Boost Your LinkedIn Impact: Top Tips from a LinkedIn Insider

LinkedIn has become essential for professionals globally, especially here in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, where it’s a powerful tool for networking, learning, and career growth. Recently, I attended a session led by the incredible Hannah Sabri, a Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn, who shared some game-changing insights on optimising LinkedIn profiles. Here are the key takeaways that stood out to me.

Be Authentic

Your LinkedIn profile is more than a CV; it’s your personal brand. A professional photo, a well-crafted summary, and showcasing your skills can boost engagement significantly—profiles with a professional photo receive up to 21 times more views. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Use the “Open to Work” Feature

If you’re job hunting, make sure you activate the “Open to Work” feature. Profiles with this enabled are 2.8 times more likely to attract recruiter attention. Specify the roles and locations you’re interested in to increase your chances of landing the right opportunity.

Follow Companies and Hashtags

Strategically following companies and hashtags can keep you informed and connected. Whether you’re eyeing Xero or Air New Zealand, following their updates can give you an edge by staying informed about news and job openings. Industry-related hashtags like #AI or #Sustainability help you keep up with relevant trends.

Leverage Video Content

Video content isn’t just for influencers—it’s a powerful tool for everyone. Short, authentic videos in your posts or updates can dramatically increase your profile’s visibility and engagement. Whether it’s sharing industry insights or a project update, videos are a compelling way to connect with your audience and make a strong impact.

Engage with “Elevate, Educate, and Celebrate”

Consistency in posting is key, and the “Elevate, Educate, and Celebrate” strategy is an excellent framework:

? Elevate: Share content that lifts others up, like celebrating a colleague’s success.

? Educate: Provide valuable insights or tips relevant to your industry.

? Celebrate: Highlight your milestones or achievements to humanise your profile.

Even posting once a week can increase your visibility by up to 6 times.

Keep Your Skills Updated

Profiles with five or more skills listed get up to 17 times more profile views. Regularly update your skills to reflect your current abilities and align with industry trends. It’s a simple way to keep your profile relevant and attractive to potential employers.

Collect and Give Recommendations

Recommendations are more than just compliments; they’re powerful endorsements. Regularly ask for and give recommendations to build credibility and showcase specific skills and accomplishments.

Optimise Your Headline

Your headline is the first thing people see, so make it count. Go beyond your job title—include keywords that reflect your expertise and what you offer. A strong headline can significantly increase your discoverability.

Manage Your Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are crucial for controlling how your information is shared on LinkedIn. Hannah emphasised the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting privacy settings to match your comfort level and career goals. Whether you want to limit who can see your profile, control connection requests, or manage what information is visible to recruiters, LinkedIn’s privacy settings give you the flexibility to do so.

Take a moment to explore the “Settings & Privacy” section of your LinkedIn profile. Adjust your settings to ensure you’re comfortable with who can view your profile, see your updates, and contact you. This is especially important if you’re actively job hunting or if you want to maintain a more private professional presence.

So grateful to Hannah Sabri for the expert advice in the session. Your advice is just what we need to make LinkedIn work harder for us!

I hope these highlights inspire you to take a fresh look at your profile. Whether you’re on the lookout for new opportunities, building meaningful connections, or staying informed in your industry, remember that your online presence is a powerful tool. How you choose to shape it is up to you—so what story will you tell next?