LinkedIn Profile Guidelines
Create an effective LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn Profile Guidelines
Make sure to follow proven LinkedIn profile guidelines to present yourself in the best possible way to the online professional community. If you’re serious about achieving success in your career, establish an online presence through LinkedIn. It is the social network for business professionals who are always on the lookout for opportunities for career growth. It’s a great online platform to look for a job.
Referring to LinkedIn profile guidelines can help you build an effective presence on the professional networking site. Note that LinkedIn’s made some significant changes not only to its functionalities but also to its desktop interface over the years.
In the Recruiter Nation Survey 2015, results showed that 92% of recruiters use social media to find candidates. LinkedIn is also helpful in expanding your network, which is one of the keys to career success, according to an article on the professional networking site.
How to Create an Effective LinkedIn Profile
Here are some LinkedIn profile guidelines that will help you stand out from the crowd:
#1 Create a strong headline
The headline is one of the most underutilized parts of your profile. It introduces you to the LinkedIn community and is visible when you connect throughout the community. It usually consists of your current job title and the company name, but you can create a powerful one that tells more about you and what you can offer.
#2 Add a professional photo
You don’t need to ask a professional photographer to take your picture. Just stand in front of a plain wall with adequate lighting and ask a friend to take your photo. If you need to crop or filter it, you can do so on LinkedIn. The site now offers image editing options to make sure that your photo looks great.
#3 Add a background image
Upload your background photo that communicates what you do. Make sure to use a photo that is aligned with your personal or professional brand.
#4 Upload your portfolio or work samples
Take advantage of your profile’s work history section by embedding work samples to show people exactly what you’ve done in the past. You can upload PowerPoint presentations, photos, white papers, and videos.
#5 Ask recommendations from colleagues
Getting recommendations from colleagues, mentors, and bosses gives an extra boost to your LinkedIn profile. It validates your knowledge, as well as your skills and work ethic.
#6 Get endorsements on your skills
Similar to recommendations, getting endorsements from co-workers and managers is further proof of how skilled you are in various areas.
#7 Join industry groups
Learning is a never-ending process and joining industry groups helps you stay updated on the latest in your industry. You will learn a lot from experts and leaders in your field, and at the same time, you can share your knowledge. Participating in discussions likewise helps in solidifying your online presence.
#8 Follow companies that you’re interested in
Last in our list of important LinkedIn profile guidelines is following companies that you’re interested in. LinkedIn makes it easy for you to keep updated on different companies that you want to learn more about. Learn from their best practices and gain new insights about different business aspects. Following companies may also help your career, should you decide to change jobs in the future.
Things to Avoid in Creating a LinkedIn Profile
Now that you know what you need to do to create a stellar LinkedIn profile, here are some things that you should avoid:
#1 Treat LinkedIn like other social media sites
It is designed for professionals, so avoid anything that is not career-related. Send connection requests only to people you know or are in the same field of expertise or industry you’re in. Also, join groups and contribute to the discussions.
#2 Do nothing
If you join LinkedIn for career growth, it doesn’t stop at creating a great LinkedIn profile. You need to spend enough time on the site to get the most out of it. Connect with people in your industry. Stay in touch with former colleagues, mentors, and bosses. Upload relevant content. Leave useful comments on articles that pique your interest.
#3 Send generic messages
LinkedIn is all about connecting with like-minded individuals and expanding your network means adding a personal touch. Sending a personalized message or request shows sincerity and genuine interest to make a connection.
Final Word
Gaining career success with the help of LinkedIn is a process. It requires some time and effort to establish your online presence as a professional. Keep the LinkedIn profile guidelines in mind and be an active member as it significantly contributes to your career development.
Related Readings
Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to LinkedIn Profile Guidelines. CFI is the official provider of the global Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)™ certification program, designed to help anyone become a world-class financial analyst. To keep advancing your career, the additional resources below will be useful:
