Link well

Swati Rai

Being on a professional networking site such as LinkedIn is advantageous if leveraged appropriately. These portals are not only regular job search sites and should, therefore, not be treated this myopically. Just as a social networking site, these help you showcase an all-round professional persona,  connect with like-minded professionals, stay informed about the goings on in the current job scenes as well as network virtually. 

A successful utilistaion and tapping of the resources and facilities on such sites can accelerate professional growth. Here’s what you can do to achieve just that.

Take out time to chisel your profile

Don’t be lazy in etching a sound, comprehensive and personalised profile. Start with a professional photograph that will make your e-introduction. None of the fancy, garish colours, but yes, a photo that reflects a professional turn out. It could well be an animated version of showing what you do at work, depending on the context.  Do check out the photos of professionals from the same industry and also display a professional background image on your page. 

A catchy headline that sums up your expertise is a must write and don’t hesitate in making it witty. The headline as also your profile will vary from industry to industry but working on recording your unique qualities, professional USPs and dynamic contributions to the work sphere, will remain the same. Work experience, skills, educational background and volunteering experience, all form a part of the sub sections in this window. 

Recruiters would want a comprehensive lowdown on your professional capacity, so keep a tab on the ‘profile completeness’ icon. 

Don’t limit the profile to being a mere replica of your CV. Highlight key accomplishments, core qualifications, personal brand statement in an absorbing manner. Use action words to write succinct notes on your achievements backed with data. This will sustain a steady audience to your profile. Relay an engaging story of your professional journey and yes, that demands time. 

More than a job search engine

A professional networking site warrants joining similar professional groups, connecting with people from the same community, offering avice where required and commenting on others’ posts, exchanging industry based news, updates and opportunities. 

Connecting offline is also another option that such groups explore and is worth a try. Relevant status update at least once a week will help you stay active and also reflect your engaged-in-the-work-sphere personality. 

Strategise seeking recommendations for different skills basedon your past and current experience. Draft a thoughtful message to seek them appropriately. 

Commenting on others’ posts is another way of exhibiting professional networking skills. Publish articles on the site on core competencies, experiences and observations on professional issues. Share your unique insight on current news events, trends and share an opinion, as appropriate, on them. Such a portal is made meaningful if utilised as a professional networking site.  

Language check

In 2,000 characters, including spaces, the portal allows you to catch the eye of the recruiters with a professional journey told in a comprehensive way. Use keywords stated in the jobs you are likely to apply to, but, avoid buzzwords and clichés. 

Focus on your major accomplishments, highlight them using words or rich media. Showcase positive side of your previous roles and niche skills. 

Keep the tone personalised and engaging with a storyline that’s unique to you. Keep the sentences short and meaning weighty. Highlight tasks that you have accomplished and skills that you possess.  

Your communication in the summary can also be more interactive by way of adding rich media to capture the reader’s interest. Feel free to present a professional portfolio in mixed media form. Slideshare, YouTube,Vimeo, Graphics all can make the cut, if used professionally. 

A profile that is complete and reaches out to the recruiter, business partner, potential employer and engagers is the one that encapsulates your personal brand in the best way possible. Your professional persona, digital footprint is visible on your profile, therefore, goes without saying better to engage in relevant educational and skill development reads. 

Also, don’t forget to keep your profile updated —  adding current assignments and the recently completed ones along with new skills acquired, will make your online professional presence, truly dynamic. 

A strong profile

Commenting on others’ posts is another way of exhibiting professional networking skills. Publish articles on the site on core competencies, experiences and observations on professional issues.

Focus on your major accomplishments, highlight them using words or rich media. Showcase positive side of your previous roles and niche skills. 

Your profile should encapsulate your personal brand in the best way possible. Your professional persona, digital footprint is visible on your profile, therefore,  dwell on educational and skill development reads.