7 Ways to Update Your LinkedIn Profile

As the pandemic continues and more and more people are being furloughed or let go, I’ve noticed a shift on how LinkedIn is being used again.  For a long time it was seen as an online CV but over the last few years it became more of a Marketing tool.

If this is something you need to update in order to improve chances of employment or indeed a much better first impressions, then check out these 7 steps to bring fresh life to your profile.

1. Update your Photo

Easier said than done these days I appreciate!  With hairdressers and Barbers closed its hard to look your best as easily.  However, there’s a good chance its been a while since this was updated.  Ensure you are wearing something smart on your top half and you have good lighting in front of you.

Try to pick a flattering and plain background and try not to look down to the camera if possible, always up.  Your face is usually more likely to smile more naturally when facing up, than if you have your chin down.

2. Update your Background

Not deemed absolutely essential granted but it frames your profile so much better when done.  Add an image of you in action perhaps if you’re a speaker, podcaster, stand holder etc.  Maybe images of your product as an alternative.

You can create a perfect sized image within Canva, which is essentially free to use.  They have templates for many things in there and the LinkedIn Banner is one of them.

3. Update your Keywords in Headline

You may have changed career direction since starting your LinkedIn profile and as the keywords in your headline are searchable its well worth updating them.

You can also add your “Open for Business” to give your potential employer / audience a better idea of what you do.

4. Check Your Past Roles and Experience are Thoroughly Written

I have found that distance and time from your last role, really helps you think of ALL the things you did.  Its well worth updating what you were actually doing for that job and outlining other projects and responsibilities you had.

Don’t imagine they know what the job entailed, go into detail and serve it up to them.  If you appeared in any video or articles then make sure you add these too.

5. Is Your About Section Marketing You Properly, make it a Story

Believe it or not, this actually works.  Rather than listing your “skills”, this is an opportunity to push across your natural attributes.  Tell them how you actually problem solve rather than that’s simply what you do.

This is no time to be shy about yourself.  For some people right now, this is all you’ll might get.  You may not get the chance to put across your personality any other way.  So try and be upbeat, don’t try to over deliver and maybe be memorable in a smart and nice way as you put your account across.

6. Ask for Recommendations

I appreciate how tough this can be right now to ask others for their recommendations.  We don’t all know what others are going through on a personal level.  It is worth asking though.  As many people are working from home you’ll need to be patient as they may be dealing with health, family or even bereavement.

Unless you ask though, you won’t get a recommendation.  Having recent, relevant ones are what you’re looking for so please to try if you can.

7. Write Articles on what you know and be Recognised as an Authority

Have you got time to write an article?  Honestly, its quite important that you make time for this.  If you can, explain what you do clearly to others then they can find you and engage you.

Your audience consumes content in many different ways.  Some via podcast, others via video and more again by reading.  The more you share content in many different ways, the more chance you have of converting them through your sales tunnel!

If you’re looking for further guidance in social media training or management, then please visit www.stomp.ie or email [email protected] if you have any questions.