2023 Guide to Making Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out

Having a LinkedIn profile is crucial, no matter what stage of the job-search process you are in.

LinkedIn stands as the largest professional network globally with over 875 million users worldwide and growing. If you are serious about advancing your career, it is essential to understand how to optimize and keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date. Your LinkedIn profile is your gateway to connecting with hundreds or even thousands of professionals in your industry, which is especially important when you're on the job hunt.

Yet, merely having a LinkedIn page will not suffice. You need an impressive LinkedIn profile that grabs attention, communicates effectively, and facilitates meaningful connections with individuals who can aid your career growth.

Here are 11 tips to elevate your LinkedIn profile:

1. Customize Your URL: Having a customized LinkedIn URL makes your profile look more professional, memorable, easier to find and share. Employers expect you to have an online professional brand that aligns with your resume and current job goals plus it boosts your credibility and most employers do check your LinkedIn profile. Below are the step by step instructions on how to create a customized URL:

   1. Log in to your LinkedIn account

   2. Go to your profile page

   3. Look for the “Edit public profile & URL” button

   4. Click on “Edit” next to your current URL

   5. Customize your URL using up to 30 characters

   6. Click on “Save”

   1. Here are some tips for choosing a LinkedIn URL:

      1. Keep it short and sweet – aim for a URL that is easy to remember and type

      2. Use your real name – this will make it easier for people to find you

      3. Avoid using numbers or random characters – these can make your URL look unprofessional

      4. Choose something unique – try to select a URL that isn’t being used by other LinkedIn users

      5. Consider incorporating relevant keywords – this can help improve your visibility in search results

2. Add a Professional Headshot: Start by uploading a high-quality headshot. Your profile picture is the first impression people get of you, so invest in a professional image if possible. A missing photo can lead to being overlooked. For an added plus, have a banner image (this is the strip that is behind you profile picture that spans across the screen.

3. Craft an Eye-catching Headline: Your headline is the text below your name on your profile and is the first thing visitors read. Rather than just stating your job title, use it as a mini advertisement for yourself. Highlight your specialty and the value you bring to your industry.

4. Create an Engaging Summary: Your summary is an opportunity to tell your professional story in more detail. Be concise, creative, and informative. Showcase your skills and what you can offer to prospective employers.

5. Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords throughout your profile to improve discoverability. Align your profile with the skills and job descriptions that are relevant to your field.

6. Highlight Your Experience: Go beyond simply copying your resume. Provide a brief yet compelling description of each job you've held, focusing on your achievements and the impact you've made.

7. Showcase Your Skills: Ensure your skills section is up to date, featuring your most relevant and marketable skills. This section is crucial for recruiters looking for specific skill sets.

8. Leverage Visual Media: Add a background photo to make your profile stand out. Videos, infographics, or other media to your profile to enhance its appeal. Everyone posts with a picture. Be different.

9. Expand Your Network: Grow your connections continually, focusing on individuals you know personally or have worked with. If connecting with strangers, send a personalized short message explaining your intent.

10. Request Recommendations: Having a LinkedIn profile is not enough. Reach out to past colleagues or professional contacts for recommendations. These endorsements provide credibility.

11. Check Your Profile Strength: Aim for an "All-Star" profile strength rating by filling out your profile thoroughly. Ensure it is complete and includes all relevant information.

These are given but important to remember:

• Update Contact Information: Keep your contact details current to ensure potential employers can reach you easily. Check your email address (make sure that is also easy and memorable)

• Privacy Settings: Make your profile public to increase its visibility in search results. (But keep is private while you are updating)

• Be Thorough: Pay attention to details when adding information to your profile, including completion dates for educational achievements and employment dates. What you enter here should match your resume and hiring documents.

• Stay Current: Update your LinkedIn profile promptly with any changes in employment, skills, or other important details.

• Stay Active: Engage with others' posts, join relevant groups, and share informative content regularly. Establish yourself as an industry expert by sharing timely insights.

Stand out on LinkedIn by following these tips to create a compelling profile that showcases your professional strengths and attracts opportunities.