Now Is The Time to Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile

When was the last time you polished your LinkedIn profile? And we’re not just talking about your “Experience” section. Probably right before your last position. Given the current economic climate, standing out to hiring managers is more important than ever.

Here are some tips on revamping your profile. 

Update Your Photo

Your profile picture is the first impression you leave on a potential hiring manager. So, you want to make it a good one. I’m sure you already know the common don'ts: selfies, pictures with other people, pictures in your car/bathroom/bedroom etc. Basically, any picture that would do great on Instagram is probably a no-no for LinkedIn. 

But just because it doesn’t fall in that category, doesn’t mean you don’t need to update your photo. If you’re not sure, ask yourself these questions: 

• Is the lighting bad?
• Is the image blurry? 
• Do you look drastically different now than in your current picture?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then you should definitely update your photo.

Rewrite Your “About” Section 

It’s very likely that you haven’t updated this since starting your last position. You may have learned new skills, gained leadership experience or changed industries altogether. So, this section probably deserves some TLC. 

In the “About” section, having a strong opener is key. You can open up about what drives you and dive into your passion for the field. Then, transition into a simple description of your role and finish with your top skills and competencies.

Keep it short and sweet — odds are hiring managers are only going to scan it quickly to get a sense of who you are. 

Take Assessments

LinkedIn now offers skill assessments, a feature that allows you to validate your proficiency in everything from design, web development, communication and more. For every skill assessment you successfully complete, you earn a badge on your profile. For hiring managers, it’s proof that you are actually skilled in what you have listed on your resume. 

If you don’t pass the first time, no worries. It won’t show on your profile until you pass. 

Update Your Settings

What’s the point of all this if the hiring managers don’t know you’re open? To make sure the right people know you are looking for new opportunities, follow these steps:

• Go into your settings.
• Scroll down to “Job Seeking Preferences.”
• In the “Let recruiters know you’re open to opportunities” tab, select “yes.”

Build your Personal Brand

Now that your profile looks good, it’s time for you to start networking. You should be active on LinkedIn at least once a day. This can be:

• Posting a link to an interesting article relating to your field to add value to your network. 
• Commenting on another person’s post to engage your network. 
• Publishing articles to showcase your expertise. 

Engaging with your LinkedIn community will not only increase your credibility in your field but also your visibility with potential employers. 

By following the steps listed here, you’re making sure you’re ready when hiring managers come your way and giving yourself an edge over the competition.