I’ve come to realize the importance of maintaining a strong professional online presence, especially on LinkedIn. A well-written LinkedIn summary could be the difference between landing your dream job and getting passed up by recruiters. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, it’s crucial to know how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out.
And that’s where this ultimate guide comes in – to help you craft a standout LinkedIn summary that highlights your professional experience, accomplishments, and skills in a way that will captivate potential employers and colleagues. From crafting the perfect headline to leveraging your personality and unique value proposition, this guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make your LinkedIn summary stand out in 2021. So let’s get started!
How do I make my LinkedIn summary stand out?
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a LinkedIn summary that stands out to potential employers and connections.
???? Pro Tips:
1. Define your personal brand: Identify your unique selling points, skills, and experience to highlight the value you can bring to an organization. This will help you stand out in a sea of similar industry professionals.
2. Write in a conversational tone: Avoid using jargon or overly formal language. Instead, write your summary in a conversational tone that reads like a story and draws the reader in.
3. Highlight your achievements: Elaborate on your accomplishments and how they have added value to your previous workplaces. This helps establish credibility and demonstrates your ability to deliver results.
4. Be concise: Keep your summary brief, focusing only on the most salient points. Use bullet points where possible to make the information easily digestible for the reader.
5. Include a call to action: End your summary with a call to action, inviting readers to connect with you or asking them to visit your website or portfolio. This creates an opportunity to build relationships and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Profile Picture: The First Impression
Your LinkedIn profile picture is the first thing that people will notice when they visit your profile. It is your chance to make a good first impression, so it is important to choose a professional picture. Avoid using selfies or photos that are too casual, and instead opt for a headshot that is taken in good lighting. Dress in professional attire, and make sure the photo captures your face clearly.
Additionally, make sure your profile picture aligns with your chosen industry or field. Your photo should fit in with the image that your industry projects. For example, if you are in the creative industry, you might want a photo that is more casual and shows your personality. On the other hand, if you are in a more traditional industry such as finance or law, a more formal photo would be appropriate.
Key point: Your profile picture is the first impression people have of you, so choose a professional and appropriate photo that aligns with your industry.
Include a Backdrop Picture for Context
Your profile picture is not the only visual element on your LinkedIn profile. You also have the option to add a backdrop picture that showcases your personality or highlights your professional achievements. When choosing a backdrop picture, think about what sets you apart and what you want to showcase about yourself. Are you a thought leader in your industry? Consider a backdrop picture of you speaking at a conference or participating in a panel discussion.
The backdrop picture also helps provide context to your profile. It can help people understand what you do and what you’re passionate about. Again, make sure the backdrop picture aligns with your industry or field.
Key point: Your backdrop picture is a great opportunity to showcase your personality and provide context to your profile.
Headline: More Than Just a Job Title
Your headline is another crucial element of your LinkedIn profile. It’s the first thing people will read after your name and profile picture, and it should communicate more than just your job title. Your headline gives you the opportunity to show off your skills, demonstrate your experience, and even add a bit of personality.
Think about your headline as a way to market yourself. What makes you unique? What sets you apart in your industry? If you’re struggling to come up with a headline, start by brainstorming your top skills or traits, and work from there.
Key point: Your headline is your chance to market yourself and showcase what makes you unique.
“About Me” Section: Your Chance to Tell Your Story
The “About Me” section of your LinkedIn profile is where you get to tell your story. It is where you can expand on your experience, skills, and achievements. Instead of focusing on job duties, focus on what you’ve accomplished and the impact you’ve made on your company or industry.
When writing your about section, keep in mind who your audience is and what they want to see. Use language that is easy to read and avoid jargon or acronyms that your audience may not understand.
Key point: The “About Me” section gives you the opportunity to showcase your achievements and tell your story, so make sure it’s well-written and easy to read.
Post, Post, Post: Don’t Be Afraid to Share Your Voice
Finally, it is important to use your LinkedIn profile as a platform to share your voice. Don’t be afraid to post articles or share industry news and insights. By doing so, you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for your field, and you become a valuable resource for others in your network.
When posting, make sure you are adding value to the conversation. Don’t just share articles for the sake of sharing them. Provide context and your own insights to add value to the conversation.
Key point: Posting on LinkedIn helps establish you as a thought leader in your industry and provides value to your network.
Customize Your URL
Customizing your LinkedIn profile URL makes it easier for people to find and remember your profile. It also makes you look more professional.
To customize your URL, go to your LinkedIn profile, click “Edit Public Profile & URL,” and click the pencil icon next to your URL. From there, you can choose a personalized URL that includes your name or a variation of it.
Key point: Customizing your LinkedIn profile URL helps you look more professional and makes it easier for people to find your profile.
Highlight Your Achievements and Skills
Lastly, it is important to use your LinkedIn profile to highlight your achievements and skills. This includes adding any relevant certifications, awards, or accomplishments you’ve achieved throughout your career.
You can also add specific skills to your profile to demonstrate your expertise. This will make it easier for potential employers or clients to find you when searching for someone with your particular skills or experience.
Key point: Highlighting your achievements and skills on your LinkedIn profile demonstrates your expertise and makes it easier for others to find you.
