Back in 2012, I received an email from LinkedIn congratulating me on being among the “Top 5% Most Viewed Profiles on LinkedIn.”
Three years later, I’m still getting about 200 hits a week on my profile.
Naturally, I’m a bit of a junkie, but it’s because I believe that proper use of this tool can make or break your next career move.
I often get questions from people about my LinkedIn strategies ? some 10+ years into their career ? who admit they aren’t making the most of the site’s capabilities.
Since even seasoned professionals struggle with how to present themselves on arguably the world’s greatest digital networking website, I figured I’d take some time to break down my favorite ways of using the site, along with specific tips for driving traffic to your page.?
1. Actually fill in your profile.
This does not mean throwing up a one-liner about your current job along with titles and dates from previous positions on there. Instead, transpose your resume onto LinkedIn and then add in even more detail. Because resumes should be limited to a single page, LinkedIn provides an avenue to expand upon what’s now probably crammed into .5 margins and size 8 font.
Put those margins back to regulation standard, increase your font to a reasonable size, and add the extra stuff on LinkedIn instead. Then, when you send in a cover letter, include your CV and a link to your LinkedIn profile. This allows HR to see endorsements, additional details not included on your CV, and your professional headshot ? if they’re curious.
Other ideas: List language skills and proficiency (don’t exaggerate ? you’d rather pleasantly surprise someone than get fired because you can’t actually work in Japanese), provide a link to your professional website or blog if you have one, include universities you attended as part of a study abroad (it’s interesting), and make sure to include awards, scholarships, and research experience from college/grad school if you’ve graduated in the past 10 years.
Read more at?BUSINESS INSIDER
