Posted on 17/04/2018 by
How to stand out from the crowd… on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is rapidly becoming the go to site for recruiters and job seekers, so it is absolutely crucial that your profile is active and stands out from the crowd!
Whether you are a freelancer seeking your next gig, or in a permanent role and looking for a new challenge, it’s important that you are making the right impression on LinkedIn and encouraging potential employers to contact you for the hottest new design jobs on the market…
1. Photo
This is the first thing people will see about you so a nice headshot where you’re smiling is the way to go. LinkedIn is for business, so save the selfies for Facebook and Instagram! Do not worry if you don’t have a professional photograph, just make sure it’s clear and natural and you will be making the right first impression.
2. Your profile
The key to an impressive profile is writing something short and snappy that sums up who you are, what you are currently doing, and what skills you can offer. Keep it to a few lines so people stay switched on and engaged! Make sure your status says that you’re open to new opportunities.
3. Details
LinkedIn is pretty much an extension of your CV, so the most important thing here is to make sure all your dates add up, so if you took a year out to pursue personal projects it’s worth mentioning it. Ensure your experience is up to date and include all the usual info, company, dates to and from, responsibilities etc.
4. Skills
Although you don’t want to sell yourself short here, be careful not to choose too many- keep it to the point. You want people to focus on your core skills and veer away from areas you no longer work in. Focus on skills relative to the area you wish to pursue, if you are a branding designer, for example, you may want to include ‘branding’, ‘logos’, ‘identity’.
5. Recommendations
Get them! Recommendations are something unique to you that can really help you stand out. It’s a reflection of not just your work, but also your character and the impact you have had on an organisation. Variety is key here, so 360 recommendations from ex bosses, colleagues, clients, and candidates can all help sell you to potential employers and recruiters. So, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations.
6. Groups
It’s always important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in your field, follow the graphic design pages and join the latest digital design groups. A good LinkedIn profile will help you to stand out but creating and sharing content is even better! Being an active LinkedIn member will gain you valuable and relevant connections and you never know when they could come in handy!