Memorandum
To: Meera Patel, Zachary Goldman, Matthew de Rose
From: Sydney Dunn
Date: June 29th 2020
Subject: Professional Networking Research Summary
As directed in our most recent assignment, I have conducted research into how to effectively use LinkedIn and how to best present myself professionally online. These ten points appeared the most valuable:
- Choose the right photos. Both your profile photo and background photo send a message about you. Your profile photo should be a professional headshot and you should be wearing what you would wear to work.
- Include a summary. It is different than simply reiterating your professional experience, instead highlight your skills and why they matter.
- Avoid using buzzwords unless you can truly demonstrate them.
- Follow relevant influencers to connect yourself with your desired field.
- Quantify your successes using numbers. This provides information about how you helped your employer. Replace phrases like “Responsible for…” with verbs that show more action.
- Use a custom URL rather than the automatically generated one automatically assigned to you. You can edit this under the Edit Profile section.
- Use recommendations that are relevant to your professional experience. You can ask someone to write one for you after they have already complimented your work.
- Your profile should have a ratio of roughly 70-80% professional while the other 20-30% personal information.
- Write a strong headline that showcases your value. This should not be a job title if you are looking for a new one.
- Make use of your endorsements. You can encourage people to endorse your skills by doing the same for them. Do make sure that they are relevant.
Through my research it was clear that success on LinkedIn is deeply connected to creating the best possible picture of yourself. It is about demonstrating your value rather than simply listing experiences and ultimately proving why you would be an asset to a future employer.
Sources:
Arruda, William. “LinkedIn 101: How To Craft A Stellar Profile.” Forbes, January 15, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2017/01/15/linkedin-101-how-to-craft-a-stellar-profile/#7c230b405379
Clark, Biron. “5 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips From a Recruiter.” CareerSidekick, https://careersidekick.com/best-linkedin-profile-tips/
Fleming, Jane. “20 steps to a better LinkedIn profile in 2020.” LinkedIn, February 20, 2020, https://business.linkedin.com/en-uk/marketing-solutions/blog/posts/content-marketing/2017/17-steps-to-a-better-LinkedIn-profile-in-2017
“How to Effectively Use LinkedIn.” UBC Student Services, https://students.ubc.ca/career/career-resources/effectively-use-linkedin
“The 31 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers.” The Muse, https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-31-best-linkedin-profile-tips-for-job-seekers
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