1. PHOTO
This should be a friendly, approachable yet professional headshot. Your face should take up 3/4’s of the space allowed, in high resolution and NOT a selfie. This makes your profile x14 times more likely to be viewed.

2. HEADLINE
This explains your current position but try make it catchy (not necessarily your company given title). Do not put your contact details here as this plays negatively with your LinkedIn rankings.

3. SUMMARY
Writing your summary in the first person makes you human eg. “I have been involved in…” and should cover of these statements below?

•   How would your colleagues describe your strengths?
•   On what issues are you the go to person?
•   What do you know more about then others?
•   Convey your passion for something
•   Also add a call to action.

4. RICH MEDIA
This should be added just under your summary and will make you stand out.

5. SHARE CONTENT
Make your profile active and engaging by posting personally and sharing other connections content. You are also giving your connections an insight to your knowledge, insight and opinions. Being active little and often is better than flooding your LinkedIn profile for one day and not returning for a long period of time.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS
By building positive feedback from previous hires and colleagues on your LinkedIn profile you will build credibility. Aim to have 5-10 recommendations.

7. JOIN GROUPS
You can join up to 50 groups and by doing so will improve your visibility. Joining groups allows you to contact your group connections therefore try stay within your area of interest or industry. This makes you x5 times more likely to be viewed.

8. CONTACT DETAILS
Should be added along with links to other social platforms if you would like to be contacted. This is a good idea to have freely available if searching for that new position.

9. CUSTOMISED URL
A customised URL increases your searching possibilities and gives you a clean link to your LinkedIn profile that can now be put on your email signature etc. This can be created by clicking on ‘Edit Profile’ and ‘edit contact info’. You should also add links to other work or articles if possible.

10. LIST YOUR SKILLS
By adding a list of personal and professional skills your connections can now endorse you which will improve your LinkedIn search rankings. Adding skills gets you x13 times more profile views.

This explains your current position but try make it catchy (not necessarily your company given title). Do not put your contact details here as this plays negatively with your LinkedIn rankings.​

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You’re Personal Brand is the particular skills, talents and areas of expertise you have developed throughout your career.

• Profession reputation
• Online image
• Personal Characteristics
• Work Style
• Community engagement

All of the above are factors of your personal brand and should be represented fully online.