How to Strengthen your LinkedIn Profile

Here are some effective ways to make your LinkedIn profile look more impressive and more complete.

  1. Write a concise, punchy summary describing yourself. Mention your best attributes right off the bat to make a strong first impression.
  2. List your complete work history, and don’t skimp on the details. Write detailed descriptions of what you did in each role, including all of the responsibilities that were assigned to you during your time in that position. If you received a promotion at any point or changed roles, include that as well; as of 2018 LinkedIn allows you to show your progression from one role to the next.
  3. Add a wide range of skills. List as many that apply to you. Endorse your connections for skills that they have on their profile, and ask people you have worked with in the past to endorse you for certain skills – Don’t be shy!
  4. Populate your profile with accomplishments – Nothing is too big or too small. Include projects you’ve worked on for school or for work, classes you’ve taken in college/university, and any creative output of yours that you are proud of.
  5. Engage with your professional network! Like and/or comment on something when a contact shares an article or an update on LinkedIn; wish your contacts a happy “work anniversary” when LinkedIn prompts you to do so; and respond to people when they comment on something that you post or message you directly. This networking is key to keeping professional relationships alive.

By Dan McDonald

Dan is a Sales and Marketing Development Associate at Baxter Media. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 2011.