Create a Better Ranking LinkedIn Profile in 6 Easy Steps
- Monday, 10 July 2023
Branding, Branding, Branding: a word used often by influencers and politicians alike. A strong academic profile and professional appearance and demeanour all work well in our favour, yet our online presence as we start in our careers might be lacking.
LinkedIn gives people a window into our professional lives – a keyhole through which other professionals can gauge our strengths, motivations, and character.
Your friendly neighborhood Careers and Employability Services at MDX Dubai are dedicated to ensuring your LinkedIn profiles look as manicured as your Instagram and Facebook profile.
Tip 1: Say no to the selfie!
We know the right camera angle makes or breaks a photo, and a selfie will not help us on LinkedIn. We love a good visual, so smile with your eyes and get a photo taken that looks like you… and no! The “Valencia” filter from Snapchat won’t do either!
Hint: If you do not want to go to a professional for a headshot, there are many ways to create a professional headshot for free. Look up some tips online, or get your friends to help you!
Tip 2: The algorithm values those who complete their profile.
Imagine a cake without frosting, a night without stars, a Middlesex logo without the red colour!
As worrisome as that image is, it’s the same with your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn requires you to fill in essential details, such as your education, skills, and work history. No job experience yet? Mention your volunteer experience.
Tip 3: Declare your title!
Your Royal Highness? No. Duke of Narnia? No. Senior Accountant? That’s more like it.
Your headline appears right under your name and informs an employer about your current professional identity. It should be accurate, professional and represent who you are and what you’re an expert in!
Better options include something like IT Student or Data Analysis Intern.
Tip 4: Your LinkedIn banner is your personal flag
The blank space above your profile picture is where a cover photo must be. This blank space needs your attention!
The cover photo could be your view of Dubai’s skyline, or even a customised template from Canva with meaningful words. It just needs to represent what you’re about as a professional!
Tip 5: The Profile Summary: Let it paint a picture of who you are.
A bland summary is like fries with no salt. However, an overenthusiastic one with lyrics from an Adele song does nothing to showcase who you are or where you come from.
The art of summarising your life, background and work experience into a few perfect words might seem like a daunting task, but practice makes perfect.
Answer these questions to guide your writing: Who am I? What is my greatest skill, and what did it help me achieve? What am I passionate about outside work? Am I open to employers/collaborators contacting me?
Tip 6: Seek out recommendations.
As much as we love to toot our own horn, its better when someone vouches for us. As students we learn about credibility, such in using citations to validate our statements in assignments. On LinkedIn, the principle is the same: the power of a good recommendation comes in handy. Our teachers, previous employers, and colleagues can be requested to write recommendations that are current and insightful.
This list isn’t the limit of what LinkedIn can do for your career! LinkedIn is a powerful networking resource that can showcase who you are and what you have done in a professional context.
The Careers and Employability Services (CES) team in Block 15, Dubai Knowledge Park can help you optimise your LinkedIn profile so that it helps you target the roles and connections you want. Learn more about how the CES team can help you here.
Sheldon Lobo is a BSc Honours Psychology with Counselling Skills student and Careers and Employability Student Liaison at Middlesex University Dubai.
