This post is all about how to give your LinkedIn profile a serious glow up!
Years ago I created a LinkedIn profile when I found myself laid off and unemployed. I was really hoping it would give me a leg up on the competition when applying for jobs…and guess what, it did!
Because I have been steadily employed since I’m guilty of not touching my LinkedIn account in years…basically a set it and forget it situation. Below is what my LinkedIn profile has looked like for the past “sevenish” years…
As I have matured through my career, I have learned a very valuable lesson that I have shared with y’all before. That lesson you ask…the importance of networking! I cannot stress enough, especially for younger forensic scientists just entering the field, how important it is to grow organic, strong connections with your fellow peers in the field.
In order to practice what I preach, I decided it was time to give my lackluster LinkedIn profile a total facelift in the hopes of creating professional relationships and opening myself up to other professional opportunities like guest lecturing or teaching.
To achieve this LinkedIn page glow-up, I contacted my longtime friend and LinkedIn expert, Matt! With his job, he specializes in all things talent requisition which means he knows his way around LinkedIn.
Below is a list of his advice for optimizing your LinkedIn page.
Tips for Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile:
#1 Keep it up to date
This one seems like a no brainer but clearly I wasn’t even listening to this advice. Treat your LinkedIn page almost like an online resume. Any time you get a new job, land a new role, or achieve something meaningful, update your page! Let the world know what you are up to and how you have been serving the forensic community. Make sure the spelling and grammar are consistent when listing out your work experience.
#2 Use a photo that is consistent with your work dress code
This little hot tip was something I never knew! In the past, I thought your profile image should be more on the conservative, professional side…you know, like wearing a suit. But times have clearly changed and I’m here for it! If you are a CSI, maybe take a shot of you in your uniform. If you work in a lab setting, maybe include a photo of you in your lab coat! Make yourself stand out! Just remember, no selfies and keep the background neutral!
#3 Utilize the banner
The banner is a newish section within the LinkedIn page capabilities. Newish to me because I haven’t taken a deep dive into LinkedIn in a hot minute, probably not new to all the tech savvy fresh forensic graduates! But utilize this header to its fullest potential! People are attracted to visuals so make this section count. You want it to represent you as a professional. Include a logo, your professional information, or use an image that represents your role in the forensic field. I included an image that I took for my blog but it is a great representation of who I am and what I’m interested in within the forensic community.
Even if someone doesn’t take the time to read through your entire profile, they will see your banner. You can create this header for free using the Canva app! It’s a godsend for anyone who lacks design skills!
#4 Take the time to fill out the bio blurb
Trying to come up with a little bio about yourself can seem daunting but it shouldn’t be! It should be a paragraph MAX! People do not want to spend their entire day reading your bio. Here are the two main points you should be hitting within this blurb section:
- Discuss your current position – this allows readers to know exactly what you are doing, where you are doing it, and that you’re actively working on professional skills.
- State your purpose – by adding a genuine and engaging line or two about the work you do this allows members of the field to get a better understanding of why you’ve been drawn to a specific forensic discipline and what your future goals are.
Because LinkedIn is set up like every other search engine platform, choose your wording appropriately in order to maximize SEO or search engine optimization. Your LinkedIn page is your personal and professional brand…present yourself in an authentic and marketable way!
#5 Network
The whole point of LinkedIn is to network with other working professionals in your field. By actively posting current, relevant articles, engaging with others, and endorsing your fellow peers, you are setting yourself up for success. This tip is something I actively need to work on! If you are interested in a new job, you can privately indicate to recruiters that you are “open to hearing about new opportunities.” This is something you can set up via your LinkedIn settings.
After implementing all of Matt’s advice, here is what my current LinkedIn profile is looking like! The glow up is real!
If you have any tips for how to create the perfect LinkedIn profile page, let me know in the comments section below! I hope all of this advice comes in handy the next time you update your professional profile!
Once your amazing LinkedIn profile page lands you an interview, make sure you are prepared by creating your own interview study guide!
