Top Tips to Help Your LinkedIn Stand Out

LinkedIn is now the largest professional networks with over a billion users, if you’re looking to stand out or advance your career you need to present an optimised and up-to-date LinkedIn profile. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just open to new opportunities it’s your chance to get your name and face in front of many professionals in your industry, build a network and apply for jobs. At Jackson Hogg we connect exceptional candidates with leading employers and one the first things our consultants check is your LinkedIn profile. In this blog, we are going to share our top tips to help you stand out and attract the right opportunities.

Choose a Profile Picture for LinkedIn

It may sound obvious but make sure to upload a photo of yourself. If you don't have a profile photo it tends to create a negative impression with recruiters. Secondly, make sure the photo is a full headshot, not cropped from another photo as this fails to signal professionalism. Your headshot should feel polished. Trent Cotton, Senior Global Director of Talent Acquisition at Hatchworks said  'there’s a delicate balance between having a profile picture that represents your character or personality while still maintaining some professionalism.'  The image should be high quality; we suggest always using a professional headshot that offers a clear, well-lit direct view of your face. 

Write a Strong, Keyword-Rich Summary 

The about section within your LinkedIn profile should tell a story, highlighting your achievements and showcasing your value. Use this space to speak directly to your target audience - whether it’s recruiters, hiring managers or collaborators. We recommend that you include who you are and what you do best, and your key skills, experience and career goals are essential. Make sure to use bullet points and short paragraphs for easy human friendly reading. Less text is better but it needs to correct and to the point. 

Grow Your Network Strategically 

A strong network increases your visibility and opens the door to more opportunities. We recommend you build your network by connecting with colleagues, managers, recruiters and industry peers, personalise your connection requests, join relevant LinkedIn groups and engage in discussions. At Jackson Hogg, we actively search for talent in our network - being connected increases your chance of being noticed.

Customise Your URL

Your LinkedIn URL is the web address for your personal profile. When you set up a LinkedIn profile, the default URL will have your name plus a random sequence of letters and numbers. To change this you go on the right hand side of your profile and you’ll see the option to edit your public LinkedIn URL. Make sure the new URL is punchy, you could use your name, industry, specialism or location but just make sure to make it short and professional.

Keep Your Page Active

In order to get the most out of LinkedIn you need to remain active. Check out what other people are posting, engage with thoughtful comments, like and share posts that are helpful but make sure to not flood your feed as it’s definitely quality over quantity as your audience will lose interest. A great way to be active is to regularly post informative and relevant content. You should aim to be marketing yourself as an expert in your field and the content you post will be the most eective way to establish that expertise. Try to share anything else that might be of interest to your network and anyone else who sees it. Whether you’re actively job seeking or just future-proofing your career, your LinkedIn profile is one of your most valuable professional tools. By creating a top quality profile, staying active and connecting strategically, you’ll be able to attract the attention of recruiters and employers. We’re here to support you through every stage of your career - from your LinkedInprofile to connecting you with top opportunities. If you need further help with your LinkedIn account, reach out to a Jackson Hogg consultant and we’ll be more than happy to help!