Basics to Building a LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is the largest business-oriented networking website geared specifically towards professionals. With it’s 500 million members and growing everyday, it allows you to create an online professional brand which can help open doors to opportunities and networks that you may not have been aware of before! Here are some tips to help you in ensuring your LinkedIn profile is created optimally:

1. Add a Good Profile Photo - Ensure the photo uploaded shows your face clearly, do not upload full body photos. LinkedIn members will receive at least 9x more connection requests with a photo as it will not seem like a spam profile.
2. Add your Industry - There are more than 300k people searching LinkedIn by industry every week. If you tag yourself in the wrong industry, you may be missing out on chance to be found!
3. Draft a Compelling summary - It has to be "straight to the point" in 40 words or less. Avoid writing a lengthy one as you only have a few seconds to capture your audience.
4. Add examples of your Work - Be creative! Upload videos, photos and presentations that were created by you. Do ensure you are not sharing company sensitive information.
5. Add relevant Skills - And get endorsed by your LinkedIn Connections.
6. Add your Current Location - This will help LinkedIn customize your news and updates that appear on your feed.
7. Add a Headline - Make sure is a catchy one. Avoid common phrases like ‘highly motivated’ / ‘good communicator’.
8. Expand on Job Experience - Indicate work experience in bullet-format, avoid lengthy summaries. Also use the right key words for your tasks indicated.
9. Change your Custom URL - Edit your LinkedIn profile URL to your name and not a nickname. You can use this URL to be included in your resume.
10. Change your Banner - Upload something that relates to you or the company you work for, other than the plain Blue default banner to make your profile standout!