LinkedIn… Our top tips on how to get the most out of the platform to progress your career

LinkedIn has now reached over 500 million members, making it one of the most popular social networks out there, when used properly, the platform can be instrumental for professional networking and career development.

Sure, you might have a profile, you might even have 500+ connections –  but are you leveraging ALL of LinkedIn’s clever little features?

See below for our tips on how to get the most out of your LinkedIn profile…

1. Optimise your profile:

• Strategically use keywords that connect you with the right people
• Keywords should reflect, personal brand, skills and competencies, and job context

2. Pay Attention to Your Professional Headline

• Do not use the default “current-job” Headline
• Your professional headline should be tailored to your role, it’s a great way to differentiate yourself within your network

3. Photo, photo, photo

• Ensure your photo is professional and industry relevant

4. Keep it updated

• LinkedIn shows profiles based on an algorithm which optimises towards active profiles, therefore updating your information regularly increases the visibility of your profile to potential recruiters (Page, 2015).
• Tip – set yourself a monthly calendar reminder to update my profile at the start of every month

5. Write articles

• The LinkedIn pulse platform is a great way to share content, this will help you grow existing connections, while also growing your network

6. Get recommendations

• Utilise the recommendations functionality of LinkedIn
• References from past employees will help to verify and promote your value position (and add to your personal brand)

7. Link to appropriate websites

• Link to websites that reinforce your personal brand (you can include up to three in your profile)

8. Join relevant groups and answer industry-related questions

• By engaging with relevant content on LinkedIn you can position yourself as an industry leader and create immense profile cut through
• This will also foster professional conversation and help you become recognised as an industry expert

I was sitting quite far away from it, like you could try here about 8 meters