Episode 9: 5 Reasons You Should Care More About Your LinkedIn Profile

Episode 9: 5 Reasons You Should Care More About Your LinkedIn Profile

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What does your LinkedIn profile say about you?

As LinkedIn has become THE professional social network and a comprehensive professional development website, it's becoming increasingly important to have a well-developed profile page.

If you're not sure how to get started, you're not alone. I've talked to many friends, colleagues and clients who are at a loss as to why having a strong LinkedIn profile is important, much less how to create one that is strong. To get you started, in this episode I am going to cover five reasons why you should care more about your LinkedIn profile. One topic I won't be covering is how to best leverage your LinkedIn contacts. If that's something you're interested in learning more about, leave a comment in this recap and I will consider it in a future episode.

Episode Recap: 5 Reasons Why You Should Care More About Your LinkedIn Profile

1. It may be the first impression you make. 

I've mentioned this so many times before: we get less than 10 seconds to make a first impression. And in this age of constant connectivity and virtual business, many times the first impression we make is not in person but rather through a Google or LinkedIn search. So, you want to make sure you are making the best first impression possible.

2. It helps people recognize you.

I can tell you that I certainly have done a LinkedIn search before meeting a professional contact for the first time. More than anything else, if I am meeting someone at a crowded place, I want to make sure I know who I'm looking for. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile photo, post one. If you don't have a professional profile photo, invest in one.

3. It is an expression and extension of your personal brand.

Something I often ask my clients to do is come up with 3-5 words to describe their personal brand. These words, whatever they are, should be present in everything you do professionally: your appearance, the way you treat other people, how you carry yourself and yes, even your LinkedIn profile.

4. Recruiters are using LinkedIn to search for potential candidates. 

Many recruiters are using LinkedIn as a way to source candidates. Even if you are not actively looking for a new position but would consider it if the right opportunity presented itself, then you want to make sure you include keywords in your profile that will help recruiters find you easily.

5. Recruiters are looking at your profile as a replacement for your resume.

Many recruiters are looking at LinkedIn profiles as a shortcut to get to a candidate's background and experience. That being said, if your profile does not have enough detail, you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage and doing yourself a disservice.