# 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](https://www.canva.com/templates/web-banners/): Templates for you to customize a LinkedIn banner [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/): 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](/content/diy-kit-lite?author=53fbd993e4b0819ee8c31019/index.html) April 21, 2020