I had the pleasure of speaking about LinkedIn to the London School of Economics Alumni Group of Minneapolis + the Twin Cities Alumni Network (TCAN). There was a wide range of professionals in attendance, from new grads to mid and senior level, and even some retirees.
Here is a new resource I created for attendees you may find helpful: Tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn Presence. In addition, below are some of the questions I fielded, along with key takeaways the group shared after reviewing their profiles during our session.
LinkedIn Questions
- Q: Should we be verifying our profiles on LinkedIn?
- A: Yes! It’s easy + free
- Q: Who owns LinkedIn?
- A: Microsoft
- Q: Should I write my About section in 1st or 3rd person?
- A: It depends on where you are in your career. I often recommend a modified 3rd person, where you write about yourself without using your name or “I”
- Q: Is it important to post on LinkedIn?
- A: It depends on your goals. Posting social media updates on LinkedIn gives you a great opportunity to increase your visibility for a job search, thought leadership, speaking opportunities, journalist inquiries, or attracting new clients.
Key Takeaways
- One person was shocked to realize her email address was only available to her connections. She wants potential clients to be able to find her and email her. She noted that she rarely checks her LinkedIn DMs. It’s important to check your visibility settings and make your email visible to everyone if you are job seeking or actively trying to attract clients.
- Many people said they needed to update their photo. If yours is 5 or more years old, time to get a new one! See my photographer recommendations here.
- One person shared he realized he should remove the (polarizing) political content he had been writing professionally from his profile now that he’s unemployed, as it could turn off potential employers.
- Many people shared that they had an a ha moment when I explained that your about section should be about who you are and your qualities/specialties, not just repeating what’s already listed in your experience and education sections.
How I Can Help
l provide LinkedIn profile and content strategy for senior leaders/execs for thought leadership and give team workshops/trainings. I also hold two slots a month to help individuals optimize their LinkedIn profiles. Reach out to learn more.