How to Rock Your LinkedIn Profile

Your photo. Your profile in another language. Your custom URL. - Find out how you can get more out of your LinkedIn profile and how you can build your personal brand in the process.

This article is also available in German.

1. Photo & Background picture

What is the first thing you notice in above screenshot?

It might seem obvious but let me put it in writing : A profile photo helps you build credibility with others and be authentic. It doesn’t need to be perfect or professionally shot. Just choose something recent that shows the real you. 

Members with a photo get up to:

• 9x more connection requests
• 21x more profile views
• 36x more messages.

Your background picture is the cherry on top and makes your profile more lively. It can be an official logo of your company, a picture with a personal note, or an abstract motive from one of the many free online stock photo suppliers. Choose something you like and that represents your personal brand.

2. Title & Summary

There are multiple options for what to use as a title underneath your profile photo. Depending on your preference you can use your official job title and employer, a paraphrase of what you do, or a combination of both. Have a look at some profiles of other members and let them inspire you.

The summary in the "About" section of your profile is your career snapshot. Think of it as your personal “elevator pitch.” Describe what you do and highlight your strengths. Pro tips: Stick to a few short paragraphs, lose the jargon, and be your authentic self.

You can, for example, structure the summary by answering following 3 questions:

• Who am I?
• What experience do I have?
• What do I want to achieve?

3. Experience & Media

Starting with your current position, write about projects, accomplishments, and the value you bring to your team and organization. Keep it clear and concise. Bullet points work great here.

Adding media is a great way to engage other people. Posting photos, videos, and more helps you tell your professional story in eye-catching ways. You don't necessarily need to own the content, your company's brand video, a presentation, a link or a photo of a project are totally fine - be creative and bring your profile to live.

4. Skills, Endorsements & Recommendations

Members who add 5 or more skills receive up to 17x more Profile views. Add skills you want to be known for, and that your connections can endorse you for. Every new endorsement adds credibility to your profile and recruiter can find you based on your skills.

Recommendations can also help build you credibility and validate your skills. You can ask your contacts to recommend you and your work. Some advice: ask for a recommendation regarding a specific project or skill, so they know what you expect and might help you. You could even send them a draft. When you receive a recommendation you'll have to accept it to display it publicly on your profile. And don't forget: LinkedIn is a Give & Take - your contacts will appreciate a recommendation from you as well.

5. Custom URL & profile in another language

Create your own custom URL by first clicking in the top right corner on the LinkedIn desktop version on Edit public profile & URL and then in the next window on Edit your custom URL. You can add your personalized URL as a link in your professional contact details, for example on your CV or in your presentations.

LinkedIn also offers the possibility to add your profile in another language. You can, for example, have your profile in English and German. This option can also be found in the top right corner on the LinkedIn desktop version. Profile visitors will see your profile based on their default language preferences - an English speaking visitor in English, a member with German as their language preference in German. LinkedIn will match viewers’ language to your available language profile. If there’s no match, your default profile will be shown.

#RockYourProfile #InItTogether

I'm looking forward to your comments, questions and inspiration for future topics.

If you want to find out more, have a look at this LinkedIn Learning course for Rock Your Profile.