Let’s make a New Year resolution to refresh and re-energize our LinkedIn profiles! Updating your profile will make it easier for you to share your story, highlight your career strengths, and create compelling first impressions that resonate with recruiters. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can help you engage with professional contacts and access knowledge, insights, and opportunities. It's a great resource for you to chase your passions and cultivate new work experiences. Here are our top 6 ideas to add substance to your LinkedIn profile and get noticed by your dream employer in 2022!

1. Upload a Professional Image

This is a great opportunity to brand yourself accordingly within the LinkedIn community. It’s often people’s first impression of you so take the time to get a professional photo of yourself! We know finding the perfect headshot can be challenging so take the following things into consideration when choosing your wardrobe and background:

-Wear deep, saturated colors and pair them with neutrals like grey, navy or earth tones

-Choose colors that flatter your skin tone

-Avoid patterns

-Keep the background simple! A white or a blurred natural background (think trees or cityscape) are both great options for headshots

2. Create a Stand Out Headline

Your headline is located directly under your name and you have 120 characters to attract and captivate your audience.  Use brief, descriptive words that resonate with your career goals to tell other professionals who you are and what makes you the best!

3. Customize your Profile Link

Click on “edit profile” and change your web address to www.LinkedIn.com/in/yourname so that it is specific to you. This makes you easier to seek out and your profile will show up in any search results for your name. You can also add your customized web address to your professional resume to make it easily accessible to hiring managers. Bonus: add this link to your business cards!

4. Relevant Career History

Instead of putting your entire career history or resume on LinkedIn, focus on only the roles that are directly related to your target career goals. You don’t want your profile to appear incomplete so put at least two to three past positions but make sure to describe these roles in depth and use strengths that will interest potential employers.

5. Join Groups & Make Connections

Take the time to seek out LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your business or leaders at companies within your target market.  Comment on posts or in group discussions, share updates and add insights of your own in order to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise! It’s also a great way for you to increase your connections and expand your network.

6. Give Recommendations

The best way to get recommendations or endorsements is to give recommendations or endorsements. Remind your peers and colleagues about how you can help them out. Not only will you have a full portfolio of recommendations but your connections will feel valued and more apt to return the favor!

LinkedIn has many resources to offer including tips, videos, webinars, and articles on careers, industry trends or news, and marketing so take advantage. There is a large network of individuals within LinkedIn ready to help you and serve as a great support system so take the time to connect!