7 Steps for a Killer LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is undoubtedly one of the biggest platforms for job search and professional networking with a large user base of professionals from every field. To make the most of this platform, you should optimize your LinkedIn profile. 

Read on to learn the 7 steps to creating a killer LinkedIn profile:

Tip #1: Complete your LinkedIn Profile

Not completing your profile is a waste of the resources provided by LinkedIn. 

Whether the motivation behind your LinkedIn existence is getting a job or connecting with people, it is best to complete your LinkedIn profile because it enjoys more receptibility from recruiters vis-a-vis an incomplete LinkedIn profile.  

This is because an incomplete profile on LinkedIn is likely to hurt your shortlisting chances and networking opportunities as it is likely to be dismissed as a spam or fake account. 

Make sure that you are using power verbs (that you typically use in a resume) to transform yourself from a responsibility-based professional to an achievement-based professional. Go for crisp bullet points over lengthy paragraphs.

Tip #2: Tell a recruiter that you’re open to opportunities

The next step to composing a killer LinkedIn profile is optimizing your job searchability.

LinkedIn helps you accomplish this. It has a built-in feature that you can use to tell a potential employer that you’re open to opportunities. 

All you have to do is:

  • Go to your profile and click on ‘Open to job opportunities’.

  • Next up, set your job preference.

  • Here, you can select the job titles, job locations, and the job type that you’re interested in (full-time, part-time, contractual, internship, remote, volunteering, etc).

  • Lastly, you can also choose who can see that you’re open to job opportunities. You can either select ‘only recruiters’ or  ‘all Linkedin members’ based on your preference.

Tip #3: Customize your profile URL

People tend to search your name rather than the random order of numbers LinkedIn assigns you by default for your profile URL. To customize your LinkedIn URL, replace the default URL with a custom URL to enhance your Linkedin profile.

By default, your LinkedIn URL will look something like this: 

www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bennet-913a3a19a

After you customize your URL, it will look something like this: 

www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bennet-blogger-and-social-media-strategist

Tip #4: Choose a professional-looking Profile Picture

LinkedIn is a business-oriented platform for professionals. Everything you put on your LinkedIn should reflect professionalism and your profile photo is no exception to this.

So the next step to creating a killer LinkedIn profile is choosing a professional photo that reflects both professionalism and approachability.

To do this, a clear mugshot image of you in formal attire will work. Even better if you’re smiling in the photo because it reflects receptiveness. 

Tip #5: Optimize your Profile Headline

The profile headline of a LinkedIn profile is the equivalent of a job title. However, instead of limiting your LinkedIn headline to your latest job designation, you can use it as a skill-statement.

For example, instead of writing something as basic as this:

Content Strategist @XYZmedia

You can modify your profile headline to express your functional skill sets in this manner:

Content Strategist @XYZmedia | On-page & Off-page SEO | Link Building & Outreach | Proofreading & Editing | WordPress | Keyword Research

Tip #6: Optimize your LinkedIn Summary 

Drafting an impactful LinkedIn summary includes the art of presenting your past accomplishments and showcasing your expertise in an interesting way.

You don’t want a recruiter to get bored by reading the first two sentences of your summary. 

To accomplish this, draft a short but descriptive summary in simple language that is stripped of industry jargon. Here’s an example:

I am a Content Strategist with 5+ years of experience in Search Engine Optimization, link building and content strategy. Currently, I am heading the content team at ABC company where I mainly strategize content to increase site traffic and improve the DA of website with organic white-hat SEO tactics. 

Tip #7: Increase your Endorsements & Recommendations

Tooting your own horn does not guarantee a job but an endorsement of your skills and recommendations on your LinkedIn profile does.

You can ask previous employers or current colleagues and managers to write a recommendation and endorse your skills.

Doing this will be seen as a seal of approval from people who matter. It will be seen as a validity of your skills from professionals you have actually worked with.