Sherri's Blogs

I always want to extra value to my network, so let’s talk LinkedIn…

In today’s digital world, your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression potential employers, clients, and collaborators have of you. It’s not just an online resume; it’s a dynamic platform where you can showcase your career journey, professional skills, and personality. But are you using it to its full potential?

Too many professionals neglect key elements of their LinkedIn profiles. A blank or incomplete profile can inadvertently convey a lack of attention to detail or professionalism. Conversely, a well-curated profile can significantly enhance your chances of standing out in a crowded job market and building valuable connections.

1. Work Experience: A Story of Your Career Growth

Your work history is one of the most crucial sections of your profile. Detailing your current and past roles not only highlights your expertise but also shows your career progression. It’s not enough to simply list job titles and companies; you should focus on articulating the impact you’ve made in each role. Highlight key accomplishments, results, and any skills you gained in each role.

Remember, specificity is key. Adding metrics or examples of your work helps others understand the value you can bring to the table. Did you manage a team? Increase revenue? Optimize processes? These are the kinds of details that tell your professional story effectively.

2. A Professional Headshot: Your Digital First Impression

One of the simplest yet most impactful steps you can take to enhance your LinkedIn profile is adding a professional headshot. A high-quality, friendly, and approachable photo can help you make a memorable first impression. Research shows that profiles with photos receive far more engagement than those without.

A professional headshot doesn’t have to be overly formal, but it should be a “professional” headshot. Ensure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows your face without distractions in the background. This is NOT the place for family pictures as profile pictures or pictures of you doing sports activities, etc. It should be a shoulders-up style headshot in professional attire.  If you don’t have a professional headshot, there are programs online that can help you create one.

3. Education: Highlight Your Learning Journey

Your education section is another integral part of your profile. It showcases your academic background and the foundation of knowledge that supports your professional life. This section also helps connect you to other alumni or individuals who attended the same institutions.

If you’ve earned certifications, degrees, or completed specialized courses relevant to your field, make sure to include them. These educational milestones are an important signal to others about your commitment to professional growth and development. Some positions require certain degrees and if you have that degree, you want to make sure you show up in their search.

4. Skills and Endorsements: Demonstrating Your Expertise

One of LinkedIn’s standout features is the ability to list your skills. From technical know-how to soft skills like communication and leadership, the Skills section allows you to provide a clear picture of your expertise.

But simply listing your skills is not enough. Endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, or clients give credibility to your abilities. The more endorsements you gather, the more authority you demonstrate in your field. This builds trust with potential employers and partners who may be considering you for a role or collaboration.

5. Recommendations: Social Proof That Speaks Volumes (This is VERY important!!)

Having a few thoughtful, well-written recommendations can be a game-changer. Recommendations offer social proof that others value your work and your professional approach. It’s one thing to say you’re great at what you do; it’s another when people you’ve worked with can back you up.

Don’t be shy. Ask for recommendations from colleagues, former bosses, mentors, and clients. A genuine recommendation can speak volumes about your performance, work ethic, character, and impact. The more specific they are, the better they’ll resonate with your profile viewers.

6. Custom URL and Contact Information: Make It Easy for People to Find You

When someone views your profile, it’s important they can easily connect with you. Customizing your LinkedIn URL makes your profile easier to find and more professional. This simple tweak can be a powerful tool when you’re sharing your profile on business cards, resumes, or emails.

Also, make sure to update your contact information. This includes adding an email address or links to other professional platforms. You want to make it easy for people to reach you.

7. Engagement and Content: Show Your Thought Leadership

A complete LinkedIn profile doesn’t stop at your bio. Engaging with your network through posts, articles, and comments is a great way to show that you’re active in your industry. Sharing your thoughts on trends, challenges, or innovative ideas helps to position you as a thought leader.

Creating and sharing original content or engaging with posts in your feed can lead to valuable conversations and connections. A LinkedIn profile is not just a passive online resume. It’s a platform for building relationships, learning, and growing professionally.

The Bottom Line: Your LinkedIn Profile is Your Digital Brand

Your LinkedIn profile is one of your most powerful professional tools. It’s your digital brand, a reflection of your professional identity, achievements, and aspirations. A complete profile tells a compelling story about who you are and the value you offer.

Investing time and effort into crafting a comprehensive, polished LinkedIn profile will pay off in countless way, from attracting job offers and new business opportunities to expanding your professional network. Remember, the more complete your profile, the greater your chances of making a lasting impression.

So, take a moment today to review your LinkedIn profile. Fill out the missing details, ask for recommendations, and make sure everything represents you in the best possible light. It’s not just about getting noticed, it’s about standing out.