The Career Connection
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR
Your strategic partner for outsourced human resources solutions.
Stay ahead with our monthly digest, which features expert insights, the latest job postings, and invaluable search advice from seasoned HR and recruitment professionals.
In this edition:
Active Job Posts
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR helps organizations with either a lean or no HR department by providing customized HR, recruitment, and training solutions. Since 1995, we’ve connected job seekers with their ideal employers from a wide range of industries. Click the links below to learn more about each role and apply today.
Find a full list of our job postings here.
Creating a Standout LinkedIn Profile: Tips for Professional Networking Success
In today’s professional world, having a standout LinkedIn profile is essential. Whether you’re actively job hunting or looking to expand your professional network, a well-crafted LinkedIn page can set you apart. Think of your profile as your online resume combined with your personal brand—a space to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. A great LinkedIn profile doesn’t just tell people what you do; it highlights who you are professionally and helps you stand out in a competitive environment.
Start with a Professional Photo and Catchy Headline
Your profile photo is the first thing people see, so make it count. Choose a high-quality, professional image where you look approachable, confident, and polished. Avoid casual selfies, blurry pictures, or anything that doesn’t align with a professional image.
Next, focus on your headline. This critical piece of real estate should do more than list your job title. It should communicate your value and expertise. For instance, instead of “Marketing Manager,” opt for something more engaging like “Creative Marketing Specialist | Social Media Strategies Wiz | Driving Brand Growth.” This approach grabs attention and provides insight into what makes you unique.
Write a Captivating Summary
Your LinkedIn summary is your opportunity to tell your professional story in a personal and engaging way. Write in the first person to make it relatable and authentic. Start with a compelling opening line that captures attention, then highlight your key skills, career milestones, and passions.
For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability in marketing, mention how this drives your work. Keep it concise but powerful—this section should give viewers a clear sense of your professional identity and what motivates you.
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Highlight Work Experience with Achievements
When detailing your work experience, go beyond listing job duties. Use bullet points to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities that set you apart. For example, instead of “Managed social media campaigns,” write, “Spearheaded innovative social media campaigns that increased engagement by 100% and doubled follower count within six months.”
This approach emphasizes your impact and demonstrates your value to potential employers or collaborators.
Leverage Skills and Recommendations
The Skills section is crucial for improving your profile’s searchability and credibility. List skills that align with your career goals and expertise, such as “Content Marketing,” “Data Analysis,” or “Team Leadership.” Encourage colleagues and clients to endorse these skills—it strengthens your profile’s legitimacy.
Additionally, ask for recommendations from former managers, colleagues, or clients who can vouch for your work ethic, expertise, and character. Be specific about what you’d like them to emphasize to ensure their input aligns with your professional narrative.
Customize Your LinkedIn URL
A personalized LinkedIn URL enhances your professional image and makes your profile easier to share. For instance, change your default URL to something clean and memorable, like linkedin.com/in/yourname. This small tweak adds polish and professionalism to your profile.
Stay Active and Engage Regularly
Consistency is key to building your professional presence on LinkedIn. Regularly post content relevant to your industry, share articles, and comment on others’ posts to showcase your engagement and thought leadership. By maintaining an active presence, you keep your profile dynamic and visible, reinforcing your expertise in your field.
Join LinkedIn Groups and Network Strategically
LinkedIn groups are a valuable tool for networking and staying updated on industry trends. Join groups related to your field, participate in discussions, and connect with other professionals. These interactions help you build relationships, learn from peers, and boost your profile’s visibility.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Fresh and Engaging
Crafting a standout LinkedIn profile takes effort, but it’s worth it. Focus on building your professional brand, showcasing your expertise, and staying active on the platform. Regular updates and engagement can open new career opportunities and expand your network.
Ready to level up your professional networking? Start updating your LinkedIn profile today and watch the opportunities roll in. Happy networking!
Thank you to Ashly Avery , Talent Acquisition Consultant, for lending her expertise to this article.
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR helps organizations with either a lean or no HR department by providing customized HR, recruitment, and training solutions. We’ve been providing human resources and recruiting expertise to organizations of all sizes for nearly three decades, and we’re proud to be recognized as a leader in our industry. Learn more about us by visiting our website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.