Shower some sparkle on your LinkedIn profile
I know what you’re thinking, not another social network. And it’s not even a fun one *insert huffy face here*.
You may be ignoring LinkedIn but potential employers, clients, colleagues and maybe even suitors (Yup, I just used a word that your gran’s too old to remember. It’s retro!). Annoying but true, people are searching for you on there right now and you want to make sure they like what they find.
Mug Shot
You definitely want to have a picture, if nothing else it makes it easier for people who know you to connect with the right profile. Stand out by not going for the usual corporate shot, show a bit of personality…
Not a great profile picture choice
erm… not too much personality! And definitely avoid a cleavage shot.
Stop advertising the jobs you’ve done and start talking about what you DO!
Ok, so this is an SEO thing (stick with me). LinkedIn is searchable because of the words you use on your profile. If you’re profile is full of past achievements, those are the jobs searches you’ll turn up in. Use your “Summary” section and projects tab to add more information about your current achievements and future plans to ensure that’s how your seen by recruiters.
Pop in some personality
Do you blog? Have a presentation that you’re really proud of? Eclectic reading habits?
Why not include the WordPress app to share your most recent posts and install SlideShare so that you can show your powerpoint chops. Now, there is an Amazon app but think very carefully before installing it, do you really want them to know about your Mills & Boon habit?
What about all that volunteer work? Add an extra section to your profile to showcase the great work you’ve been doing in your spare time. It’s a great way of getting credit for work you’ve been doing pro bono.
Et voila! A nifty face lift for your LinkedIn profile.
*round of applause*
And if LinkedIn doesn’t do it for you, why not try some of these nifty ideas:
Milk Carton CV
Infographic CV
CV in a box
So, what makes you stand out?
Related Posts
RT @TheHighTeaCast: Having trouble with your LinkedIn profile? Fear not! @Livefreerange can help you make it sparkle http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
Shower some sparkle on your LinkedIn profile http://t.co/tyl0qVGH My most recent @TheHighTeaCast post for your Monday perusal
RT @livefreerange: Shower some sparkle on your LinkedIn profile http://t.co/tyl0qVGH My most recent @TheHighTeaCast post for your Monday perusal
Jennifer D Begg liked this on Facebook.
Here’s a social network that is going to make you stand out in the job market. @livefreerange presents Linkedin http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
RT @TheHighTeaCast: Here’s a social network that is going to make you stand out in the job market. @livefreerange presents Linkedin http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
RT @TheHighTeaCast: Here’s a social network that is going to make you stand out in the job market. @livefreerange presents Linkedin http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
Want to make your Linkedin profile really sparkle? Now is the time to do it, and @livefreerange is here to help! http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
RT @TheHighTeaCast: Want to make your Linkedin profile really sparkle? Now is the time to do it, and @livefreerange is here to help! http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
If you are looking for a job, it is time to polish your Linkedin in profile. @livefreerange shares her top tips! http://t.co/Id8Yqm7d
If you’re looking for a job, LinkedIn can really help you. This post has some great tips on creating a great profile http://t.co/RHoDAyXl
The infographic CV is amazing! I would love to use that when I next apply for a job – whenever that may be!
I got a bit worried after LinkedIn got hacked into a few months back but I think following the steps above would make it less like putting my full life out there and more like just putting myself out there.
Good job all round I say :]
Ha! Thanks Amy
LinkedIn should be doubly safe now, they got a bit of a scare with the hacking. Nothing can ever be completely safe though (sadly).
I really like the CV on the side of a milk carton idea but maybe on soup. I think soup is more me