You’re happily employed and not planning on looking for a new job anytime soon. Do you really need to create or keep a LinkedIn profile online? The short answer: yes. Here’s why.
Thousands of recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to search out candidates that are a good fit for their positions. A great opportunity for you could be just around the corner if they can find you.
Even if you like your current job, there could be an employer who’s offering something better, an opportunity you’d consider if you knew about it. And in order to stay on the radar of these hiring managers and recruiters, you need to keep your LinkedIn profile updated.
Another reason LinkedIn is important to maintain? It helps you keep a record of your most recent job activities. If you regularly update it, you can add new projects, different skills, online classes, testimonials and more, so it’s always fresh. If and when you do decide to look for a job, you’ll have far less work to do when creating your resume. You’ll simply be able to reference your LinkedIn profile as a starting point.
So, now that you know why it’s important to keep your LinkedIn profile up and running – even if you’re not looking for a new job – how can you polish it so it’s as professional as possible?
- Keep it concise. The average attention span of online readers is short. It’s therefore important to be brief and keep the text as concise as possible. Make sure you’re calling out key skills and accomplishments only.
- Upload a picture. LinkedIn profiles without photos come across as phony. Instead, make sure you include a picture of yourself that looks professional. It doesn’t have to be an expert headshot, just a clean, clear shot of you.
- Tell a story. A LinkedIn profile is a little different from a resume. You’re applying for a particular position with a resume. For your LinkedIn profile, you’re simply showcasing who you are and what you do. You, therefore, have a more freedom to tell a story about your career and show some personality.
- Include work samples, references and testimonials. You can include your LinkedIn URL on your resume, where you highlight work samples, have references and testimonials and offer other information relevant to your skills and abilities. You can look at it as an expanded version of your resume that can set you apart from other candidates.
Need more help with your LinkedIn profile?
The LinkedIn profile writers at ResumeSpice are here for you. We know how to create a profile that’s polished and powerful, one that stands out to hiring managers and recruiters. If you’re ready to learn more, call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
