Let’s talk about everything below that LinkedIn profile “box.” Yes, I am talking Summary, Experience, and Groups. Let’s talk about how you can improve your LinkedIn profile, or how you can create your LinkedIn profile.
Even if you are just starting a blog, it’s important to have a professional presence on LinkedIn.
How to Create Your LinkedIn Summary, Your Elevator Pitch
Here is your place to shine. In short, this your “elevator pitch.”
Picture this: If you were a job-seeking professional who happened to walk into the elevator with the CEO of a company for which you want to work, what would you tell her about yourself, your skills and what you are looking for in a job?
Once again, this is a very SEO friendly place for you to make yourself shine. Let’s take a look at my summary to see what I have done to improve my LinkedIn profile.
Communications expert with proven track record for winning media and marketing strategies. Overall project management skills for communications with an emphasis on consumer marketing, healthcare marketing, interactive/social media and online marketing. I specialize in interactive marketing, social media for health care, and creating video content for health care marketing.
I have extensive experience in social media platforms including blogging for WordPress and Blogger, Vlogging, SEO, Twitter, Social Mention searches, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr.
I also have extensive experience with analytic tools like Google Analytics, Statcounter and Hootsuite/Tweetdeck
Do you see what I did in the paragraphs above? I was very specific in my skill set, spelling each and everything I have done in my experience out. Do not assume that saying you have “extensive experience in social media platforms” is enough. Specifically say what you mean.
Here’s more:
I am skilled at creating content that appeals to consumers while marketing organizational initiatives.
I am a blogger who enjoys expanding her social network and joining the conversation with like-minded bloggers and readers.
My previous experience includes writing, producing and editing for television.
I would like to expand my network in marketing, corporate communications, recruitment, publications, editing and writing.
Here is where I touch on some of my skills, interests, previous experience and intentions. It gives the reader a clear idea of what I am about, and where I want to go.
Finally, the Specialties area:
Erica’s Specialties:
Social media, writing, editing, proofreading, branding, messaging, communications, interactive marketing, broadcast, creating video content, managing client relations, web content, internal communications, employee marketing campaigns, rewards and recognition, communications plans, creative direction (photography), interviewing, journalism
Think of this as SEO heaven. Use buzz words. Spell each and every skill set out… again. If you want your readers to take away some clear visions of you and your experience, this is where you hit them over the head with what you can do.
Not literally, of course.
Your LinkedIn Experience, More than a Resume
Sure, it is easy to just cut and paste your resume into this section, but the reality is, if a hiring manager is interested in you, she may look at both your LinkedIn profile, as well as a resume you bring to the interview, or attach in an email.
This is a great opportunity to make yourself stand out more than you represented on a flat piece of paper.
Yes, you need to highlight your experience. Yes, you need to give your specific skill set, but more importantly, here is the place to give specific, measurable examples of your work.
You increased your company’s fan base on Facebook… by how much? How many people watched your videos? How many people did you get to subscribe to your RSS feeds? And, above all, how did your marketing efforts translate into sales and ROI?
Spell it out. Make it impressive. Make it more than what you did and for how long you did it.
Getting the Most out of your LinkedIn Experience with LinkedIn Groups
I have to admit, I didn’t always spend that much time on LinkedIn. Sure, I had my profile where I wanted it to be… but then what? Then Groups, is what.
LinkedIn Groups provide places for like-minded professionals to come together, discuss current topics, get advice for work-related questions, and share information pertinent to that group’s overall interest.
LinkedIn Groups isn’t where you post updates about what your kid is doing at summer camp, it isn’t even a place where you can promote your latest blog post about how to make a tutu, it’s a place where you can come together and talk shop. Consider it virtual networking.
Groups are available for every industry. Because I am a marketing and writing professional, I belong to groups related to marketing and writing. But I also am involved with alumni groups, social media groups, and groups about blogging.
If you aren’t using LinkedIn Groups, give it a shot. If you already are, become involved and connect with people within that group.
Because expanding your professional network – regardless of what level you’re at in your career? Fabulous.
