Ways to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile

Curate Your Groups

Join your university’s alumni network to make sure you stay in the loop with what’s going on with other alum. You never know when a career opportunity might pop up and you can use your school ties to get an in.

Update Your Current Responsibilities

Add multimedia components to visually show off your work. This not only provides an actual portfolio piece a recruiter can grab, but it boosts the overall appearance of your profile.

Filter Through Your Skills and Endorsements

Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, or any other universally known programs usually shouldn’t make it, at least not at the top of your list.

Customize Your LinkedIn URL

Here’s how to do it in three steps:

1. Click on profile
2. Click edit profile
3. Click edit right under your photo

For the most professional URL, try https://linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname. If that isn’t available, add your middle initial or industry (e.g., KaitlynRussellWriter). Then, try to make sure all of your platforms and emails are consistent for one professional brand.

Ask for a Recommendation

When you’re reaching out for that rec, make sure to keep the request personal and include why you think this person would be great to write it for you. Just don’t forget to offer to write one in return.

Update Your Photo

You know the importance of your LinkedIn photo. It needs to show that you’re confident, successful, and trustworthy—you know the drill. So, as hard as it may be, now is the time to delete that half-cropped photo of you at a party, or the selfie (yes, even if you look great) and get professional.

Follow the Right People

Believe it or not, LinkedIn goes way beyond your personal network. It allows you to keep up with people in your industry as well as successful people who inspire you. By following key leaders and influencers, your newsfeed will fill up with advice that’s relevant to you.

Rewrite Your Headline

Your headline is one of the first things people when they view your profile. Here’s a not-so-well-known fact: Every time you change your current position or company, LinkedIn defaults your headline to your updated title. As you might guess, that’s not the best way to attract recruiters. Instead, you want a compelling and unique headline to make you stand out from every other user on the site.

Connect With Your Team Members

Seeing that it's a professional network, it’s important that you use it to your advantage and keep up with everyone in your office. Depending on your company size, you can connect with just your department, or extend it to other people as well.

"CONTINUE TO RISE!!"