3 ways to improve your LinkedIn profile to get more job offers - One of these things can boost your chances of getting hired by 30%.

By Pete Davies

Not all roads lead to the perfect career. That’s why it’s called a career journey, with twists and turns and likely many lessons learned along the way. How you embraced the journey is what matters to potential employers: the skill sets you’ve developed, how you’ve navigated change and overcome challenges.

Your LinkedIn profile serves as a digital and visual representation of this journey and your unique personal brand. Capturing your professional experience in one place helps you best represent yourself and tell your story. Your LinkedIn profile can be your ticket to a variety of new opportunities like partnerships, jobs, volunteering, or new business.

It’s always a good time to think about how you can spruce up your LinkedIn profile. Here are a few suggestions to make it shine.

1) Tell the world who you are and where you want to go

It sounds simple, but start with your profile photo. Profiles with a photo get seen 21 times more often than those without. Your profile photo should be professional yet approachable, giving people a true sense of your personality. And, don’t forget to add a background cover photo that supports it and works with the story you are sharing about yourself.

Equally important is your summary. Your summary is the first section people visit to read about you when visiting your profile, and it’s worth taking a little extra time to capture your professional strengths and unique capabilities. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself though. Try to sum up your experience in about 40 words, and think about keywords relevant to future job opportunities to help you be found.

Recommendations from professors, alumni, managers, colleagues, and even direct reports help validate what you’re saying about yourself and helps people understand a little more about what you’re like to work with. Whether you’ve been working for a few days or a few decades, don’t be afraid to ask for one and perhaps offer one in exchange.

Finally, location, location, location. Adding your home-base city makes you up to 23 times more discoverable in searches, making it even easier for you to be connected to your next opportunity or to be found by an old friend or colleague.

Read ways 2,3, and the complete Fast Company article

 

7 LinkedIn Tactics To Attract Recruiters

by Robin Ryan

Do you wonder what else you should do to get recruiters to discover you on LinkedIn? I had an in-depth conversation with LinkedIn expert Susan Joyce, editor of Job-Hunt.org, as we discussed the strategies must people miss when they create their LinkedIn Profile. These are mistakes and omissions you can quickly correct once you know what to do. Joyce was a former researcher at MIT. Currently, she devotes herself to helping job hunters land jobs by sharing information via her blog and website. Here are her seven proven tactics to help you get found by recruiters.

3) Mark profile for all to see. Most people restrict their LinkedIn profile to just the people who are on LinkedIn. If you do this, you are missing all the recruiters who are using Google or Bing to try to find you. When you look at the settings options, select "Public" to broaden your scope and reach more to recruiters.

4) Put work titles into the headline. The headline is the most searched part of LinkedIn. Unfortunately, some people have a job title that is not very explicit as to what their skills are. For example, they use Engineer 2 because that's their real job title. Instead, clarify the work so that it's more findable in the recruiter's search. This example: Structural Engineer l Manufacturing Engineer l Aerospace Engineer 

See all 7 tactics and the complete Forbes article

5 LinkedIn Growth-Hacking Strategies for 2020

Carlos Gil

LinkedIn may not get as much love in the social media world as platforms like Instagram and Facebook, but there’s still no better way to get in front of business decision-makers than LinkedIn. If you’re a marketer, salesperson or another type of professional who wants to connect with executives and other brand leaders who have the ability to actually write you a check, LinkedIn is where you want to be.

As someone who previously worked as a global senior social marketing manager at LinkedIn and who still works with the platform as an instructor for LinkedIn Learning, I can say first-hand that there are concrete steps you can take to find success on this network, including:

1. Use the right set of keywords.

LinkedIn can be used as a search engine of sorts, where recruiters, brand marketers, CEOs, etc., can find people to work with by simply typing in a few keywords related to what they’re looking for, like “software engineers,” “graphic designers” or any other term that can lead them to qualified individuals. That means that you need to optimize your LinkedIn profile, especially in your “About” section, to include keywords related to what you want to be contacted for so that others can find you.

4. Leverage LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram together.

Since you don’t want to go for the hard sell through LinkedIn after connecting there, or worse, send a cold pitch to someone you found on LinkedIn but never met, you can instead leverage multiple social media networks together. For example, it’s fine for sales professionals to compile a database of prospects based on who they find or connect with on LinkedIn, but then take the time to connect on other platforms like Twitter and Instagram to get to know them better.

For example, on Twitter a prospect may share a more personal opinion than they would on LinkedIn, which can give you a chance to respond organically and form a more human connection. Or if you connect with someone through Instagram first, connect with them on LinkedIn too so when the moment is right to talk business, you have the opportunity to do so in an environment where that prospect is comfortable.

See all 5 strategies, a video from Carlos, and the full Entrepreneur article

How to create the LinkedIn headline that will get you noticed

Jennifer Fabiano

Like your resume, crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile is a constant work in progress. There’s one bit that you might not have even known you could, or should, change: your LinkedIn headline.  Ladders spoke with Biron Clark, who was named one of the Top Voices in Job Search & Careers in 2019 by LinkedIn, to find out exactly what to include (and what not to include) to make your LinkedIn headline stand out amongst the crowd.

What is a LinkedIn headline?

Let’s start with the basics. You might not even know what a LinkedIn headline is, but that’s okay. Your LinkedIn headline is the text that appears under your name on your profile page. This space gives you 120 characters to describe to the LinkedIn world who you are and what you do.

Why is your LinkedIn headline important?

Many professionals are unaware that they can even change their LinkedIn headline because the platform automatically populates that field with your job title. Even if you did know about it, did you know that you actually should change this field to include important key elements?

Why? Because this 120 character space is actually some of the most prime real estate on your LinkedIn profile.

First of all, your headline is one of the few things that recruiters and hiring managers (or anyone on LinkedIn for that matter) can see before they click your profile. If you comment on a post, share a post, or apply for a job through LinkedIn, your headline will be the first description that person reads of you. Never forget, first impressions can make or break your job search.

Additionally, when a recruiter performs a search looking for a specific role in a specific area, LinkedIn will deliver them a list of 10 people per page. On that page, the recruiter will see your photo, location, as well as a few connections- in addition to your headline. 

As the only description of who you are, your headline is the main deciding factor on whether or not someone decides to visit your profile.

“Half the battle is just getting clicked and then after that they obviously see a lot more information,” Clark said. “Just getting clicked you have very little to make your case and grab attention and your LinkedIn headline is one of those pieces.”

Clark advises giving the headline the time and attention that it deserves to work on getting it right. Though the headline might only be 10 words, Clark emphasizes that it’s worth spending at least 20 to 30 minutes crafting the perfect description.

According to Clark, there’s  a saying in online marketing that you should spend at least 50% of your time on the headline when writing an article.

“The article might be 1,000 words, and the headline might only be nine words, but you should spend at least 50% on just that headline because that’s what will determine if people click and keep reading,” Clark said. “Don’t let the low word count fool you into thinking that it’s something to only spend 10 seconds on. That would be a big mistake.”

What do you put in a LinkedIn headline? Read more to find out + lots more tips + the complete The Ladders article

10 Things To Immediately Start Doing On LinkedIn Frequently

John Hall

Many of us visit sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on a daily — even hourly — basis. We actively participate by reading, commenting, and posting on these channels and devour hours’ worth of others’ content on these platforms.  

And then there’s LinkedIn. We may not even remember the last time we signed in to the professional social network, but it constantly lingers in the background — and for good reason. As entrepreneurs and business executives, this is the social network we should visit every day. It connects us to people and ideas that can advance our careers and our businesses.

It’s time to dust off this critical social media profile and start doing these 10 things every day to tap into opportunities for new partnerships, revenue streams, talent, and funding. As someone who highly values my time, I want to make the most of it — and these 10 daily actions have maximized my LinkedIn visits. 

1. Designate five minutes a day to engage.
One of the most valuable things I’ve seen recently: people who are surprised when I respond to their messages. I can’t reply to everyone. However, I spend about five minutes after my morning run either answering a LinkedIn message or engaging in some way with the comments left on one of my posts. It’s a short amount of time, but it can make a difference, resulting in new advocates and business opportunities. 

3. Create original content.
Think of LinkedIn as another site for sharing thought leadership. Don’t be political or mean-spirited or do anything that puts your job or reputation at risk. However, do exercise the creative freedom to write an in-depth piece that will be valuable to your network. It could be on your industry or a niche field you’re interested in personally — anything that communicates your experience and passion is a plus. The best part is that you don’t have to contend with an outside editor who might tear the piece apart.

See all 10 things and the complete Forbes article

8 LinkedIn Features You're Not Using (But Should Be)

By Young Entrepreneur Council

Since its launch, LinkedIn has been the go-to social media platform for professionals in every industry. From its ability to connect like-minded businesses and career-focused professionals to its groups dedicated to fostering community and thought leadership, it’s a very powerful tool for companies, in more ways than one.

When it comes to utilizing the platform to its fullest extent, there may be some surprising strategies that most companies, including yours, may be overlooking. Below, a panel of entrepreneurs each shared one crucial LinkedIn feature your company should be using, and why each is so effective. 

LinkedIn Jobs

It makes sense that LinkedIn, a platform for professionals, is a prime spot to post your job opening. And yet, Andy Karuza, founder of FenSens, says he's come across a surprising number of companies that still aren't using LinkedIn Jobs.

"The companies I know that do use LinkedIn are having fantastic results with more qualified candidates -- and lots of them," Karuza says. "I think the best feature is that you can clearly see people's LinkedIn profiles, which includes recommendations, so you can learn a little bit more than just seeing a resume."

LinkedIn Pulse

If you've ever received a notification that someone in your LinkedIn network has published an article, you've proven that LinkedIn Pulse, the platform's self-publishing tool, works. This easy-to-use feature allows brands to upload content, receive feedback and share it with others, says Stephanie Wells, founder of Formidable Forms.

"Few businesses leverage this feature," Wells says. "It's super effective because like-minded professionals are already on there scanning content, so it might as well be yours."

See all 8 features and the complete Inc.com article

5 STEPS TO BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS USING LINKEDIN

by Tarra Jackson

Many entrepreneurs face challenges with determining what social media platform to use to connect them with the right audience. Attracting new business in the ever-changing digital age can be a long, arduous process, but creating strategic partnerships is a smart path to success.

“Finding the right strategic partnership can be the difference between having a successful business or just making it,” explains Deborrah Ashley, LinkedIn Marketing Strategist.

Entrepreneurs and leaders are now turning to LinkedIn to find and cultivate strategic partnerships. However, before setting up or updating your profile, here are a few tips to leverage LinkedIn to build strategic partnerships.

1) KNOW YOUR OUTCOME

The key to creating the right strategic partnerships is understanding the desired outcome. Whether it is brand awareness, lead generation, or to be known as a brand authority or thought leader, understanding your goals for using LinkedIn is important. This helps you to connect with the right professionals, entrepreneurs, clients, or customers.

2) OPTIMIZE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE

The profile picture is the first impression of you. Have a professional or industry-related profile picture that aligns with your brand or desired messaging.

The headline is the section at the top of the profile for a professional description in 120 characters or less. Customizing the profile description will help you to distinguish yourself. Ashley also recommends having the “about” section completed as well as getting testimonials from current or past co-workers or clients.

Customizing the banner image of your LinkedIn profile is a great way to brand your expertise or key message. The standard default blue banner will not optimize your professional identity. LinkedIn allows users to customize their banner image.

“Showcasing industry qualifications, accreditation, or media mentions will build credibility. This could be the deciding factor for possible strategic partners. Also, highlighting your contact information on the banner image makes it easier for people to connect with you,” shares Ashley.

See steps 3-5 and the complete article

7 LinkedIn Mistakes That Will Make You Look Unprofessional

By: Todd Clarke

Your LinkedIn page and profile is your online billboard. It’s your chance to show and share your personal brand.

That is, if you do things right—not wrong.

Because too many people make too many mistakes when it comes to self-promoting on LinkedIn.

You want to show up as your very best on LinkedIn—the most ‘professional’ of all networks. So you can look like a pro. Get hired as a pro. Maybe even find business as a pro.

Here’s a list of seven common (and not-so-common) LinkedIn mistakes that make citizens of this social network look unprofessional.

Consider them to avoid getting fired before getting hired.

Yes, many of these are common sense. And yes, many people still commit these LinkedIn offences.

But not you. Not anymore.

No more hurting your credibility. No more being unclear about your expertise. No more making it hard for others to connect with you.

Let’s start from the top, literally.

4. Weak (or no) summary

Why it’s a problem

You’re wasting an opportunity to ‘continue your story’ that you started with your headline.
Just. Write. It.
It’s often the only part of your profile visitors will read (after your headline). Think of this section as your elevator pitch.

What to do about it

You’re more than just the summation of your job experience.
As such, don’t force your viewers to connect your work experience sections into a tidy story about you. That part is on you.
Some elements to consider for your concise story:

• Who, what, why, when, and how
• Core skills (commit to the few, versus the many)
• Why you do what you do
• What big problems you solve
• Show any numbers

Write in the first person, because this is personal. Writing in 3rd person sounds pompous, and not personal. I mean it.

And of course, speak like a human, not a bot. Ditch the jargon, cliches, and baseless claims.

Remember the mantra… clear over clever. And 7 other tips for writing clearly.

“I’m passionate about transforming organizations into innovative, people-centric, businesses with a repeatable process that delights customers.”

Oh please.

“Specialized, leadership, passionate, strategic, experienced, focused, energetic, creative…”

Lose them all.

If you knew visitors would only read your summary, what do you want them to remember about you?

6. No personal message for your invite

Do I really need to list this mistake? Guess so, because I get invites like this too often. You probably do, too.

Why it’s a problem

You sound impersonal and provide no useful reason for connecting.
Why should someone blindly hit the ‘accept’ button when it feels like this…
Hi there.
You don’t know me. We never met. Never worked together. I live far, far away. And not sure we have anything in common.
However, why not add you (a complete stranger) to my trusted network?
You in?

What to do about it

Connect with a purpose. State that purpose in your request to connect.
A few reasons for connecting could be…

• You read and appreciated their blog post
• Maybe they could use your skills in the future
• Maybe there’s a reason to partner and do business together
• You know someone in common

You don’t need to write much, in fact, don’t. Be clear and succinct with your reason for connecting.

See all 7 mistakes, how to correct them, and the complete Hootsuite blog post.

LinkedIn Adds New Hub For Meeting In Person

By

Lisa Marie Segarra

 

LinkedIn took professional networking online. Now it wants to help people network in person again.

The Microsoft-owned social media network for professionals announced Tuesday that it's adding a new feature called Events that lets users organize in-person meetings. The new feature, which goes live in English speaking countries on Thursday, allows users to send out invites and provides attendees a place to discuss event details. 

Hosts can use filters search to search their networks for people they want to invite, including by location, company, industry, and school. Users can also make their events searchable so that others can join the events as well. 

Read the full Fortune article