Given the importance of the social media site in staying connected, particularly for contractors and small business owners, here are some tips to help you maintain a cutting-edge LinkedIn profile.
Almost all recruiters use it, and it’s rare to find IT contractors these days who don’t consider it to be one of their Top 3 sources of potential contract leads
1. Complete your profile.
The first step is to complete your profile as much as possible. This includes adding your current contract position, past experience, skills, education, and any other relevant information. The more complete your profile is, the more likely it is to show up in search results.
2. Create an eye-catching headline.
Your headline is the first thing people will see when they view your profile, so make sure it’s clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. Include your key skills and industry expertise, and use keywords that people are likely to search for.
3. Choose a professional photo.
Your photo is the second thing people will see when they view your profile, so make sure it’s a professional headshot. Avoid using photos that are too casual or outdated.
4. Get endorsements.
Endorsements are a great way to show potential clients and employers that you’re skilled and experienced. Ask your clients, colleagues, and former employers to endorse you for your work.
5. Join groups.
There are hundreds of skill-specific and general contracting and freelance groups on LinkedIn. Joining these groups is a great way to network with other professionals, share your expertise, and find new opportunities.
6. Optimise your profile for search.
Use keywords throughout your profile that people are likely to search for. This will help your profile show up in search results, making it more likely that people will find you.
7. Log in regularly.
The more you log in to LinkedIn, the more prominent your profile will become. This means that it’s more likely to show up in search results and be seen by potential clients and employers.
8. Build connections.
Look up old colleagues and clients and invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn. When you send a connection request, be sure to include a personalised message.
9. Make yourself accessible.
Let people know how they can get in touch with you by including your email address, website, and other contact information on your profile.
10. Use LinkedIn’s tools.
LinkedIn offers a variety of tools that can help you boost your profile, such as the “Jobs” tab, the “InMail” feature, and the “LinkedIn Learning” platform.
In addition to the above tips, here are some additional things you can do to give your LinkedIn profile a boost:
- Tailor your profile to your target audience. When you’re writing your profile, consider who you’re trying to reach. What are their needs and interests? What keywords are they likely to search for? Tailor your profile to match their needs and interests, and you’ll be more likely to show up in their search results.
- Use active language. When you’re writing your profile, use active language instead of passive language. This will make your profile more engaging and persuasive. For example, instead of saying “I was responsible for managing a team of 10 people,” say “I managed a team of 10 people.”
- Quantify your results. When you’re talking about your accomplishments, quantify your results whenever possible. This will help potential clients (recruiters) understand the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “I increased conversions,” say “I increased conversions by 15% in the past year.”
- Proofread your profile carefully. Before you hit publish, be sure to proofread your profile carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A well-written profile will make a good impression on potential clients and agents.
Good luck with your contract search!
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