How to Use LinkedIn Like a Pro: 7 Winning Tips

It is always important to put your best foot forward when introducing yourself to potential employers. You want to give them a firm handshake, big smile and show off that new suit. The truth is, they probably already know who you are because of social media.

LinkedIn has become the Facebook of business. You can make connections, showcase your professional abilities and explore job opportunities. It is what employers look at before giving you that first initial call.

So, what’s the secret? How do you LinkedIn like a pro?

1. Upload a Professional Profile Pic

First thing an employer will notice on your page is your profile picture. They aren’t judging you on what you look like, they are judging you based on professionalism. 

If it’s a picture of you and your buddy at a football game chances are, they aren’t going to take you seriously. (You may get some brownie points if you’re sporting their favorite team.)

Bad Example:

Good Example:

You want a good quality photo with not too much going on in the background. Hire a professional photographer to do some headshots for you. Or for a cheaper option, ask a friend with a good camera if they wouldn’t mind taking some for you.

2. Upload an Interesting Header Photo

Along with your profile picture, an employer will also notice your header, or background picture. This is a way for you to express more of your personality.

Simplicity is key when it comes to headers. If you want to use a picture, make it something that makes sense with your field of work or interests. For instance, if you work in construction, use a job site that you helped build.

Simple Header:

Relatable Header:

If you don’t have any work-related photos, you can find a bunch of simple ones on Google! 

3. Create a Memorable Headline

Hiring employers come across hundreds of profiles, so you want yours to be memorable. Having a catchy headline can take you from the bottom of the list to the top.

LinkedIn automatically puts your job title and company name as your header, so that’s what majority of people stick to. If you edit and make it more unique, you will stand out.

This section is the perfect opportunity to showcase your “So What?”. 

4. Update Your Profile

It can be easy to forget to update your profile with new accomplishments or skills that you recently mastered. 

Every year you should take time to make a list of things like projects, promotions, certifications, volunteer work; anything that can be added to your profile to keep it up to date.

You never know when a potential client or the job of your dreams could come across your page, so this mundane task is essential. 

5. Remember: Summary > Resume

A great way to sell yourself is through your summary, not your resume! It seems like it should be the other way around, but it gives you an in-depth opportunity to showcase how valuable you are.

Tell your story, make it fun and don’t be afraid to show some personality. 

6. Connect, Connect, Connect!

The more connections the better! An advantage of LinkedIn is that you have the access to virtually connect with others to market and grow your brand.

When you connect with someone knew, personalize the invitation. This little gesture can go a long way with the person you are trying to build a professional relationship with.

Letting someone know that you are interested in their work, or that it was great to meet them at an event, will create a more likely chance of them wanting to connect with you.

To connect with people who have similar interests as you, join groups. You can find groups in the search bar or create your own!

7. Don’t Forget About Your Call to Action

Whether you are actively looking for a job, own your own business or have a side hustle, you should always include a call to action!

The end of your summary is a great place for this. It can be anything from a link to your website or asking people to email you for inquiries. Whatever the case may be, always make it easy for people to find out more. 

LinkedIn is a gateway to land your dream job, meet that potential client, build your professional connections and so much more. These tips and tricks may seem miniscule but when put together they will create beneficial results!