Why have an effective LinkedIn profile?
LinkedIn is an essential network when looking for work. To stand out, it’s important to have an effective profile. What’s the best way to do this? We would like to provide you with some advice on how to best create your profile and guide your interactions on this network.
First and foremost, your professional LinkedIn account will allow you to “stand out” when you are looking for work, but also help you discover industry players you want to approach. You can thus expand your professional connections and access the hidden market, all while increasing your visibility.
To help you with this task, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your LinkedIn account.
1 . Choose a good photo
Even if you are advised against putting your photo on your CV in Quebec, you clearly have to post a photo to your LinkedIn profile. A professional photo would be ideal, but if you can’t afford to do so, here are a few tips:
- Avoid selfies and cropped personal photos. Take a photo that is expressly for your profile. If you are alone, use the “timer” feature on your cell phone.
- Pick a neutral background, one that isn’t too busy.
- Wear clothing that reflects the job you are in search of and that you feel comfortable in.
- Smile!
2 . Personalize your title and your introduction
First, indicate your title in a manner that draws attention. You can also include keywords that will effectively allow your LinkedIn profile to be detected by algorithms when you are looking for work.
Then, if you are employed, list your current job. However, if you are in search of a job, indicate the job you are looking for.
Lastly, take the time to work on your profile resume, as this is also very important. . Actually, since only the first few lines are displayed, you have to attract the attention of your audience with just a few words!
3 . Update your experiences on an ongoing basis
Just like for your CV, to create an effective LinkedIn profile, first list the titles of your jobs and the time you worked in each position, without forgetting to name and tag the business.
Then, add the job description, your accomplishments… Always start with the most important information, to catch the eye of recruiters.
If applicable to the sector in which you work, add links to your accomplishments, your portfolio or your personal website, presentations you created or events that you organized… In short, everything that could present your work and generate interest.
Did you just start your career? You could, for example, include your student jobs, which would show that you’re already familiar with the work environment. However, over time, you have to remember to edit your list so that only the most relevant experiences are listed.
4 . Ask for recommendations
More specifically, contact your colleagues, former managers, or other people you’ve worked with to ask them to leave comments on your profile. Naturally, these recommendations must reflect the reality of your experience and highlight your personality.
Incidentally, you can also leave them a recommendation.
5 . Follow people and groups
Because LinkedIn is a social network, you have to approach others, all while remaining professional!
- • Add contacts: start with your list of contacts, then add people who move in the same virtual circles to add you as a contact. The LinkedIn algorithm will then propose new connections.
- • Follow influencers in your field of activity or in related sectors, for example. In this way, you will come to know the microcosm of the industry in which you wish to move.
- Join professional groups: In fact, each industry or activity sector is represented by a virtual group. . This will give you access to information on sectors, development innovations, companies that are recruiting new hires… and as a result, potential contacts!
Are you ready to put everything you’ve learned to practice and create an effective LinkedIn profile?
This advice will give you everything you need to create an effective and eye-catching LinkedIn profile. However, if you’re unsure, you can contact one of our employment counsellors through our OSE program. In fact, they are trained to help women in their search for work, a new career direction, or in getting to know the Montreal job market!
Taking it one step further…
Do you need more advice? Read our article on 5 tips for a winning CV.
The YWCA can help you
Would you like one of our employment or career advisors to help you?
Call us at: 514 866-9941, poste 416
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