When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile? If you have to think about it — It has been too long! Whether you are looking for a new job, or are completely satisfied with your current role, it is important to keep your profile current and relevant. If you aren’t enthusiastic about updating your profile, here are the 7 essential items I suggest you update at the minimum.
1. Update your profile picture
You know the importance of your LinkedIn photo. This is really your first virtual impression to new companies and people to network with. Whatever photo you choose needs to show that you’re confident, successful, and trustworthy. You may look super cute in your brunch outfit from last weekend, but I highly suggest you have a professional looking photo.
2. Update your responsibilities
Have you just switched jobs and been so busy getting adjusted that you forgot to update your profile? Or, maybe you took on a few new tasks that your network should know about. Either way, make sure your current position is up-to-date with your title, location, and responsibilities. After all, that’s one of the first things people look at on your profile.
3. Customize your LinkedIn URL
Just like any other social network, you’re given a very long (and impersonal) URL link to your LinkedIn profile when you first join. While it doesn’t hurt you to keep that one, it also doesn’t help. You should change your current URL to best reflect your professional, branded self.
4. Review your headline/about me section
Your headline is almost like your elevator pitch. It should sum up what people should know about you even if they don’t have a chance to read much else about you. Your headline should be concise and informative on who you are, what you do and what you have to offer.
5. Add or Remove Skills
Remember when you clicked “add” to every endorsement someone sent you because you were so excited people thought you were awesome at all the things? As great as that may have been for you, some skills and endorsements just shouldn’t make the cut.
And if you have picked up a ton of new skills at your current job, go ahead and add those! You can also remove any skills you no longer want to highlight. This is really important because your profile should really reflect where you want to go. If you are on the job market a little trick is to look at your dream job posting and see the skills desired and make sure you have those same skills recorded if you have had the experience to support that.
Doing that trick is also helpful because if you realize that you are lacking in certain areas, you can figure out how to get the experiences you need to fill those gaps.
6.Review any pending connection requests
Make sure you’re connected with people you want to have in your network. Whether that means people you currently work with or people from previous jobs. You can even network within your alumni network for school. If you’re comfortable enough, you can even connect with people who are in positions or at companies you are interested in.
Don’t just let all of your requests build up, take the time to review them and accept or decline any invitations. Also, don’t feel bad about declining a request. I know I sometimes get requests from very vague profiles were I don’t know the person or seem to have any mutual connections with. For me personally, I just decline those.
7.Review the groups you are associated with
When you first signed up for LinkedIn, you probably bypassed the whole group section. Or, maybe you went crazy and joined every one possible (no judgment here)—and then never thought about it again. Take a few moments to browse through your list and delete any that aren’t helpful. I know when I reviewed mine I was still part of a new hire group!
Then, find two to three groups look like they’re interesting enough to participate in—or at least interesting enough to read every so often and engage with. When searching for groups to join, think about your (desired) industry, location, and job titles.
Alright! There you have it, the 7 things I would recommend updating in your linkedIn profile. These are quick, yet impactful changes that you can make to stand out! If you’re looking for how to update your resume next, the tips for that post is linked here!
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