LinkedIn is the largest B2B (business to business) social network in the western world. Current data reveals that there are now over 500 million members across the globe.

Microsoft’s purchase of LinkedIn in 2016 will mean that this business platform continues to grow as the online business network of choice.

The amount of data and profiles currently uploaded on LinkedIn enables the platform to function as a search engine.

Are You Appearing On Google?

Did you know that a well-written LinkedIn profile is likely to be one of the first few links that appear when someone Google’s your name?

The question is if your LinkedIn profile can be found online like this; does it communicate what you want to a future employer?

There are some key points to know when working on your individual profile that is currently working when it comes to a compelling profile that gets first and second interviews that we share below.

Your Profile Picture

Though it might be fun to share a piece of code, cartoon character, or a portion of a DNA helix, it doesn't profile you as the professional your new company wants to hire; it’s backed up by LinkedIn’s own research data too.

Did you know that LinkedIn profiles with a photograph get 14 times more views and adding a profile picture makes you 36 times more likely to receive a message on LinkedIn?

There is no excuse for a poor picture with today’s smartphone technology either. A head and shoulders photograph in professional dress works well. Stay away from whacky selfies; keep those for Facebook and Snapchat.

Fill It Out In Full

Earlier I mentioned how certain profiles appear high up on the search rankings. The more you add to your profile the better this works. The upside is it signals to your future new employer that you have attention to detail too.

If you are open to an approach ensure that your mobile number is easily visible in more than one place on your profile.

Remember LinkedIn has the functionality to add videos, PowerPoints and articles. This will enable you to stand out from the crowd. If you have delivered certain projects or have a string of research papers to your name add these to your profile; because they will get read.

Your Summary Is Key

After Your Image, this is the next area that can make or break your chances of career advancement with a new company.

The summary is the most important part of any LinkedIn profile, as most specialist recruiters or hiring managers will not read any further unless you give them a convincing reason why they should

Firstly, given that many of your industry peers are equally qualified and experienced ensure that your summary demonstrates how you can solve your new company’s challenges; this different stance will make you stand out from the crowd who only list their latest qualifications or the fact they are a Linux Administrator or have DevOps expertise.

Your summary should concisely highlight your career achievements that you know will appeal to a future employer.

Finally, remember that many other candidates will have a similar educational and professional profile, so you need to find a way to stand out. LinkedIn allows you to create a powerful impression with an engaging summary, an excellent photo, and a visual LinkedIn profile featuring different multimedia examples of your work.

LinkedIn isn’t just for when you are job seeking. Because it’s a networking tool and a publishing platform, LinkedIn is the ideal way to build your connections, get involved, and stay up to date with events and developments in your industry.

In short, this professional networking platform is vital to your industry career from the first day and beyond.

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