The document provides insights into optimizing LinkedIn profiles for job seekers, emphasizing the importance of a strong profile picture, a keyword-rich headline, and a comprehensive summary to showcase professional experience. It offers tips on building a network, engaging with connections, and highlighting volunteer experience as significant for hiring managers. Additionally, it discusses the advantages of both free and paid LinkedIn accounts to enhance visibility and networking opportunities.

1. Gala Jackson, M.Ed.
Millennial Career Expert &
CEO/Career Management Consultant, InterviewSnob

2. Let’s Connect
@InterviewSnob
www.InterviewSnob.com
www.facebook.com/InterviewSnob
www.linkedin.com/in/galajackson

3. LinkedIn Quick Facts
• Began in 2003
• 332 Million users across the globe in 2014
• Revolutionized the job search process
• Algorithm based; Six Degrees of Separation
• Unlike any other social media platform
• LinkedIn is the #1 site recruiters use to search for
candidates
• Core component of your brand

4. 01
Profile Picture &
“Keyword Rich” Headline
02 Summary
03
Work Experience &
Samples of Work
04
Volunteer Experience &
Organizations
05
06
Contact Information &
Interests
LinkedInBasics
DEVELOPING YOUR PROFILE
Skills, Endorsements, &
Recommendations

5. 01
Connections &
Your Network
02 Groups
03 Alumni Search
04
Company Pages, Job
Postings, & Recruiters
05
06
Share, Comment, &
Post
LinkedInBasics
THE PERKS
Influencers &
Blogs

6. TIP #1
YOUR PROFILE SHOULD BE DIFFERENT
• Duplicating your résumé appears lazy
• LinkedIn is your “master résumé”
• Your profile is your portfolio (samples of your work)
• Address who are you as a professional not just as a
candidate
• Use your profile to tell your professional story
• Use first person (Summary/Experience - optional)
LEVERAGE YOUR PROFILE
LAND THE JOB

7. TIP #2
COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE
• Increase your number of views
• Use LinkedIn “Profile Strength” to evaluate your profile
• Primary sections:
 Profile Picture & Headline
 Summary
 Experience (Work & Volunteer)
 Education
 Turn off notifications

8. TIP #3
WRITE A POWERFUL, KEYWORD RICH
HEADLINE & SUMMARY (…AND EXPERIENCE SECTION)
• Who are you as a professional?
• What is your professional brand?
• Elevator Pitch 101/Why should I hire you?
• Include core competencies/areas of expertise
• Highlight opportunities you are seeking
• Be detailed, but specific
• Change the link to your profile!

9. PROFILE PICTURE & HEADLINE
LinkedIn profiles
with a profile
picture are 14 times
more likely to be
viewed by
recruiters.
Make sure you have
a “keyword rich”
headline to go with
your photo.
EXAMPLE

10. SUMMARY
EXAMPLE

11. Command Attention
Avoid Use Active Verbs
Responsible for…
Engaged, Managed, Coordinated, Executed, Collaborated, Utilized,
Provided, Initiated, Led, Curated, Generated, Designed,
Developed, Presented, Prepared, Organized, Secured,
Contributed, Observed, & MORE!
Tasked with…
Asked to…
I took care of…
Productivity Gaps Showcase how many and how much
Too much irrelevant
information
Be direct, clear, and concise
Don’t Assume Say what you mean and mean what you say
Use active verbs in your profile!

12. TIP #4
ALWAYS CUSTOMIZE YOUR INVITATION TO CONNECT
• Never use the “I’d like to connect” message
• Mobile App has been updated
 Click on profile, go to top right
• “When”, “Where”, “Why”, and “What for”

13. TIP #5
BE STRATEGIC WITH YOUR CONNECTIONS
• Who you connect with impacts your results
• Use the Alumni Connection Feature
• Connect with Industry Leaders
• Be careful when connecting with colleagues!
• Ask for a recommendation
• Seek out endorsements
• Offer to recommend/endorse others

14. CONNECTIONS
EXAMPLE

15. TIP #6
UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF YOUR
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• LinkedIn reports that 42% of hiring managers
consider volunteer experience just as important as
work experience
• Showcase your additional skills through your
volunteer experience
• Be specific:
 Role/Level of Involvement?
 How do you lead/serve?
 How often, how much, and how many?
 Who are your stakeholders and partners?

16. TIP #7
INTERACT WITH LINKEDIN EVERYDAY – BE TOP OF MIND
• Comment, Share, and Post everyday
• Write a blog/article
• Respond to your invitations to connect
• Congratulate your connections
• Be a connector
• Review “People You Know”
• Engage with Groups and Company pages
• Follow Influencers
• Know your industry

17. TIP #8
PAID ACCOUNT VS. FREE ACCOUNT
• Increased Visibility/Designation
• Expanded “Who has viewed your profile” Feature
• Extended Reach/Introductions/Profiles
• In-Mail (85% open rate)
• Robust Search Capabilities
• Sales Professionals & Recruiters

18. DISCOVER
YOUR
VALUES
=+ DEFINE
YOUR
SWOTs
+ IDENTIFY
YOUR
BRAND
+ PACKAGE
YOUR
GENIUS
ACTIVATE
“Write the vision – that you may run at the
appointed time.”
TELL YOUR STORY
TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR CAREER
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