If you are a manager considering a new career opportunity, a well-crafted LinkedIn profile can be your key tool. This professional portal will not only allow you to showcase your skills, but also to make new contacts and gain the attention of recruiters and headhunters. So how do you make your profile stand out? Here are some practical tips.
Profile photo and cover photo: professional but authentic
First impressions are crucial, and this applies to LinkedIn too. According to Entrepreneur.com, a profile photo should look professional, but at the same time pleasant and amenable. Remember also the cover photo, which is located in the header of your profile. Unfortunately, many people leave it blank, which is a missed opportunity. Choose something that reflects your career path or the values you hold. It might be a photo from a conference, a company event, or a visual related to your field.
Strong and concise heading
The headline is one of the most important elements of your profile. Instead of generic phrases like "Manager with years of experience", go for specific wording that describes your role and the value you bring. For example: "Project management expert with a passion for digitalisation and innovation". Remember that the headline should be about not only what you do, but also what you are looking for.
Verify your profile
Getting your LinkedIn profile verified is a simple but effective step to add authenticity to your profile. Verified profiles feel more trustworthy, which is especially important in an environment full of fake accounts. Verification can help you build credibility, which is essential when making new connections and finding new opportunities.
Show what you can do
LinkedIn offers a "Featured" section where you can highlight your accomplishments, projects or key career moments. If you've published an article, led a webinar or won an award, be sure to mention it here. This section serves as your personal medallion or showcase where you can display what makes you unique.
Get your skills right
Management profiles often contain long (even endless) lists of skills. However, sometimes less is more. Focus on ensuring that the first two skills which are visible without clicking "see more" reflect the most important things you have to offer. Have in mind that colleagues can support you in these areas, which increases your credibility.
Present your experience effectively
The work experience section should not just be a list of companies you have worked for. For each position, briefly describe your role and focus on specific results and achievements. If you have implemented a new process, increased the efficiency of your team, or achieved an important goal, do not hesitate to highlight it. Include relevant documents such as press releases, articles or other media mentions to complement your experience.
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