The Dos and Don'ts of Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile

If you’re using LinkedIn to build your professional network, the odds are good that you’ve been asked by someone to give them a recommendation, or you've thought about giving one yourself. But what’s the best way to do this? Should you simply write up a paragraph stating that you think the person in question is hard-working and honest, or should you go into more detail? And how should you format your comment so that it’s easy to read and doesn’t take up too much space?

Build A Professional Headline

Your headline is one of the first things people see when they visit your profile, so it’s important to make a good impression. Here are some tips for creating a professional headline: 

1. Use keywords that describe your skills and experience. 

2. Keep it short—around eight words is ideal. 

3. Use punctuation to break up long phrases or sentences. 

4. Avoid using abbreviations. 

5. Be consistent with the language you use on your resume—if you use Results-oriented professional, don’t switch to Results-driven worker in your headline. 

6. Check for grammar and spelling errors before you publish your headline

Add Great Images

Your profile photo is the first thing potential employers or business contacts will see when they visit your profile, so make sure it's a good one! A professional headshot is always best, but if you don't have one, try to use a high-quality image that's cropped close to your head and shoulders. And avoid using selfies or group photos—these just look unprofessional.

Write About Your Achievements

Your profile should be an honest reflection of your professional brand, so don't be afraid to toot your own horn a bit. But beware: too much self-promotion can be a turn-off for potential connections. Write about your successes in a way that is both humble and engaging, and make sure to include concrete examples.

Use the right keywords

When it comes to your profile, choose your words carefully. You want to use keywords that accurately describe your skills and experience, but you also want to avoid using too many keywords or sounding like a robot. A good rule of thumb is to use one keyword for every 10-15 words in your profile. In addition to using the right keywords, be sure to also avoid these common profile mistakes

Add all your connections

If you're looking to create a professional LinkedIn profile, there are some dos and don'ts you should keep in mind. First, be sure to add all your connections. This will give your profile more credibility and make it more likely that people will take you seriously. Second, don't be afraid to include keywords in your profile so that people can easily find you when they're searching for someone with your skillset. Finally, make sure to keep your profile updated regularly so that it accurately reflects your current professional situation.

Update it regularly.

Your profile should be an accurate reflection of your current professional situation. If you’ve been promoted or changed jobs, make sure to update your profile accordingly. This also applies to any new skills you may have acquired or awards you’ve won. Regular updates will ensure that your profile is current and engaging for potential connections.

Share interesting posts from others.

You want your profile to be engaging, so make sure to share interesting posts from other users. This shows that you're active on the site and engaged with your network. But don't just share for the sake of sharing - only share content that is relevant to your industry or interests.

Just be yourself.

Your profile should be an accurate representation of who you are and what you do. Be sure to include your current position, skills, and experience. But don’t stop there—LinkedIn is also a great place to share your insights, articles, and other professional content. Just be sure to keep it all professional and appropriate for your audience.