LinkedIn – How To Build a Better Profile

how to — By Angie Robinson on January 10, 2011 at 8:00 am

I do this for a living – teach people how to manage their online presence – so yes, you should listen to me. (grin). Your LinkedIn profile is basically your resume online, only better. Sure, you have the ability to showcase your professional development and career history. But it’s more than that. You can create a profile that allows me to “meet you” online. I should be able to view your LinkedIn profile and get a good sense of who you are.

Here are a couple of easy change you can make right now to improve your LinkedIn profile.

Fix that URL

First things first – and most people completely miss this important step. Log in to LinkedIn. Click on “Edit Profile”. The last item in the light blue box says “Public Profile”.

What does it say? Probably something like Mr. Trump’s. Now, he may not need to improve his reach in search engine results, but most of us do. So, let’s fix that right now. Click on the “Edit” tab next to your confusing URL. Now just type a better URL in the white box. Remember URL’s do not allow spaces between words. The best choice for your new URL is your first and last name. http://www.linkedin.com/in/angierobinson If it is not available, choose a URL that will allow people to find you and remains professional.

Sell Yourself Before I Even Meet You

Who are You? Are you a good fit for my company? Would I like to do business with you? Would I like to know you? Your LinkedIn profile can share more than your resume.

Recommendations – get them. Co-workers, clients, employers, even friends. Every profile should have at least 5 recommendations. Nothing you say about yourself will ever mean as much as what others say about you.

Summary / Specialties – Take some time to review these sections. Are they up to date? Easy to read quickly?

Additional Information – What do your interests look like? All work and no play makes you look like a dull person.

Groups & Associations – Find at least two. LinkedIn has hundreds of groups – join a few.

Applications – “The Amazon Reading List” application is an often overlooked little gold nugget. Do you read? Do you keep up with your industry? Tell me! Show me that engaged brain.

Bottom Line

Your online appearance is important. Over 80% of all companies look for YOU on LinkedIn. What does your LinkedIn profile say about you?

As always, if you need tips or assistance, just get in touch with me. I truly enjoy helping folks understand how to use social media to create and improve their Brand!