4 ways to spring clean your LinkedIn profile

Spring is considered to be the season of new beginnings and nature emerging from hibernation. If your LinkedIn profile has also been in hibernation over winter, now is the time to give it a spring clean, to not only strengthen your online brand but to increase your chances of getting hired.

Here are 4 ways to instantly improve, freshen up and spring clean your LinkedIn profile

Customise Your URL

A LinkedIn URL is a unique web address assigned to your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn assigns a URL to your profile based on your name and some random numbers or characters. Customising your LinkedIn URL can contribute to your online visibility and potentially improve search engine optimisation (SEO). This URL link can then be added to your CV and will increase visits to your LinkedIn profile and showcase any recommendations you have listed on your LinkedIn profile. To understand how to do this, click here.

Include a Banner

The banner is one of the first things people notice when they visit your profile. A visually appealing banner can make a positive first impression on recruiters and hiring managers. The banner provides an opportunity to showcase your personal brand or professional identity.

If you are currently employed or self-employed, you could incorporate the company logo or branding elements into your banner. If you are seeking your next career move, why not add a ‘word cloud’ picture that highlights keywords or values associated with your brand, or even a picture that demonstrates your interests. Have a look at other professional profiles in your industry to help you determine the right banner for you.

Refresh your Picture

LinkedIn profiles with photos are more likely to appear in search results and receive higher engagement compared to profiles without photos. Having a photo increases your visibility on the platform, making it easier for others to find and connect with you and to ensure you are appearing in recruiter searches.

If you haven’t updated your picture for years, now may be the time to do it. Use a professional-looking photo where you're dressed appropriately for your industry. For example, if you work in an environment where a smart dress code is the norm, wear something smart or business-like. You don’t have to spend lots of money on professional photography, just make sure your face is clearly visible, it’s not a selfie and you are looking professional.

Headline

Your headline features underneath your profile picture within the introduction section of LinkedIn. Keywords in your headline can instantly improve your visibility in LinkedIn searches. When people search for professionals with specific skills or expertise, LinkedIn's algorithm considers the keywords in your headline to determine the relevance of your profile.

LinkedIn will automatically set your LinkedIn Headline to your most recent job title. Therefore, if you are looking for your next career move you want to update it and ensure you include relevant key words to increase the chances of your profile appearing in search results.

For example, you may look to include a number of job titles or some areas of expertise you have:

Example - HR Director / Head of HR / People & Culture Director

Example - Commercially focussed Senior HR Leader specialising in organisational change, ED&I, strategy and employee engagement

Final thoughts

Your LinkedIn profile is your online CV or own web page, so it needs to be consistent with your CV and any applications you make, and you need to regularly update it. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your skills section and make sure the skills you have listed are skills required in job descriptions and not just generic skills that LinkedIn has chosen for you.

Renovo is the UK’s leading outplacement specialist. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you, please email info@renovo.co.uk