Building a Strong LinkedIn Profile: Dos and Don'ts

LinkedIn is your digital resume and professional network. A well-crafted profile can open doors to new opportunities. Here's what you should and shouldn't do: ?

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2. Crafting a LinkedIn Profile that Shines Brightly - Job Skills

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Dos

Profile Picture

• Choose a professional headshot. A clear, recent photo that shows your face is essential. ?

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• Dress appropriately. Business attire is usually best, but it depends on your industry.
• Smile naturally. A friendly expression makes you approachable.

Example: A smiling professional wearing a suit or business casual attire, with a clean background.

Headline

• Be specific and informative. Clearly state your role, industry, and value proposition.
• Use keywords. Incorporate relevant keywords to improve search visibility. ?

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• Highlight your unique selling point. What sets you apart from others in your field?

Example: "Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO Expert | Driving Online Growth"

Summary

• Write in the first person. Use a conversational tone to connect with readers. ?

1. How to Write a LinkedIn Summary (with Examples)

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• Highlight your key skills and experiences. Showcase your accomplishments and value.
• Use keywords strategically. Optimize your summary for search engines.
• Keep it concise. Aim for 2-3 paragraphs.

Example: "As a Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience, I excel in crafting and executing effective online marketing campaigns. My expertise in SEO, PPC, and social media has driven significant growth for clients in the tech industry. I am passionate about staying ahead of industry trends and delivering measurable results."

Experience

• Use action verbs. Start each bullet point with strong action verbs (e.g., achieved, developed, led).
• Quantify your accomplishments. Use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., increased sales by 20%).
• Tailor your experience to the job you want. Highlight relevant skills and responsibilities.

Example: "Increased website traffic by 30% through SEO optimization and content marketing initiatives."

Skills & Endorsements

• List your core competencies. Include both technical and soft skills.
• Ask for endorsements. Encourage connections to endorse your skills. ?

1. How to Ask for & Get Endorsements on LinkedIn | TopResume

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Recommendations

• Request recommendations from former colleagues or clients. Positive recommendations build credibility. ?

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?

Education

• List your degrees, schools, and graduation dates. Include relevant coursework or honors.

Additional Sections

• Volunteer experience: Showcase your community involvement.
• Projects: Highlight personal or professional projects.
• Certifications: List relevant certifications.
• Publications: Share articles or publications you've authored.

Don'ts

• Use a blurry or unprofessional photo.
• Write a generic or boring headline.
• Overuse jargon or technical terms.
• Ignore the summary section.
• List job responsibilities without accomplishments.
• Neglect to update your profile regularly.
• Accept all endorsement requests.
• Overlook the importance of recommendations.

By following these guidelines, you can create a LinkedIn profile that effectively showcases your professional brand and helps you connect with the right people.

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