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In today's ever increasing job market, creating a personal brand is becoming more and more important. People have been beating the "Personal Brand" to death, without really explaining how to do it. People looking to upgrade their career or find a new job already have a LinkedIn profile. So how do you really create a Personal Brand on LinkedIn?
In this blog we will walk through a 10 step plan to take your current LinkedIn profile and set it up to help create a Personal Brand that will stand out to Employers.
LinkedIn from it's inception has been a great tool for Professional Networking and finding new Employment Opportunities. Over the past few years, the dynamic of The Platform has shifted from Uber Professional to a more Social Media Sharing Platform. More political views and dog's birthdays parties than connecting with peers. The connecting with peers stills happens, but your feed, depending on who you follow, will be more of a social media/advertising timeline than anything else. So, with the way LinkedIn has evolved, it is imperative that you step up your profile.
When applying for jobs, one of the first few things potential employers will do is look at your LinkedIn and Social Media. So if you have the default image as your picture and very little information Biography wise as well is your employment history, it can be a hindrance.
The 10 Steps to creating your Personal Brand on LinkedIn
1. Optimize Your Headline and Summary for Your Target Role
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately capture the essence of your professional aspirations. Instead of just stating your current position, include keywords related to the roles you're targeting. Your summary is your elevator pitch; it should highlight your key skills, career achievements, and the unique value you bring to potential employers.
2. Professional Imagery: Your First Impression
A professional profile picture and an engaging background photo set the tone for your profile. Choose a headshot that reflects professionalism and approachability. Your background image can be a visual representation of your professional interests or aspirations.
3. Detail Your Experience with a Focus on Achievements
Rather than merely listing your past roles, focus on the achievements and skills that align with the types of positions you’re seeking. Use quantifiable achievements and specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
4. Be Active: Publish and Share Industry-Relevant Content
Demonstrate your industry expertise and commitment by regularly sharing and creating content. Write articles, share insightful posts, or engage with the latest industry news. This not only showcases your knowledge but also keeps you active and visible to potential employers. If you aren't much of a writer, sharing and liking people's post can still show a high level of engagement on the Platform.
5. Network Actively and Engage with Others
Networking is key on LinkedIn. Connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and actively engage in conversations. Personalized connection requests and thoughtful interactions can help you build meaningful relationships.
6. Customize Your LinkedIn URL
Personalize your LinkedIn URL to make your profile more accessible and memorable. This small step adds a layer of professionalism and is great for sharing your profile in resumes and emails.
7. Highlight Skills and Seek Endorsements
Clearly list the skills that are most relevant to the jobs you’re interested in. Encourage colleagues or past employers to endorse these skills, which adds credibility to your profile.
8. Request Recommendations
Recommendations from former employers, clients, or colleagues serve as powerful testimonials to your work ethic and abilities. A well-written recommendation can greatly enhance your profile’s attractiveness to recruiters.
9. Utilize LinkedIn’s Job Search Features
Leverage LinkedIn’s job search functionalities. Set up job alerts for the roles you’re interested in, and consider using the “Open to Work” feature to discreetly signal to recruiters that you’re seeking new opportunities.
10. Monitor Your Profile’s Performance
Keep track of how your profile is performing. Regularly updating your profile, engaging with your network, and adapting your content strategy based on the engagement you receive can significantly increase your visibility to potential employers.
Conclusion
Building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn is a dynamic process, especially when you’re in the market for a new job. It's about strategically positioning yourself, showcasing your strengths, and actively engaging with your industry community. By following these steps, you can effectively utilize LinkedIn not just as a job-hunting tool, but as a platform to advance your career to the next level.
