher on searches related to your name or brand.
In conclusion, writing a professional LinkedIn profile will help you stand out from others in your industry.
By following these steps, you will create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your professional expertise, boosts your credibility, and connects you with potential employers and clients.