A good LinkedIn profile?

[TheAngryDog]

What constitutes a good LinkedIn profile? I have one but I do not believe it is that great, nor am I very active on LinkedIn. I am not a massive Social Media user anyway (no ttbook account), but LinkedIn seems to be one place where I should be Socially Media Savvy..

So, what makes a good LinkedIn profile?

[CAPP0]

LinkedIn does "steer" you through the completion of your profile. I'd use that and make sure that your Summary includes keywords related to what you're looking to get from LI, or to a role you're seeking. Mine does and I have had quite a few contacts as a result.

[Gargamel]

A good crisp photo, that is recent and isn't a standard angry passport photo.

A profile isn't a CV, so feel free to put on what you think you are good at, rather than lots about what you actually do.

Think of it more as skills and competencies, rather than a list of tasks.

Couple of glowing references always help, and if you can't think of good content, then just like or share other peoples.

LI like most software uses search terms, so be sure to include standard industry terms on your profile.

Linkedin also provides some suggestions on their tutorial

[TheAngryDog]

Thanks guys. Made a few changes to mine, hopefully it'll not be so bad now

[H18 ENF]

I have the same issue with LinkedIn - I just don't quite get it... I'd like to think I've got a good grasp at Twitter - Facebook for Business stuff I'm particularly bad at, I just don't think it's the right platform for it (personal feeling)

But having read that other people do like LinkedIn I've literally just updated mine - https://www.linkedin.com/pub/benjamin-field/8/344/...

Feedback would be appreciated

[Lefty]

I use linkedin a lot and get a lot of contact from recruiters, I think it's an excellent tool.

My profile is a high level cv with focus on skills and types of experience. I find the "endorse" function a bit of a waste of time though.

[jogon]

My last company sent me on a LinkedIn training course on how to get the most out of it..

It basically said your job description should not describe your role but concentrate on how you can benefit potential customers as we are all sales people nowadays.

Join relevant groups and then contribute but not too regularly as you don't want to spam.

Only respond to connection requests with people you have worked with, done business with or you think could potentially do or assist with business.Randoms are mostly just after your contacts.

Sending new requests I try to keep to people I have met in person or done business with. Sending a request too early can jeopardise potential relationships.

[NNH]

H18 ENF said:

I have the same issue with LinkedIn - I just don't quite get it... I'd like to think I've got a good grasp at Twitter - Facebook for Business stuff I'm particularly bad at, I just don't think it's the right platform for it (personal feeling)

But having read that other people do like LinkedIn I've literally just updated mine - https://www.linkedin.com/pub/benjamin-field/8/344/...

Feedback would be appreciated

Please treat this as you would any other free advice (ie ignore if necessary).

I personally like the summary/overview to be very short, with just a list of key skills that get picked up by keyword searches. In your shoes I'd make the Children in Need story the very first thing on the summary as it grabs attention and helps people to remember you in the crowd.

Bear in mind that although I do a lot of hiring, it's in a very different field, so your informal and chatty style may well be appropriate for your own area.

Edited by NNH on Saturday 10th May 01:18