💁♀️We all know why Linkedin is a necessity for every professional. How about WHY do we need it? How to make it work?
It is simple: First, It is an instrument that clearly states who you are as a professional. Second, it provides an opportunity to reach out, ask Qs, get and share a piece of advice.
So, how to achieve 1 and 2?
1️⃣ To build an instrument that CLEARLY states your professional value.
Please keep in mind that you’ll have 10-sec max to create the first impression, and if the impression is excellent, you’ll get additional time. The first impression includes the headline, summary, and visuals.
a. Headline — simple and about you.
The headline is about 3 things: what you do, searchable keywords, and something personal-catchy. Please check out that you are using the internationally recognizable titles, not the local company ones. If you are performing the product manager job and interested in product management opportunities, but your current company title translates as “senior business scrum master,” it is probably not the best idea to state it as is. Consider simplifying it. You may add to your headline a short, catchy statement, such as “Forbes 30U30” or “Your Favorite Recruiter”. Your headline is helping the audience to learn more.
b. Summary — short personal STORY that adds value, no buzzwords.
This is where you tell your professional story in less than 2,000 characters. Mix personal and professional, describe your values. Please note that buzzwords or standard descriptions of your accomplishments are not adding value, just wasting characters and attention. Your summary should get people to feel like they learned more about you, and it should inspire them to want to know you even better. Check out some examples
c. Visuals— I will skip the part about a picture.
Just add a background. It may stand out, and it is a part of the first impression.
d. Job descriptions — achievements over the process.
Use the same rules as for the resume creation: turn statements into actionable achievements and add numbers — you may use and keep in mind what you are allowed to share publicly. For example, “Increased customers retention from X% to Y% over 1 year and grew revenue 2x times by Z” IS WAY BETTER than “Responsible for growing revenue and retention, leading team”.
2️⃣ Having an instrument for meaningful connections.
a. THE KEY CONNECTING RULE.
Never connect with someone without including a personalized message. Including a message increases your chances of getting accepted and helps you stand out.
b. Quality over quantity.
You would like to have contacts that might help you in the future with answers, advice, etc. It won’t be beneficial if you have thousands of people in the network, but most of them do not know you personally or people with whom you have nothing in common. I consider having only meaningful connections that I can reach out in the future. With the limited amount of time, people might stay in touch with those they knew.
Nice to have-s: Add Recommendations and publications, published projects, Customize your URL, Qr code to share, Check out your score, Fill out the feature section.
Good luck, and stay in touch!