How to Structure a Perfect LinkedIn Profile

Social media has become an important point of reference for hiring companies. The saying “social media is your other cv” holds true. Thanks to social media, interviewers can have a perception about you before they meet you or call you for an interview. This implies that social media platforms could be what is standing between you and your dream job! LinkedIn is a prime example of a social media platform that interviewers can consider when finding out more about a potential candidate.

Unlike a resume, a LinkedIn profile allows you to present yourself in various dimensions and include various personal traits. To make a good first impression on recruiters, it is important to have a perfect LinkedIn profile. Below is a guide on how this can be achieved:

1. Search results and profile

It is recommended that you ensure that your profile shows for search results triggered by relevant keywords. The profile needs to contain full information where information on all important fields is included.

2. Good detailed summary

The summary section should neither be left blank nor contain sentences. This space gives you a chance to differentiate yourself from all other professionals in your field. You need to be creative and detailed in describing who you are as well as what you love to do. This section should be personal and important accomplishments should not be left out. This may include videos of important and relevant presentations made or images you consider as a highlight of your work.

3. Professional picture

The photograph to be used should be professional as it is a visual representation of you to LinkedIn users and the world. Vacation photos or those taken during parties should not be used as profile picture as they can ruin your image. The profession one is in and the target audience can help determine the photo one can opt for but the bottom line is that it should be professional. Beside the photo, you should put a professional name and a short description of yourself should fall right below it.

4. Detailed experience

It is important to include all relevant professional experience. This can help ensure that you connect with past, present and potential future employers and associates. This means that you have to include relevant projects you have worked on in the past.

5. Customize URL

This increases visibility as people can easily find you by searching your name. This ensures that people can access you easily instead of having to sift through numerous LinkedIn users with whom you share a name. It is recommended that you shorten the name to the first and last where possible. If this combination is already taken, a middle name can be included. Apart from improved visibility, this can also help create a connection with other social media platforms where prospective employers can visit to learn more about you.

6. Recommendations and endorsements

Asking for recommendations and recommending others is important. This can help ensure that you increase your professional network as you help others do so. Asking for endorsements helps ensure that potential associates are reached. Similarly, one should not ignore endorsement requests from others.

7. Use of premium accounts

Premium accounts have many features that are beneficial to the user. A person can, for instance, access information on the people who viewed their profile, get 15 introductions, and enjoy good profile visibility.

8. Good organisation

LinkedIn provides many options where people can provide information on different fields. The profile can therefore get big and this calls for good organisational skills. An organised profile creates a positive impression about you.