The last time I investigated, there were estimated to be around 380+ million members on the worldwide professional networking site known as LinkedIn – a number that’s steadily increasing. Yet even though so many have jumped on board the LinkedIn express, it’s debateable how many are fully leveraging what’s on offer via this professional social media site to stand out in their job search.
At this stage, it’s still possible to stand out from many of your competitors by crafting a professionally written LinkedIn profile. Keyword optimisation will increase your search rankings, as will a fully utilised profile; and content that’s approachable and engaging is highly likely to increase your networking and other professional opportunities. Here are som eof the key things you need your profile to do:
Highlight your knowledge and enthusiasm:
A professionally written profile should brag about your expertise, strengths and abilities via a personalised (perhaps somewhat modest) tone. In addition, putting the investment and effort into your LinkedIn profile to achieve an ‘all star’ rating will indicate to that hefty global audience that that’s how you tick on a professional level – you’re willing to put in the extra work to get results.
Increase brand exposure, and then some:
Whether you’re an individual or a business, a professionally written profile – along with regular interactions – will expand your brand presence and reach. Just reiterating there’s currently around 380+ million members signed up to LinkedIn, equating to an immense amount of professional opportunities for introducing and promoting your brand – beyond what you could ever imagine.
Create an easier way to stay attuned to prospects:
I’m tipping that in the future hardcopy business cards will be a thing of the past. I don’t know about you, but I’m regularly reaching for online channels to look up colleagues, customers and other stakeholders’ contact details. Keeping your professionally penned
profile up-to-date will ensure you’re always findable and contactable when opportunities arise. In addition, regular interactions will keep you top-of-mind across your LinkedIn networks.
Uncover jobs and other opportunities:
More and more recruiters are using LinkedIn to advertise jobs and seek candidates. If you’re in the market for a new job, or you’re someone who likes to keep their professional ‘door’ slightly ajar, an adequately written LinkedIn profile will help you to be found and engaged with. LinkedIn has also just updated its job posting system, so you can suss out any relevant connections before applying. Many of today’s jobs involve personal networks.
These are some of the key reasons why it’s highly important to ensure your LinkedIn profile is professionally written to optimise your brand’s prospects. Why not put in the effort to move up to first class on the LinkedIn express, while it’s still under-utilised by many.
