What to include on your Linkedin Profile

Linkedin has became an essential tool for professional networking, job searching, learning and development. To get the most out of this powerful platform, you must have a high quality profile. In this article we answer your key questions to help you create a powerful profile.

Do I need a Linkedin profile?

First question is easy,  the answer is YES.  Why? Because Linkedin is the largest professional networking platform globally. There are currently more than 850 million members on Linkedin and the AsiaPacific region accounts for the biggest share of users. 

Linkedin is a go-to tool for Recruiters; both in-house talent teams and external recruitment consultants. By keeping your profile up to date you will ‘visible’ for potential job opportunities, networking opportunities and discussion topics to come to your way. 

How is my Linkedin profile different to my CV?

Linkedin requires less detail but more personality than a resume.

Feel free to incorporate more casual tones and phrases in the language used e.g. ‘I live and breathe analytics’ verse ‘I’m an expert in Analytics’

Help to convey your personality and interests by including Associations…..‘Life Member of the Spanish Club’ verse ‘Associate Member, Statistics Society’ and don't forget to add what keeps you busy such as voluntary activities – ‘Rural Fire Brigade’ and 24x7 Parenting!!

Do I need a professional headshot?

Yes! There are certainly plenty of ‘iphone’ profile pictures used on Linkedin, but the reality is a professional photo receives 14x more views. 

You might also like to consider customising the wallpaper behind your profile picture, for extra visual impact. Align it to either your current employer or a visual that compliments the message of who you are and what you do. 

Is the headline important?

Yes! Capture people's attention and draw them in with a short, sharp, enticing headline e.g.

 Talent Acquisition | Executive Search | HR&HSE Consulting | Victoria

The headline is highlighted in key word searches that Recruitment Consultants and Talent Partners run when searching for talent. It's a great way for hiring managers and recruiters to find you.

What should I include in the 'About' section?

The ‘About’ section is like your Profile Cover Letter. You have 2000 characters to tell readers about you and what you do.

Before crafting your compelling “About Section” think about:

1. Who is your target audience?
2. Why are they looking at your profile? What are their goals? Eg Recruit you, Sell to you, Buy from you?
3. What are their pain points and challenges?
4. What can you offer to address these pain points and challenges?

The “About Section” is particularly important for people who have limited experience or aspire for a career change. This is your chance in a couple of paragraphs to share all the things you have been doing to make the transition into a new role.

Showcase your credibility on your topic and share your accomplishments. Let them know what you can offer.

Finally end the “About Section” with a clear call to action. E.g. Send me a Linkedin invitation to connect, or message or feel free to call me.

How do I convey my experience?

Don’t simply download your CV into this section! Keep it relevant. Write short, to the point sentences. Entice the reader to want to learn more about you. 

If your organisation doesn’t have its own Linkedin page add a description of the company you have worked with. This helps the reader to find context and common ground. 

Importantly, as it is a less formal document you don’t need to include all employment, just the most relevant. Make sure your role title is understood by the majority of readers. If “Scrum Master Employee Journeys” isn’t a standard role title, feel free to amend on your Linkedin profile. 

Is it important to include education?

It's time to show off. List as many details as possible, include Qualifications and Certificates as well as completed professional courses. You might just have the expertise in a particular course or programme that a potential employer is looking for. 

Don't forget to consider Alumni when planning your networking activities.

Are recommendations important?

Don’t be shy! Recommendations are your online testimonials are are very important for building trust.

Endorsements can cover a period of time that you have work with an individual or Manager. They can also be for a specialist experience or project or partnership. Think broadly about which managers, co-workers or suppliers can comment on a skill or experience that you have. 

How else can LinkedIn help my career?

Linkedin was built as a networking tool – think of it as a giant spiderweb. It works more effectively for you if you use it to build your own network through multiplying connections. 

You don’t need to personally know someone to invite them to connect. Just add a short polite note when you request a connection. Suggest why you thought they could be a good connection ie: You are both attended the same course, are certified OHS professionals or have an interest in a particular area.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in organisations you would like to work for. A little bit of research to find some common ground or link to a relevant leader will build you an exceptional network. 

Still not 100% happy with your profile?

As specialist HR recruiters we see a lot of Linkedin profiles (good and bad!) each week. As part of assisting you with your job search, a Next Step recruiter can provide constructive feedback on your profile. With a deep understanding of the human resources sector, we are adept at distilling your skills and experience.

Contact us to discuss what you're looking for in your next role.