Why You Should Update Your LinkedIn Profile Regularly

The modern job market has gone social. An increasing number of hiring managers use social platforms like LinkedIn to recruit and screen candidates. According to recent research, 71% of U.S. hiring decision-makers believe looking at candidates’ social media profiles is an effective way to screen applicants.

Is your professional profile updated and ready for employer scrutiny? Or is it in need of a makeover?

Keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and interview-ready can help you gain valuable business opportunities. Think of your social media profiles as a tool for personal branding. If a potential tech connection visits your page, you want to look your best and show them who you are. Creating an appealing profile and updating it regularly can give you a professional advantage in the job hunt or bring unexpected IT opportunities to your door.

Here are a few tips for creating a professional-looking LinkedIn profile:

  • Use a professional-looking profile photo. Having a profile picture makes your profile more likely to be viewed by others. Add a recent photo that portrays your professional image. Avoid unnecessary background clutter and wear professional work attire.
  • Post a background photo. Your background photo is the second visual element on your profile. Use it to set the context for your professional image. Consider using a shot of your desk, your company logo, or anything relevant to your professional image.
  • Write a good headline. Your headline appears right under your name and provides the opportunity to add some interest to your job title. Use it to tell not only what you do but how you see your role.
  • Tell your summary like a story. Bring to life how your skills matter to others, your community, or the world. Try to reflect your mission and values in a way that resonates with your intended audience but doesn’t sound exaggerated or grandiose. Many professionals skip this piece of content and miss an opportunity to add personality to their profile. Pro tip: add your contact info to your summary if you want people outside your network to be able to see it.
  • Proofread your work. Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s why spelling and grammar checkers are so popular. Be sure to check your work for errors. Basic spelling and punctuation mistakes will be a red flag for hiring managers, recruiters, and potential tech connections.

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but it allows a lot of personality to shine through. How can you make the most of your LinkedIn presence?

Here are a few hints for maximizing your LinkedIn engagement:

  • Post regularly. Posting and commenting regularly shows you are involved in the community and engaged in professional development. As you post, be mindful of professionalism. Don’t make any comments you wouldn’t want to be seen by a potential employer or business associate.
  • Participate in groups. Find your IT community on LinkedIn and join groups that you find interesting. If it’s not a good fit, you can always leave the groups. However, you might discover your next tech inspiration through a lively online discussion.
  • Follow and connect with your favorite companies. Stay up to date with company news and job postings by following your favorite companies on LinkedIn and other social platforms. Often companies will post a link to their job board or another way of applying for jobs. If so, you’ll want to be first in line for your next great IT opportunity.

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