LinkedIn Success - Build Your Digitial Brand Today

Learn how to create a LinkedIn profile that opens doors to new opportunities! In this video, we share practical tips to optimize your profile, highlight your skills, and build a digital brand that stands out. Whether you're starting out, switching careers, or aiming for growth, these strategies will help you unlock your potential and attract the right connections.

Transcript

Welcome to UMBC’s Mic’d Up podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s vital for every working professional: building a strong digital brand on LinkedIn. Whether you’re early in your career, making a mid-career pivot, or just looking to advance, having a standout LinkedIn presence can open doors to opportunities. And the best part? It’s all within your control.

Let’s break down some tangible steps you can take today to make sure your LinkedIn profile really works for you.

First, let’s start with your profile picture and headline. Now, while it might seem simple, these two elements create a powerful first impression. Research shows that profiles with a professional photo are 14 times more likely to be viewed. Choose a clear, recent photo where you look approachable and professional, even if it’s just taken on a phone against a simple background.

Next, your headline – it doesn’t just have to be your job title. Instead, think of it as your professional tagline. For instance, instead of “Project Manager at XYZ Corporation,” consider something like “Project Manager | Expertise in Agile & Digital Transformation.” Use keywords related to your field to show both your current role and the skills you want to be known for. This increases your chances of showing up in searches by recruiters or hiring managers.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk about your About section. Think of this as your personal elevator pitch. Keep it concise – two or three short paragraphs that cover who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you unique in your field.

For example, if you’re in cybersecurity, you might say something like, “With over 5 years in cybersecurity, I’m committed to keeping organizations secure in a rapidly changing digital landscape. I specialize in network defense and proactive threat analysis.” Adding a sentence or two about your career goals, such as “I’m driven to explore roles in leadership and cyber education,” also shows you’re thinking ahead and are serious about career growth.

Now, onto the Experience section – this is where you can really let your accomplishments shine. Instead of just listing job responsibilities, highlight specific results and achievements. Say you implemented a system that improved efficiency by 30%; include that! Using numbers and specifics adds impact and credibility.

To make this section pop, follow a simple format: Action + Result. For example, instead of “Managed projects for software upgrades,” try “Led software upgrade projects that increased team productivity by 25%.” See the difference? It’s about showing, not just telling.

Now, if you want to go the extra mile, consider including featured media in your profile. This could be a link to a project you’ve done, a presentation you’re proud of, or an article you contributed to. If you’ve received a notable award or completed a certification, upload it. These visual touches give your profile depth and help it stand out from the crowd.

And don’t forget about Skills and Endorsements. LinkedIn allows you to showcase up to 50 skills, but don’t feel like you have to max this out. Focus on 10 to 15 key skills that define your expertise. You can even reorder these so the most relevant ones appear at the top. Ask colleagues or classmates to endorse these skills – it might seem minor, but endorsements can boost your credibility.

One of the most impactful yet often overlooked sections is Recommendations. A couple of strong recommendations from peers, managers, or even clients can go a long way. These are essentially testimonials that give others insight into your work ethic and achievements. Don’t be afraid to ask for these; you’ll find that people are often willing if you’ve done quality work together.

Now, let’s talk about networking and engaging on LinkedIn. Building a digital brand isn’t just about your profile; it’s about being active. Comment on posts, share articles relevant to your field, or even post your own thoughts on industry trends. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors users who engage, which means more people will see your profile. And here’s a quick tip: engage meaningfully. Instead of a simple “Congrats!” on a colleague’s post, write something like, “Congratulations on the new role! Excited to see the impact you’ll make in this field.”

Finally, let’s wrap up with a key takeaway – consistency matters. Building a digital brand isn’t a one-time thing. Make a habit of updating your profile every few months. Reflect on any new skills, certifications, or achievements, and update accordingly. A profile that evolves with you shows you’re invested in your growth.

So, let’s recap these steps quickly:

1. Perfect your profile picture and headline with keywords.
2. Craft a compelling About section – think of it as your elevator pitch.
3. Highlight accomplishments in the Experience section with specific results.
4. Add featured media and prioritize your key skills.
5. Request and give Recommendations to build credibility.
6. Be active and engage meaningfully to boost visibility.

And there you have it! With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a LinkedIn profile that does some heavy lifting for your career.