When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile? Was it the last time you looked for a job? Perhaps someone told you that you needed “to get on LinkedIn,” so you made a profile, connected with a few friends or colleagues, and then forgot about it. Maybe you get on LinkedIn every couple of months to see if there is anything interesting, but after a few minutes, you log off because no one you know is posting, and all you see are ads. Here are suggestions on updating your [forgotten?] LinkedIn Profile:
Assess your Current Profile
- Is your profile picture current? Is it less than five years old? Is the hairstyle similar to your current hairstyle? Is it a close-up photo? If you need to change your picture, check out my blog post, Take a Great LinkedIn Profile Photo with Your Phone
- Do you have a background photo? The background photo is a visual element that captures attention and shows a little more about you. Don’t overthink this element! My current background photo is the fountain at West Texas A&M University, where I work (I took the photo with my phone).
- Assess your headline. Like most people, is it your job title? That might be fine, but remember, being creative with your headline is a way to stand out.
- Do you have a LinkedIn Summary? This is the “About” section. This can be described as your Digital Elevator Pitch. When you meet someone, how do you describe yourself? This is another area you shouldn’t overthink, start with a basic description and then come back and adjust it after you’ve had a chance to see industry connection’s “About” sections.
- Make sure to fill in the Education and Experience sections. These are important credentials. LinkedIn also uses these sections to suggest connections in the “People You May Know Feature.”
- Update your LinkedIn profile anytime you are promoted or change companies.
- Check your LinkedIn profiles every six months. Okay, at least once a year!
Check out How to Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile and Professional Presence on LinkedIn for more ideas on using LinkedIn to build your online presence and enhance your career.
Once you have your LinkedIn profile updated, it is time for you to start using LinkedIn the way it was intended: to network with other professionals. Here are suggestions to getting the most out of LinkedIn:
Maximize your LinkedIn Profile experience
- You need to be a Contributor, not an Observer. Post your own professional content and share relevant content that you think interests your connections.
- Search Industries and Topics that interest you. This will help you expand your knowledge and stay up to date.
- Connect with Colleagues from the past and present. This is the best way to keep up with their career paths.
- Follow Thought Leaders. Inspirational and thought-provoking thought leaders add quality posts to your feed.
My advice is to take another look at your LinkedIn profile and start using it as intended—it is an excellent networking tool. And connect with me, Elaina Cantrell Robinson. I would be happy to be one of your connections (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainacantrellrobinson/).
