Summarize this article with:
Everything, from your phone to your car, your CV and your network, needs updating. Your LinkedIn profile is no exception, because it should reflect your professional progress. Of course, your current professional situation must also be included.
Whether you are looking for a job, already have one or recently started a new role, it is essential to mention it on your profile. In short, you should update your LinkedIn profile according to your situation.
TL;DR
🎯 Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your current professional progress, not where you were three years ago.
✅ An up-to-date profile serves job hunting, prospecting and credibility with partners.
💡 Photo, headline, summary, experience and recommendations: review them every quarter.
01Why update your LinkedIn profile?
If you are looking for a new job, updating your LinkedIn profile is essential for obvious reasons. Refreshing your profile gives you the chance to expand your network, discover new opportunities and get noticed by recruiters.
You can also build your CV in a few clicks here to keep it current and catch recruiters' interest. Understandably, they will struggle to contact you if they have no idea of your current situation, or if the most recent information on your profile is the position you held two years ago. Highlighting your recent activities will certainly work in your favour.
Another less obvious reason to update your LinkedIn profile is that it lets you keep a record of what you have done. You may have carried out tasks that are not strictly part of your position or not clearly defined in your role.
By adding them to your profile, you keep a record of these accomplishments. You will probably remember your successes and promotions, but you will easily forget your small wins. It is better to add them to your profile so they are easier to recall. Once again, these small details help you.
Thanks to this traceability, you become aware of your actual actions, your accomplishments and the positive impact of your initiatives so far. This self-reflection also guides you towards the activities you really enjoy. It gives you a picture of the position that would best match your expectations.
Remember to turn off the "Share profile updates" setting when you update your profile. The idea is not to broadcast to your contacts every change you make. Note that this setting does not apply to every update you plan to make, so pay attention to which of your profile updates your contacts can see.
02How to update your LinkedIn profile
Use the profile photo you created for your website and your new logo to change your profile picture. If you have not done so already, hire a professional to take a portrait photo of you.
Next, enter the title of your activity. All the information must be clear and easy to understand: SEO consultant and expert, talent scout, finder of original toys for children or social entrepreneurship expert; in short, it should all be accessible as quickly as possible. Then include the name of your company.
Do not forget the "About" section. Once again, give a clear, concise description of your activity and say who you are addressing. Write a personalised message by adapting your career path, your company's story and your unique approach to your audience!
The last step in updating your profile is to find and join the LinkedIn groups where you can find potential clients or people you want to contact. Once accepted, read the rules that govern these groups and respect them in your contributions (posts or comments).
