Many people may underestimate the power of a well-crafted LinkedIn profile. Building
connections on this platform not only strengthens the user’s network, but it allows them to
display themselves as a dedicated professional that wants to further their career.
LinkedIn gives users the chance to tell employers more about themselves than a typical resume allows.
However, there are some crucial factors when making a LinkedIn profile that can make or break
the effectiveness of it.
For starters, it is important to have a professional profile picture and cover
photo that improve the appearance of the user’s profile. In the profile picture, the user should
wear professional clothing and be in front of a simple background. If there is too much going on
in the photo, it may look unprofessional, and that may detract from the user’s qualifications.
Another important part of a strong LinkedIn profile is the biography section. One should use this
portion to their advantage, for it allows for more creativity than a typical resume can handle. One
should fill this space with their passions in the industry, a brief summary of their work
experience, why they would make a good employee, and their unique skills. Although this is the
same general idea of what is on a resume, this allows for more elaboration and creativity.
Finally, the user should always attempt to connect with as many other users as possible. The
more connections the user has, the more visible they will become on the platform. This allows
for more recruiters to stumble upon their page, potentially leading to more job offers. Although
these tips are simple, they are effective in catching recruiters’ eyes and furthering one’s career.
For more on LinkedIn, view this short video by Robert Braathe
Article by Shannon Donnelly, UMass