Ok, if your LinkedIn profile looks like it was last updated when The X Factor was on TV, we need to talk.
Because, like it or not, LinkedIn is no longer just a glorified online CV, it’s now your personal billboard, your shop window, your virtual “pick me!” to employers, recruiters, clients, and those nosey schoolmates that want to see how you’re getting on, and compare your success.
Here’s the brutal truth, which we’re sure you expect: people judge your LinkedIn profile within seconds! You may have decades of experience, a purpose-built cabinet at home full of awards, and a glowing reference from Richard Branson, but if your profile screams “I can’t be bothered,” you’ve already lost them.
Imagine this – we’ve all been there – a new member of staff is brought around the office and introduced to everyone. After an awkward handshake and introduction, once they’ve moved on you and your colleagues don’t discuss the benefit they’ll have on the accounts team or how he/she will hit the ground running is it? It’s more “Did you see that shirt he was wearing?” Or “Wow her shoes were amazing!”
So, let’s fix it together right now! Because blending into, or drowning in the sea of “results-driven professionals” is the opposite of career growth.
Headline “Stop Being Vague!”
Your LinkedIn headline should answer that one simple question that anyone looking would want to know “What do you actually do?” If someone finds themselves on your profile and has to guess, then you’ve fallen at the first hurdle.
Don’t just look at your headline as the place to type your job title, it’s more than that. This is your personal SEO powerhouse. So, this is where you use keywords relevant to your industry or role e.g. “Food Industry Talent Partner | Technical Recruitment Specialist” this then boosts your LinkedIn search visibility. Please remember, “Consultant” is a very vague term.
Imagine you’re at a party searching for someone called Dave, luckily for you everyone has a name tag! However, half of the men there have just put “PERSON” on theirs. Would you bother stopping and ask them what their name, or just head straight to the one who’d actually wrote “DAVE” on their badge?
Profile Photo “It’s Not a Passport Photo, Please!”
You click on a profile and there’s no photo… Red flag is on the play people! This is the LinkedIn equivalent of showing up to a meeting in your pyjamas.
The stats don’t lie: LinkedIn profiles with photos get 21 x more views and 9 x more connection requests. Yet somehow, people are still leaving this blank, how shy are you?!
Checklist for a winning headshot:
- Face fills 60–70% of the frame (we’re not playing Where’s Wally)
- Look straight at the camera, because eye contact = Trust
- Smile! Yes smile, it may be a business tool, but it is scientifically proven to make you look more approachable
- Keep the background simple and free from distractions
- Avoid outdated pics, group shots, or anything that screams “taken in a nightclub”
If you’re using that one photo you think you look great on, but you have a pint in your hand – Change it now!
Cover Image “No, the default grey will not do!”
If you’ve left your cover basic grey, that is 50 shades of boring! That area is prime real estate and is yours to use in whatever way works best for you.
This is your opportunity to add personality and context to your LinkedIn profile without having to say a single word. Show off your industry, your company culture, or your personal brand with a sharp, professional image.
Tech tip: Use the correct dimensions – 1584 x 396 pixels – to avoid awkward cropping and pixelation.
Not using your banner is like a company having a billboard sign at the end of their road but leaving it blank as they like it that way.
About Section “Less Robot, More Human”
Your About section is where your professional achievements and your personality join forces to tell your story. A story, not just a boring list of dates and job titles.
Write in the first person, keep it clear and engaging, and showcase a bit of the real you. What drives you? What are your values? Why should anyone care?
SEO tip: Include keywords related to your industry, skills, and roles (naturally remember) to help LinkedIn’s algorithm connect you with the right opportunities.
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. Make it count, because people really are judging you before they’ve even said “Hello.” LinkedIn has over 1.1 billion members, so if you’re not trying to stand out – you definitely won’t.
Putting it simple, would you swipe right on your LinkedIn profile? If not, and you need more advice get in touch with your local Major branch and we can’t talk you through it.