By Debra Wheatman, Glassdoor.com
If you have created a comprehensive LinkedIn profile, good for you! I see so many job seekers who have not fully utilized this valuable resource for networking. You may have a profile that is partially complete; here are a few simple things you can do to increase your exposure:
- One of the easiest things to do is to establish a unique URL. To do this, simply go into the profile editing section and scroll down to your public profile. When you first sign up for LinkedIn, they supply you with a lengthy address. You have the option of modifying this. Click on ‘customize your public profile URL’ on the right hand side of the page once you go into the edit mode under public profile. If possible, change the URL to your first and last name. If that is not available, try your first name with middle initial and then last name. If someone is looking for you, your name is more likely to come up with high ranking in a Google search. It is a simple branding strategy that you can easily complete.
- Another easy thing to do that will help people get in touch with you is to scroll down to the address section while you are in edit mode and add your email address. This will make it easier for people who come across your LinkedIn profile to contact you.
- If you haven’t done so yet, asking for recommendations is a very simple process. Contact former coworkers, bosses, vendors, and clients. LinkedIn makes it easy to request a quick endorsement. In the profile tab, select recommendations and a standard letter will appear. If you have time, it is nice to send a custom note, but if you are in a hurry, the stock letter will do.
- You can also use the skills section to highlight core areas of expertise. Don’t be afraid to list multiple skills on one line. Each section holds 80 characters. If you have a lot of different skills, you can break them up line by line rather than skill by skill. This will save you a huge amount of time. One additional thing you can do is to add any certifications you may have. Above the summary section there is tab that allows you to do this.
Sometimes it is the little things that count. Make yourself as marketable as possible and allow others to get in touch with you quickly. It only takes only a few minutes and will add tremendous value as part of your career planning and management strategy.