Get noticed on Linkedin

Do you have a LinkedIn profile that is pratically empty but want to leverage it to grow your network or find a new job?  Read on for my top 7 tips on how to get noticed on LinkedIn.

Yesterday I was able to attend the livestreaming of LinkedIn's TalentConnect 2017.  We got to hear about all of the exciting new things coming down the pipeline.  Brene Brown was the keynote speaker and I found her speech so inspiring and can’t wait to delve deeper!  

We also had some of the greatest of their team present to us on a number of topics, including how to build a great LinkedIn profile backed up with statistics on what gets you more connection requests, more profile views and more messages.  All keys to attracting recruiters, hiring managers and potential network connections to you.  Obviously I took meticulous notes so that I could relay that information while outlining what attracts me and my peers to a LinkedIn profile.

1. Photo
Did you know that profiles with a photo can get 9x more connection requests, 21x more profile views and 36x more messages than those without photos?​ It doesn't need to be a headshot but it does need to be a photograph of just you.  No selfies!  This photo is your first impression, so make sure it counts!

2. Stand-Out Headline
Your headline is the sentence under your name.  LinkedIn will automatically pull your current job title and company for the headline but it is customizable.  When writing your headline think of it like your tagline.  It is a snap shot of your elevator pitch.  If you are not working and actively searching consider having "seeking" or "open to new opportunities" in your headline.

3. Compelling Summary
The summary is where you highlight and focus on your career accomplishments and aspirations.  It should be at least 40+ words.  If you are working, check your social media policy as there may be a blurb about your company that they may want included.  If you are not working, make sure you are using keywords and skills to ensure that you are extra searchable.  And it doesn't hurt to again include a note to profile viewers about how you are seeking and open to new opportunities.  You can also include an email or a way to contact you.

4.Work Experience
Before you get started on filling out your work experience remember that this is not your resume!  Make sure you have your experience and work place as up to date as possible as these profiles are 5x more likely to get a connection request, 8x more likely to get their profile viewed and get 10x more messages than those that do not.  Under each position have a few high level bullet points about what your job entails followed by your acheivements.  

5. Spotlight your Work
Alot of people don't know this but you can upload photo or videos to highlight your successes.  Consider adding a photo of any design work, or a photo of you at an event or a video of you presenting.  This makes a visit to your profile more dynamic and makes you more visually appealing to the visitor.

6. Highlight Your Skills
These help your profile come up in searches so add at least 5 (soft skills and technical skills) and get them endorsed!

7. Don't Forget...
Don't forget to include your location, volunteer work and awards and accomplishments.  And especially have all of your education (college/university, certification, further training) outlined.

I look forward to seeing what you've done - reach out to connect with me on LinkedIn so that I can view your hard work (plus it opens up my 3000+ connections to you).

Want to optimize your LinkedIn, I can help with that!

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