As a recruiter, I come across a fair share of LinkedIn profiles. Some of them are filled into details while others are interesting, to say the least. So, to save you some time, I made the ultimate list of 7 things you should do to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Here we go:

1. UPDATE YOUR PROFILE PICTURE

First impressions truly matter when anybody sees your profile. Make sure that you:

• Look personable (look into the camera and smile, or make a friendly expression)
• Use most of the space (your face should take up 60% of the frame)
• Keep it true to life (make photo representative of what you would normally wear at work)

*Just as a side note, the background photo is not a must. However, it could serve as a means to brand your company or yourself.

2. HEADLINE

This is probably the most important aspect of your profile. Now it’s time for you to be concise:
• Add your current job title
• Location
• Industry
• Education
• Contact info (email, social media and telephone number)
• URL (customize your Linkedin URL so that people can find you easily e.g. name.surname / namesurname / name-surname etc.)

3. SUMMARY

Here you have 2000 characters to work with, so you have plenty of space to express your creativity. Here are some ideas:

• Write WHAT you do and WHY you do it
• Share what sets you apart
• Feel free to mention your hobbies, volunteer work that you have done or simply write about things that you care about
• Add media (photos, videos, slides, portfolio) and/or a website link
• Attach your resume

4. EXPERIENCE

List your relevant experience only and do not forget to add how long you have worked. It is also important to write 3-4 sentences about each position you have held. You do not have to go into full detail, just make sure to add keywords to your sentences. That way, it is easier for recruiters and hiring managers to find you.

5. EDUCATION + PROJECTS + SKILLS

• The education section is more critical for entry-level job seekers. It is fine to list your higher education only unless you want to connect with your high school classmates
• Use the projects section as a portfolio of your best work so you can back up skills that you claim to have
• Add skills that define your professional role and reorder them! You can put 3 most relevant skills to the top
• It can feel uncomfortable, however, do not hesitate to ask your current and former employers for recommendations

6. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In this section you should list:
• Courses that you have completed
• Languages (do not forget to rate your proficiency)
• Organizations (NGOs, volunteer experience, etc.)
• Projects
• Publications
• Honors & awards
• Test scores

7. INTERESTS

There are 4 categories:
• Influencers
• Companies
• Groups
• Schools

This is how you optimize your LinkedIn home page, plus, it is a great way to let others know what topics you care about.
Joining various groups is another way to learn and connect with other LinkedIn members.

To recap, make sure that you look professional in your profile picture and list all the important information about your job roles. It is useful to use keywords since that is the easiest way for recruiters to find you.
Lastly, to get a general understanding of how LinkedIn search works.
The search algorithm displays results in this order:
1.Profile completeness (100% only)
2.Shared connections
3.Connections by degree
4.Groups in common

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If you need help optimizing your profile comment below or contact the author at farah@storsen.com. We would be happy to help!