How To Stand Out On LinkedIn

If you are a job seeker, a consultant or small business owner then LinkedIn is a valuable resource.  So, this week I would like to take a few minutes to explain how to enhance the purpose and value of your LinkedIn profile. 
 
Clients often tell me that they use their LinkedIn profile as an online version of their resume, (if a job seeker) or networking brief, (if a consultant), but really, LinkedIn is so much more than that.  The primary difference is that the resume should only contain information pertinent to a job search or a specific role being targeted; and a networking brief should only contain information pertinent to a service being offered or niche being filled.  Furthermore, these documents need to highlight accomplishments and skills in no more than two pages so discerning quality of information over quantity is important.   On the other hand, LinkedIn is a much more robust platform that enables you to position yourself comprehensively and market your value in a highly competitive way.   LinkedIn should contain the information that is pertinent to your overall career story and objectives including full job history, recommendations, projects, awards, certifications, etc.
 
Most importantly, LinkedIn is often the first professional impression that an employer or client gets of you, so it is important that our profile represents you well.  Here are some things to definitely consider:
 
Header:  This is the most important part of your profile as it introduces you to colleagues, potential employers, hiring managers and recruiters.  Be sure in this section that you have a professional title followed by a tagline or key areas of expertise and that you have customized your LinkedIn URL.  Also, in order to show up on the first few search pages of LinkedIn, the “current position” field must be populated with a current company if working or with an impact statement if not. 
 
Furthermore, highly consider including a photo in your profile; that is a professional photo.  Not a selfie or a photo from last call at the bar with your friend cropped out.   If you are not comfortable uploading your photo, then choose an image that represents you professionally.  And last of all, consider adding a way to contact you in the contact section; maybe an email created just for LinkedIn purposes or a Twitter handle.
 
Summary:  In addition to a standout headline, the summary is the next key element in your LinkedIn profile. It's your opportunity to write a personal bio and show some personality, which is not really an option in paper marketing documents.  Within your summary, you have the opportunity to show your creative expression and to leverage your skills and expertise in the way you see fit.  Use this section to highlight your skills and knowledge, but more importantly to explain how you have and will solve problems for your employers or clients, and therefore bring value to them.   This is also the place to demonstrate not only what you can do and how you do it, but also who you are and how it is to work with you.  More often than not, employers or clients will check out your profile before meeting with you so keep your summary professional but also have some fun and let your authenticity and unique character shine through. 
 
Work History:  It is within this section that you can really showcase the skills that you utilized in each of your roles.  Under your different job titles, create bullet points that show what you accomplished and the positive impact or benefit of your accomplishment to the organization, team, end user or client. 
 
Recommendations:  Recommendations on LinkedIn are essential.  They now stand in lieu of letters of recommendation from past employers and enable potential employers or clients to get a positive reference before even meeting you.  If you can gather several recommendations from former or current colleagues, supervisors, customers or clients, you are giving your professional life a much deserved booster shot. 
 
Additional Fields:  Be sure that you are using any additional fields that pertain to you as well.  Hobbies and interests offer a glimpse into your personality and what is important to you, and volunteer work shows added skills, areas of expertise and causes that you are about.  LinkedIn also has sections to include projects you have worked on or are working on, articles you have written or publications you have contributed to in addition to certifications or awards that you have earned.
 
Use your account: LinkedIn is about more than just building your network; it is about engaging them.  It is great to grow the number of your contact but once you are connected, the benefit really comes from sharing thoughts, information and ideas with them.  I suggest using your status bar to offer quick shares such as articles, other posts, inspirational quotes or weekly tips in your field.  Furthermore, the Pulse, (blog) section of is a great place to share your expertise and knowledge while positioning yourself as current, relevant and a subject matter expert in your field.  Lastly, joining groups are an excellent way to build your network and participate in discussions that further your reputation as knowledgeable and reputable. 
 
Today employers and clients expect to that most everyone can be found on LinkedIn.  Be sure to include your customized LinkedIn URL on all of your marketing materials for easy accessibility and keeping in mind that LinkedIn is now the new first impression before the boardroom handshake, make it strong and memorable.
 
Wishing you a successful week!

Lysa