Whether you are a university student, entrepreneur, or a job-seeker, having a professional, well-built LinkedIn profile is incredibly important. Recruiters receive thousands of job applications each day, but only a handful of profiles stand out and get noticed.
In fact, 72% of companies hire their employees from LinkedIn, and 63% of employers view their candidates’ profiles before offering them an interview! Having a professional LinkedIn profile will increase your possibility of finding a job and being discovered.
Here are 9 simple steps to setting up your profile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Your LinkedIn Profile
STEP 1: Profile Picture
Your profile picture is your first impression.
It is the first thing that captures people’s attention when visiting your profile. It builds credibility, and reflects your personal brand. LinkedIn profiles with professional profile pictures receive 21 times more views, and receive up to 9 times more connection requests!
You can use an AI tool, such as Adobe Firefly, to assist you in creating a smart, personalised profile picture. On Adobe Firefly, you can generate a smart background image, as well as a professional outfit, such as a customised shirt. This is an effortless way to set up your profile picture in no time.
STEP 2: Professional Banner
Use a visually clear and professional banner to stand out. Upload a concise high-quality image and avoid using excessive text and imagery.
You can use a design and editor app, such as Canva, to create a banner. Canva provides many LinkedIn banner templates for you to choose from. Select a banner and customise it with your details, keeping it visually clean and professional.
STEP 3: Profile URL
Create a custom URL using your name. This will help recruiters and other LinkedIn members find your profile and connect with you.
Go to your public profile settings. Click the pencil icon next to “Edit your custom URL”, and change the URL. Click Save, refresh your page, and your URL will be changed.
STEP 4: The Perfect Headline
Capture their attention and convince them to click your profile.
Your headline is an opportunity to promote your expertise and create a great first impression.
GravityWrite is an AI writing assistant tool you can use to help create eye-catching one-liners for your headline. Enter your profile name and key highlights from your CV. You may also copy the contents of your CV and paste it in the dialogue box. Click Save & Continue.
Next, click “The LinkedIn Headline Generator” to receive many headline suggestions. Choose one and add it to your profile. It’s as simple as that!
STEP 5: About Me
This is where you share a bit about yourself – your mission, skills, and motivation.
Open with personality and highlight your experience and accomplishments. Keep it short and use bullet points if you can.
Use relevant keywords, such as your job title, key skills, and location, so recruiters can easily find you.
STEP 6: Skills
Share your top relevant skills.
Add 5 to 15 skills that will help recruiters and employees to grasp your strengths and provide you with the right opportunities.
Once you add your skills, your connections and network can endorse them. If someone endorses your skill, it increases the likelihood of you being discovered for job opportunities relevant to your skills.
STEP 7: Featured Section
Here, you can showcase the work you have created and are proud of!
Such as a website you have built, articles you have published, or a work portfolio.
Head to the Recommended section on your LinkedIn profile. Click “Add Feature”, and add a post, article, link, or media sample to your profile. This is a great way to show off your skills for recruiters to notice you.
STEP 8: Certifications & Licences
If you have completed any courses, showcase your certifications or licences!
Head to the Recommended section. Click “Add Licences & Certifications”. Enter the required details and click Save.
You worked hard, so make sure to include it all!
STEP 9: Create Posts
Stay active on your LinkedIn profile.
Regularly share, repost, and like and comment on posts. Regular activity keeps you visible and increases your likelihood of being noticed.
You can use free AI tools, such as GravityWrite, to help you find interesting and engaging topics to write on. Share content that is insightful and relevant. Create posts to inspire, educate, discuss, or share information.
Use your LinkedIn profile to your advantage and grab new opportunities!
Let’s Make You Discoverable
Now that you have the tools to set up your LinkedIn profile, we want to make it easier for you and help you get recognised. You are welcome to share your LinkedIn profile with us at Info@haystackseo.co.za and we will gladly review it to help you kick-start your career.
At HaystackSEO! Digital Marketing, we specialise in guiding businesses through the digital landscape, helping you stand out amidst the noise. Being found is not as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack!