Build a More Powerful LinkedIn Profile Now

Are you LinkedIn? Many job seekers already regard LinkedIn as their most valuable social media platform, and new features are being added all the time. Staying up to date can help you land your next position.  If you're already on LinkedIn, good for you!  It's a powerful tool to help in your search for your dream career.  Learn how to use LinkedIn to take your job search to the next level. Get ready to polish up your profile and reach out to more people!  Here's six quick tips on how you can create a sizzling profile on LinkedIn!

1. Write a compelling summary. Capture interest with a summary that tells an engaging story and describes your unique value. Keep it brief. An ideal length is about 150 to 300 words. Instead of just giving your job title, provide an aspirational summary that features the value an employer can expect from you!  
   
   
2. Showcase your accomplishments. Use the experience section and links to other websites to demonstrate what you can contribute. Quantify your achievements and present your best work samples. 
   
   
3. Optimize your photo. Include a professional-looking photograph that conveys your personality. You want potential employers to be able to see your face. No selfies or pets allowed!  
   
   
4. Customize your URL. Visit the LinkedIn help section for instructions on customizing your public profile URL. It will help you to show up sooner in search engine results.  
   
   
5. Pull it all together. These days, it's common to change positions and even careers frequently. Give your profile a once over to ensure that it has a cohesive theme. Check that the details are consistent across different sections. Again, make sure your summary statement is compelling and really describes your career - whether it's a public policy professional, problem solver, nonprofit executive, or higher education consultant.  Position yourself as an expert.  
   
   
6. Stay updated. Promptly add significant new developments to your profile. Examine your language to remove terms that are becoming overused and add the latest industry buzzwords.  One of my favorite LinkedIn articles recently shared the 100 most overused job words.  Take a look and try not to overuse them. I mean "strategic," "passionate," and "leadership" show up on the list!  Who knew?​

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With these tips, you can begin working over that profile until it's a thing of beauty.  If you took away a valuable tip or have one to add, leave a comment, like the post, or share it!  

Andrala Walker is the CEO of Envision Career Success at www.envisioncareersuccess.com.