The social media networking site for business professionals has over 414 million people using the site across the globe, with one million from Ireland and 20 million from the UK. The service is thriving, so with LinkedIn around to stay, what should you be doing to hone your professional profile? At Springboard PR & Marketing we have compiled a checklist for you to ensure that your profile is in tiptop shape.

PHOTO:

A LinkedIn profile with a photograph is 14 times more likely to be viewed. (Under no circumstances leave the picture blank!)

• Choose a photo that looks like you.
• Make sure your face takes up at least 60% of the frame.
• Wear what you’d wear to work.
• Choose a background that isn’t distracting.

PERSONAL INFO:

Your professional headline allows for a maximum 120 characters.

• Include your current job title.
• Also try to include short description of what you do.
• Include key words that relate to your role and industry.

CONTACT INFO:

Make sure to include up-to-date details on your LinkedIn profile so that others can reach out to you.

• Include your social media profiles, such as Twitter.
• You may also include a company address if necessary.

URL:

Make it easier for others to find your LinkedIn profile using this tool.

• Customise your URL for your name.

For a step-by-step ‘How To’ on updating your LinkedIn profile, read our
blog HERE.

POSTS:

Try to keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date with frequent posts to demonstrate your knowledge of your industry.

• Compile a post a week where possible.
• Include blogs, links to relevant articles, events or training at which you will attend or are hosting.
• LinkedIn advises to post at least 20 times per month to build an engaging feed.

SUMMARY:

Just as it says on the tin, use this to summarise your LinkedIn profile in the 2,000 character limit.

• Include all the most recent and relevant information to your job title or industry.

EXPERIENCE:

Utilise this as you would any CV experience section.

• Include your core responsibilities and quantify their outcome where possible to highlight your success and experience.
• You may also include samples of your work, if possible, including presentations, photos, media and more.

SKILLS:

Use this to highlight your professional skills.

• Avoid the basics such as Microsoft excel and PowerPoint.
• Give endorsements to professional connections, where warranted, in order to receive them.

EDUCATION:

LinkedIn will list your education from most recent to oldest.

• Include any professional qualifications relevant to your current job title.
• Remove national or second level schools.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

When you can, ask connections to write a recommendation of your work to enhance your profile.

• Don’t just receive recommendations, where relevant, you may also give recommendations to others.
• Have a minimum of three and a maximum of 12 recommendations.

GROUPS:

By joining groups, you can connect with other members and start your networking.

• Join groups relevant to your industry.
• Contribute to conversations on these groups, when possible.
• You can join a maximum of 50 groups, but you should join fewer groups and contribute regularly.

CONNECTIONS:

By having at least 300 connections you can expand your network, but be strategic about who you connect with.

• Build an initial network by connecting with clients, past and present colleagues, friends and family.
• Reach out with those you met, after attending a business or networking event.
• Connect only with people you know or have met.
• Maintain quality over quantity at all times.

COMPANIES & INFLUENCERS:

Make sure that you are update with news and announcements from industry leaders and high profile companies.

• Follow thought leaders and people of note in your industry.
• Join company groups to see how they operate, and what news items are current in the moment.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

Include any up-to-date volunteering with which you have previously engaged.

• You may choose to include CSR initiatives of charity partners in your company, where relevant and with permission.

If your LinkedIn profile is perfected and you think you would like to become an established thought leader in your field, discover your first steps HERE.

Post by Susie Horgan

Susie founded Springboard in 2011, and has developed the business into a leading, director-led communications agency. She has worked for over 20 years in senior marketing and public relations roles.