I’m always amazed at how frequently I run across incomplete or inadequate LinkedIn profiles. Your profile is one of your most important sites on the Internet. Don’t believe me? Do a Google search on some people you know. It’s highly likely that a LinkedIn profile will come up near the top, if not number 1.
Given that it’s so important and shows up so high on search engines, it’s insane that people don’t give their profile the time and attention it deserves. I’m going to talk about a few areas I usually see lacking.
1. A Good Summary
Your Summary should be the last thing you write. It’s a synopsis of you as a person, and it’s the tease that makes us interested to read more. No, it should not be the “summary” section of your resume. No “well-organized business professional” type language. That’s good for getting in the door on a job search, but it doesn’t make us want to connect to you. What’s in it for me to connect to you? Tell me that. Or why might I want to use or refer you? Tell me that. Shine. Stand out!
2. Too Much Resume Language
Lots of people cut and paste from their resume to create a profile. That’s okay for older entries, but make the newest positions in your profile snap and sparkle.
3. Incomplete Profiles
Need I say anything about this? LinkedIn prompts you on exactly what you need to complete a profile. Follow their suggestions and get it to 100%.
4. No/Few Recommendations
You need at least 3 to get your profile to 100%, but really, you need more than that. Your profile is a huge part of your reputation online. The more recommendations you have, the better. And absolutely get at least 2 (preferably more) for your most recent position. We’re going to make decisions about you based on that. Make sure we’re making a good one for you.
I could say a lot more about this, but those hit the biggest points. What are you waiting for? Go look at your profile and make it shine.
Need help? Creating/updating/fixing profiles is one of my services. Email me, and I’ll help you out.
Tags: reputation, social media