Spring Clean Your LinkedIn Profile in 11 Minutes or Less

As a fellow LinkedIn user brilliantly said (it was a she by the way), "we are prepping for a new changed world."

Now, more than ever, professionals around the world are browsing the platform every single day - for knowledge, their next job, to network, and probably a dozen other reasons. Not to mention, 40% of monthly active users use LinkedIn daily (that’s over 100 million peeps).

If you have 11 minutes, that is enough time to make to build on your personal brand.

Prework: let's make this a data-driven exercise. Check your Social Selling Index (SSI). It measures how effective you are at establishing your professional brand, finding the right people, engaging with insights, and building relationships. And, even better, it is updated daily.

So, let's level up your personal brand to help

1. Find the right people
2. Engage with insights
3. Build relationships

First Things First

Header Image 

• My header image reflects my role, my brand, or my organization

Headline

• My headline is accurate (current role) or supports my brand

Profile Picture

• My profile picture is clearly me and has a professional background
• My profile picture is not a close-up selfie or too widely-cropped

Lydia Abbot, a content marketer at LinkedIn, notes in her blog about the ‘Right LinkedIn Profile Picture’ that one of the key things to ensure here is that your profile picture should be recent and clear. Abbot also details ten more helpful points in her post.

URL

• I've customized my LinkedIn profile URL

Profile Refresh

In this article, a recruitment consultant for executive search firm Michael Page, Ranjan Dua points out, “LinkedIn has a very structured approach. It has sections for everything, from stating your educational qualifications to properly mapping your job changes, and recommendations from your peers and seniors. I’m not saying everything should be completely filled to the brim, but every section should have some information, at least.”

Summary

• I’ve written a summary for my profile that has:

> An engaging opening line to draw in readers

> A pitch as to why I’m great at my job

> Keywords relevant to my role or a role I'd like to have

> A call to action with my contact information

> Work samples (if applicable)

Experience

• My experience is up-to-date
• My experience reflects the impact I’ve delivered
• I’ve included a summary of my organization (if applicable)

Recommendations

• I’ve asked for at least one recommendation

If you’re stumped on how to reach out to someone about writing you a LinkedIn recommendation, try phrasing it like this from Michele Lando, Ladders:

“Hi X,

Hope this note finds you well! I’m working on building my online footprint and I was wondering if you would be willing to share some feedback on your experience working with me? If so, I’d really appreciate it if you could write me a short LinkedIn recommendation.

Thanks, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to return the favor!

Best,

[Your Name]”

Teammates

• I’ve added my colleagues to Teammates

Skills, Awards, Education, Licenses & Certifications, Languages, Volunteering

• I’ve updated these sections with all relevant information
• For skills: I’ve taken Linkedin skills quizzes to show my ability
• For post-bachelors education: I’ve added appropriate titles or degrees to my name

Note for skills: In 2019, LinkedIn launched a feature that lets you take a quiz to determine your proficiency in skills you’ve listed.  It’s a test that will help you assess the level of your skill and will earn you a ‘Verified Skill’ badge for your profile. According to research conducted by the platform, job seekers who have the ‘Verified Skills’ badge are more likely to be hired for the jobs they apply for. 

Engagement “Starter Packs”

Posting 

• I’ve made one thoughtful post based on a topic I enjoy
• I’ve shared one interesting article
• I've shared a picture or video based on a topic I enjoy
• I've created one article

Tom Popomaronis, Massive Alliance, summary of publishing is pretty on point, "Publishing shouldn’t be an aimless pursuit. You’re going somewhere - and you need a map. The following tips have to do with knowing where you’re going, and sticking to the paths most likely to get you there."

Engagement

• I’ve added past/present colleagues, friends, and family
• I’ve followed two thought leaders, companies, hashtags relevant to my interests
• I’ve made one thoughtful comment on an update or post

Why 11 minutes and not a nice, even ten?

Take the last minute (and I can not stress this enough) to proofread. 

Helpful Links

• Changing your LinkedIn URL
• Adding Teammates
• Information on Skills Quizzes
• Updating your Header or Profile picture
• Editing a shared post
• Requesting a Recommendation
• Printer-friendly Checklist
• Need more training or insights? Message me!