LinkedIn is the ultimate social network for professional networking. Having a profile and being active on this platform allows you to connect with people who share similar interests and career paths. Your LinkedIn profile also serves as your business card to other professionals, recruiters and companies.
If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, it's time to create one! Knowing the importance of this platform, make the most of it to open doors to new opportunities.
You could say that quality is more important than quantity on this platform. That's why it's sometimes better to include only the most relevant information and filter what you present, especially if it's out of date.
Here are the top 10 factors our consultants look for when sourcing talent. Now you have no excuse not to have a top-notch profile!
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Choose the right photo: Given the professional nature of LinkedIn, we recommend using a similar or identical photo to the one on your CV. Before you choose, read our article with tips on choosing the right CV photo. Apply the same tips to your cover photo to ensure a visually cohesive profile.
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Edit your headline and summary: Write a brief introduction to your professional life in these sections. This is the first impression others will get of you and will help them decide whether to learn more about you. If you are currently working, you can include your current position in the headline or, if you prefer, mention the areas in which you specialise. The summary should consist of three paragraphs of no more than three sentences each. They should answer the following questions What do you currently do? What can you offer? What are you looking for? Use relevant keywords in your field to increase your visibility when recruiters search for profiles like yours!
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Add sections to your profile: Below your profile picture you will find an "Add sections" button. Fill in as much relevant information as you can. This will help you create a well-organised and complete profile that makes important information easily accessible.
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Detail your experience and education: Here you should list your academic background and work experience. It's important to include a brief description of each stage, explaining what you've done and what you've learned. Remember, you don't have to include everything - just the details that are most relevant to your current job.
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Highlight your skills: Below the previous sections, there's an area where you can highlight the skills you've acquired. Adding your skills will help recruiters find you when they are looking for candidates with specific skills. In addition, LinkedIn allows you to take courses to improve and validate your skills or request endorsements from colleagues. This will help you build credibility with your network.
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Expand your network: Connect with people who are relevant to your area of expertise. We recommend maintaining connections with profiles that are similar to yours - in terms of interests and industry - to access valuable content and reach key contacts. When sending connection requests, you can also add a message to create a new connection and even start a conversation.
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Join interest groups: Join groups focused on topics that interest you, both professionally and personally. You'll discover new content, learning opportunities and potential connections. It's a great way to expand your network!
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Customise your profile URL: This is a small detail, but it makes your profile look more professional. We recommend using your first and last name and avoiding punctuation and special characters. To do this, go to the "Edit profile" menu and your URL will look like this: https://linkedin.com/name-surname/
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Add the "Open to Work" tag: If you are looking for a job, go to your profile and click the "Open to" button to indicate which opportunities you are interested in. Be clear about your goals and realistic in your description but keep an open mind to opportunities that might be a good fit.
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Share content: To have an engaging profile and start conversations with your connections, you can create posts or interact with others. This is a great way to showcase your knowledge and interests while strengthening your online presence.
These are Axxon's top 10 tips for optimising your LinkedIn profile. Put them into practice to ensure you project a strong and positive image. Follow us on our profile to keep up to date with the latest job opportunities. Your next opportunity could be just around the corner!
