LINKEDIN

MODULE INTRO:

The purpose of the LinkedIn profile is to present the most professional and impressive version of yourself that remains live 24/7. As recruiters, HR or potential coworkers research you, you have the opportunity to answer their questions or assuage any concerns — without actually speaking. LinkedIn also gives you the opportunity to network and grow your digital Rolodex of connections who can assist you in the future. Imagine creating a clone to represent you at a networking function every day, all day — craft your profile so you have confidence in that clone.

  • Location: Set to where you're looking
  • Industry: A part of industry you're in or joining
  • Premium: Activated for insights and credibility
  • Custom Username: You set a vanity URL as your name

Customizing your URL

Click the "Me" icon on your homepage

  1. Click "View Profile"
  2. On your profile page, click "Edit public profile & URL" on the right rail
  3. Click "Edit your custom URL" (pencil icon)
  4. Add your name and use that link on your résumé, email signature, etc.

  • Overall: Descriptive, unique, and strategic

  • Keywords: Relevant to job and industry

  • Length: Utilize the large character limit (120-200)

  • Expertise: (Perhaps) Include your proficiencies

  • Personality: (Perhaps)Include your uncommon trait

  • Accomplishment: (Perhaps) Include a specific achievement

  • Link: (Perhaps) Include a website

  • CTA: (Perhaps) Include a call to action

  • No Unemployment: Do not state that you are seeking work

  • Headshot: Picture is professional

  • Outfit: Dress is professional

  • Quality: No pixilation or blur

  • Solo: No one is cropped out

  • Expression: Smiles and personality

  • Banner: Unique, eye-catching, and professional

Banner Resources

Canva: Templates for you to customize a LinkedIn banner

Unsplash: High-quality, royalty-free photos to search and use for free

  • Background: Provide summarized context of your career

  • Examples: Speak to experience and accomplishments

  • Personality: Demonstrate your uniqueness

  • Contact: Include email or cell number again

  • Testimonial: (Perhaps) Include a referral's quote of you

  • CTA: Clear next steps are provided

  • Third Person: Consider for search purposes "Matt Klein is..."

  • Length: At least 300 words for search purposes

  • Keywords: Relevant terms are included for search purposes

  • Links: Include URLs or files of writing, and projects, etc.

  • Focus: Expertise should be made clear so it’s perceptible at first glance

  • Roles: Include keyword-heavy summaries

  • Links: Include URLs or files of writing and projects, etc.

  • Skills: 10+ proficiencies are included and endorsed

  • Recommendations: Referred by a Co-worker or professor

  • Linking: Company and school profiles are added and displayed

  • Education: Include keyword-heavy summaries

  • Volunteer: Include keyword-heavy summaries

  • Awards: Include keyword-heavy summaries

  • Recruiters: Make sure LinkedIn Recruiters know you are available

  • Recruiter Details: You've filled out preferences

  • Privacy: Make sure you are not informing network of profile updates

  • Security: All is up to date (See Privacy & Security)

  • Awareness: Make sure you know everyone you are connected with

  • 500+: You've establish credibility and a network

  • Search Results: Keep weekly tabs on your profile viewers

  • Hashtags: +5 topics you are keeping tabs on

  • Companies: +10 organizations you are keeping tabs on

  • Groups: +3 communities you are keeping tabs on

  • Influencers: +5 individuals you are keeping tabs on

  • Log-Ins: Log in in once a week for search purposes

  • Engage: Like, comment, or share once a week

Engaging

There are two ways to improve your visibility: first, optimize your profile; and second, engage and become part of the conversation. There's no need to have to put yourself out there and share posts — just engaging with others' if often enough. Scroll through your feed and look for a recent-ish posts with some traction. Leave a thoughtful comment, beyond "totally agree" or "love this." Take five minutes to develop a thoughtful response, advertising your intelligence to all. Just be cautious of publicizing any controversial hot takes. You'll find your stimulating comments will garner likes and further comments.

Lowest hanging fruit

One easy way to take advantage of LinkedIn is to network with your college alumni. Search for your alma mater in the search bar > Go the to the school’s profile page > Click the Alumni section > Apply your filters > Connect and send a note introducing yourself.

Matt Klein April 21, 2020