Boost your career with LinkedIn: How to optimise your profile to find a job, grow the network and build your brand
Choose your picture
The picture is the first thing that people look at on your LinkedIn profile. Choose a high quality recent headshot that shows you as a professional. Dress according to your industry and smile naturally to look approachable. Use good lighting and a neutral background for the image. Do not use selfies or a picture cut out from a group photo. Next, consider the banner or your background photo. Though you can leave the default blue background from LinkedIn, this is an opportunity to build your brand. Customise an image that conveys either your field of work, your interests, or your achievements. You can work with a free, customisable banner template on a platform like Canva.
Compelling headline
Just below your name comes the ‘Headline’, which is visible in search results. While most people list their job title, you can use it to make a powerful impact that showcases your skills and aspirations. Consider these examples: ‘Digital marketing specialist | SEO expert | Skilled in data-driven strategies’ or ‘Creative graphic designer | Branding & visual storytelling expert | Helping startups build strong visual identities’. Experiment with skills and use phrases that will instantly stand out to recruiters looking for specific qualifications or clients looking for services.
Strong summary
Next comes the ‘About’ section, which is the place to tell your professional story. The reader has seen your photo and headline, and has chosen to click on your profile. Your summary is now your pitch for engaging the
