Are you looking to take control of your career + personal brand in 2022?
LinkedIn will not only get you optimized for success, but it will also boost your online personal brand + career strategy in one space.
Data shows that 98% of recruiters and 85% of hiring managers are using LinkedIn as a hiring tool. These statistics alone are reason enough to create a profile on this platform. However if you are not yet convinced ... let's talk search ranking authority. What does "search ranking authority" mean? Simply put, when your name is googled by a recruiter or hiring manager, your LinkedIn account will land at the top of those search results. That's prime real estate baby!
However in order to get that prime real estate in the search ranking you will need to make sure your LinkedIn profile is more than 50% complete - giving you an "all star" ranking. Otherwise your profile will not show up in search results.
Here are a few quick tips to get yourself set up, optimized, and "all star" status;
Reflect: Before you create your profile, reflect on words that represent you and your strengths. These words should reinforce what you are known for. You want to create a profile that showcases your secret sauce.
Profile Photo: Select a recent photo with plain background, good lighting, looking at the camera, and where you are dressed professionally. Sizing: 400 x 400
Banner Image: This is the best real estate on your profile page. Ideally your banner should show you in your element, in real time or you can create a banner that connects to directly to what you do. Sizing: 1584 x 396
Headline: Create a headline that gets people to click on your profile using this formula; What do you do? How do you add value? What makes you different?
About Me: In this section you have the opportunity to tell your story - speak to your purpose. Who do you help? How do you help them? What's the outcome?
Experience Section: This is your digital resume. Everything here should align to where you want your career moving. Brand yourself in the direction you want to grow. This digital resume should serve as teaser so recruiters and hiring managers want to see the real thing.
Education Section: As always, be truthful. Link your school to your profile - helping you to build connections.
Skills Section: Think QUALITY over quantity. Focus on your industry and software expertise. This section is the second most important section, after your headline, for searchability.
Connections: Grow your network through contacts (professional + personal), colleagues (present + past), alumni. Send warm requests to connect.
In 2022, let’s get you feeling energized, excited, and fulfilled in your career!