How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

As a recruiter, I review hundreds of profiles on LinkedIn every day. This may sound surprising but I rarely find good profiles. A good profile in my opinion is one that clearly and interestingly reflects your professional history. Sometimes candidates complain about being contacted and asked to discuss unsuitable vacancies. There could be other reasons but usually the key lies in you. Or rather in your profile. This article is about how to improve it, make it professional and attract the right people (recruiters, hiring managers, partners, mentors, etc.).

• You're in full control of the content on your profile and you decide what to share with your network. For example, you can switch on or switch off sharing changes and updates with your connections.
• Upload a photo which represents you. First of all, yes, it is necessary. LinkedIn profiles with a photo are more credible and appealing. You'll receive much more connection requests than people without a photo. Second, use a head shot photo of yourself. And you should be recognizable. No other people, children, pets or something else should be in the photo.
• Always write from the first person. Profiles written from the third person perspective are perceived as pompous and less authentic.
• Update your headline. It's a short line under your name. As it is visible along with your name and photo when you post or comment on LinkedIn, it is a good opportunity to standout with a representative headline. If you don't update it yourself then by default it will show your recent role and employer. A customized headline is more interesting and engaging. A headline is limited by 120 characters but I recommend to limit yourself to approximately 75 characters as the rest would be seen only if someone opens your profile. Separate the phrases with vertical bars.
• Personalize the URL of your profile. Nothing fancy, just delete the numbers of the autogenerated URL. It will look more professional.
• Keep your industry and location up-to-date. You can edit it by clicking on the pencil at the top of your profile. I met many candidates who changed their industry or location but didn't update it and they didn't get any job opportunities. That's because their profiles were not even there in the search for the right recruiters. This is how LinkedIn search works.
• Your profile summary is your elevator pitch. It's the number one thing recruiters look at when viewing your profile. As a recruiter, I can confirm it. Use your summary as an opportunity to introduce yourself and highlight your key skills, experience and accomplishments.
• Update your work experience. Be concise and to the point. Use bullet points or write short paragraphs that are easier to read. Think about your background and how can you differentiate it from other people with the same experiences. Imagine that you are explaining what you do to your grandparents. After your explanation, apart from the fact that they should understand what you do, they should also be proud of what you do.
• Add at least 5 skills to your profile. Profiles with skills appear more often in searches and receive more views. You can add up to 50 skills to your profile, and your 1st-degree connections can endorse you for these skills.

If you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed don't worry. You are not alone. You don't have to do it on your own. Search for similar to you profiles, chances are you'll be inspired and have some ideas what to add to your profile and how to improve it. Ask your colleagues and mentors. Sometimes our network knows us better than we do.

I'm not a guru, and I constantly continue improving my profile. The sky is the limit. However, should you have any questions please reach out to me. And if you have other ideas how to make a LinkedIn profile better please share in the comments below.