Litigation Support Employers and Your LinkedIn Profile

If you do not have a professional presence on LinkedIn, you are making a huge mistake. LinkedIn is for entrepreneurs and professionals. Aside from the networking component of the site, which I will save for a future article, it is no longer okay to be indifferent about your LinkedIn profile. Even if you don't understand the in's and out's of using LinkedIn as a tool, you MUST have a well thought out profile.

Prospective employers are searching for you on Google. Your LinkedIn profile usually appears within the first 5 search results. First impressions are everything. Having a bland LinkedIn profile can quickly decrease your value.

Don't wait until you are job searching to work on your LinkedIn profile. Editing your profile drastically within a short time period is a red flag that you are looking for a new gig. Make major edits gradually over a few months. However, if all you need to add is a new skill set or a new certification, then do it right away.

Each LinkedIn profile has specific sections. You should complete each section as best you can. For each job position, be sure to include a brief description of your role or accomplishments. Use the Summary section to summarize your career path and your strengths.

Your Professional Headline will default to your current job title and employer, however I suggest that you market your brand by entering a headline that best describes you. Keep it professional of course. The professional headline will appear after your name everywhere within the LinkedIn website, such as when you make a comment or when you make a connection with someone.

Request at least 3 Recommendations from former or present colleagues. Be sure to select the correct job position when sending the request. The recommendations should be natural and not rehearsed.

If you belong to any groups or associations, include those in the corresponding section. Keep your skill sets up to date by periodically updating your profile.

Personalize your LinkedIn profile URL so that it says your name and not some auto-generated number. Here are some instructions. Always include a headshot photo up against a blank background — no photos from the weekend barbecue. For goodness sake, include a warm SMILE! Again, first impressions are everything. You do not need to get a professional photo taken.

I hope you take this seriously and get crackin on your profile today! Feel free to share your profile link in the comments section below if you want feedback or if you want to show off your newly completed profile!

Helpful article about your LinkedIn profile:

The 8 Things You Do Wrong on LinkedIn