LinkedIn sites are important for professionals, especially if you have a unique skills set or work background. Simple and straight forward sites are also handy for post graduate students. They are less useful for line workers because recruiters don’t cruise for them online.
Job Titles
Your profile headline and job titles are weighted heavily in LinkedIn’s search algorithms. State the most accurate name for what you do if your formal title isn’t clear.
Your Profile picture
Have an updated photo that is not more than one year old. The image should be a headshot with a plain, neutral background. Look warm and engaging – even if you’re not.
Keywords
Search the current job openings that you are a fit for and note the critical skills and experiences they want. Identify five or six typical job tasks you perform and list these keyword job skills throughout your profile (but not too many).
Work Experience
Focus on what you do. DON’T include long, generic job descriptions. Add measurable results and a few accomplishments. Distinguish how you have cut costs, developed or created something new, added to the sales revenues, enhanced productivity and important process/system/organisational improvements you have made.
Recommendations
These mini references can be effective. Ask a few bosses, clients, or colleagues to write one for you.
Summary
Tell people about what work you do and what you are good at. Keep it genuine and authentic. Imagine you were networking in person – what would you say about yourself in 30 seconds?
Connections are good
LinkedIn advises you to connect with 300-500 individuals that you know to have a good network. The more common connections you have with any searcher (recruiter, hiring manager, prospective client, etc.), the higher your profile will be in their results.