Top 10 Tips: LinkedIn
1 Before you start… turn off notifications!
If you are in the process of setting up or editing your LinkedIn profile, it’s a good idea to turn off notifications so that your network doesn't get notified each time you make an edit - this can be done in the Setting and Privacy section.
2 Be authentic
Be genuine on your profile and when engaging with others on LinkedIn. People resonate with people, and are likely to want to engage with you if you are authentic.
3 Pick a good profile and background photo
Make sure your profile picture is eye-catching and professional looking. Choose a photo that is clear, bright and shows your head and shoulders. For your background photo, choose something which is important to you. Are you interested in travelling? Climate change? Perhaps you’d like to include something specific to your chosen career.
4 Write a concise and compelling LinkedIn Headline
This can be more than just a job title or what you’re studying. This is your opportunity to summarise your current skills and career interests. If you’re looking for work, write about the sector or sectors you’re interested in. Remember, if someone is viewing your profile, this will often be their first impression of you.
Example:
John Smith | Maths and Accounting student graduating 2020 | Seeking full time employment in Deal Advisory
5 Build your connections
Add as many useful connections as you can, such as friends and colleagues. It’s also a good idea to join relevant groups, such as the university you attend or where you work. Don't worry if you don’t have that many connections right away, but the earlier you start building your network, the easier it will be - hopefully one day you will reach 500+ connections!
6 Create a personalised URL
Under the Settings and Privacy section LinkedIn allows users to create their own personal URL. This means that you can create a link to your profile that is more concise and easier to share. Using your name (if it’s available) is ideal e.g. linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
7 Keep it updated
If you’ve just completed a new course, add it to your Accomplishments section! Not only will this inform prospective recruiters of your current attributes, but it will also help you to keep track of everything you’ve accomplished in one place.
8 Endorse others users’ skills
Check out some of your connections’ profiles, and endorse the skills they’ve listed on their page. Ask your colleagues or clients for recommendations.
9 Engaging with and posting your own content
Follow users who inspire you and tailor your feed to your interests. A like or comment on a post you see will also increase chances of engagement with your profile. Try and make sure that the articles you like and comment on are up-to-date and relevant. Sharing other people’s posts which particularly resonate with you will help build your brand further. Even better, why not write your own article on something you are passionate about? And remember to add in some relevant hashtags to your articles or anything you share.
10 See how you're doing!
LinkedIn provides a SSI (Social Selling Index) which evaluates how effective your profile is at networking, asserting your personal brand, and utilising insights. Check yours for free here by clicking 'Get your score free'
https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/social-selling/the-social-selling-index-ssi