When was the last time you reviewed your LinkedIn information?

Reviewing your LinkedIn presence ensures you’re adding new accomplishments as they happen and you’re ridding outdated information.

Below you will discover some nitty-gritty tips and points for updating your new LinkedIn profile.

It’s exactly the list I use with my clients but please know the article below is NOT all inclusive of what it takes to create a winning LinkedIn profile. Do you really have time to complete all that is involved?

It’s a checklist. A ‘do and done’ kind of list. Let’s get started! (WAIT: By reading part 1 of the 3 part series you’re well on your way to a completely optimized profile). Be on the lookout for part 3 of 3 as well.

1. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions….

✔ Add the phrase “OPEN TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES” at the top of the profile summary.

✔ Display email address in the summary section of your profile. PRO: This makes it easier for job recruiters etc. to contact you without “Connecting.” CON: Increases the possibilities of SPAM.

A MUST do

✔ SAVE your old profile in a PDF to your computer. Your previous content may come in handy at a later time. Be wary as not ALL of your LinkedIn profile content is contained in this PDF.  Request a full archive of your LinkedIn account information.

LinkedIn.com Settings (BEFORE installing new content)

✔ Don’t broadcast profile edits to the public newsfeed. Be sure to turn off notification settings to ‘Off’ during install of new content & turn back on at completion. Privacy Settings / Profile / Activity broadcasts

Contact Information

✔ Add Email: ✉ Phone: ☎ Company Website (use “other” designation and use relevant keywords to identify ‘other’ designation (i.e. WEBSITE, PORTFOLIO, etc.) The maximum length of the “other” website field is 30 characters.

Changing industry/location

✔ Current industry selection may not match the current goal. Change to industry closest to your goal.

✔ Location is important for SEO and being found on LinkedIn and Google, Recruiters etc. Use the closest largest CITY to your current location. For example, you live in a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA – use Philadelphia as the location on LinkedIn. Enter the name or zip code into LinkedIn location field and choose. 

Headline

✔ The headline is the #1 most important field in LinkedIn and Google search results so it’s critical that all 120-characters be populated with as many relevant keywords as possible.

✔ Write headline (using the piping | takes more character space). If you believe certain words are the best to use – switch to a comma, to separate keywords (space-saving).

✔ Start with a power adjective. “Proven” is a good default choice as its short and reflects quality and quantity of experience. Other adjectives that could work to start a headline: Top, Accomplished, Animated, Certified, Dynamic, Engaging, Effective, Experienced, Executive, Energetic, Leader, Influential, Leading, Gifted, Professional, Skilled, Innovative, Freelancer et al.

✔ Add level (Analyst, Manager, Director, VP, Partner, C-Suite, Attorney, Consultant, Professional) then a Colon followed by skill words (your expertise areas).

*** In MS Word use Review / Word Count to track the number of characters. This will take time to perfect.

Stay tuned for DIY LinkedIn Profile Optimization (Part 3 of 3) titled……Summary

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