Legitimizing Your Lackluster LinkedIn

Over the last few years LinkedIn has evolved to play a central role in professional networking and relationship building. I’ve come to find it very disappointing when I see a profile that looks like it was thrown together in 20 minutes, doesn’t have much thought put in to it, or is clearly overdue for an update.

If you think of yourself as a brand, think of your LinkedIn as part of your website – your profile should be thoroughly developed with care and attention. Take a look at these tips to bring your LinkedIn page to the next level.

Show your strategy — not a list of tactics

LinkedIn is a place for you to be descriptive. Bullet points are great for resumes, but they should stay there. Find the right language to bolster your experience and highlight your personal contributions and accomplishments rather than listing your daily duties like a job posting.

Introduce yourself

I’ve noticed a lot of people leave the “Summary” section blank. Why? That’s prime real estate to share insights about yourself, your motivations and your experience! Think of this space like your elevator speech, and write something compelling that will hook your readers in and make them want to know more about you.

Learn to talk the talk

Knowing your industry’s language is key. There is an endless number of ways to describe what you do, but industry lingo is clear, concise, and understandable to the masses.

Don’t hold your breath

This one’s simple. Don’t leave anything out! If you’re a college grad and still boasting about your experience as a waiter from high school that’s another story, but this is a place where more is better. It’s acceptable to brag on LinkedIn, in fact, it’s encouraged!

Roll with the punches

You never want to be in a situation where you’re actively looking for a job, but your LinkedIn says you’re still employed. Don’t pretend you have a job when you don’t, and don’t be ashamed of not having a job, because you’re one of many. You never know when one of your connections might take notice of your new employment status and consider you for an opening.

Have fun; be social

LinkedIn has groups for almost anything that are begging for participation. Joining groups shows that you’re involved in your professional community and gives you a great chance to network with alum from previous jobs or members of your industry. If you’re feeling adventurous, take it a step further and start contributing to the group conversations. Any group member can start a discussion, so why don’t you?

Author:

David Trahan is currently working at leading social marketing agency Mr Youth in New York and previously held positions with the Ad Council, Goldman Sachs and others. He is a recent graduate of Pace University where he received many scholarships and awards including the Co-op & Career Services Experiential Award, the Lubin School of Business Advertising Award and an Honors College Research Grant. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and on his website.

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