In this blog, you will discover the top five things Instructional Designers should include in their LinkedIn profiles. As you read over the information, think about how you are showcasing your profile and if any changes are necessary to put yourself in the view of hiring committees.
1. Profile Picture
While the last selfie you took may have looked great, it may not be the best way to go when selecting a profile picture. Future employers want to see a professional applicant headshot with a smile rather than someone making duck lips wearing Gucci sunglasses. In your profile, use a headshot with a neutral background while wearing neutral shades of clothing (for example, black, navy, beige, etc.) Let's be honest when trying to capture that perfect headshot, you may think you'll nail the photo on the first or second shot, but more than likely, you'll take ten pictures and still be stuck on which to use. A FREE application called Photofeeler allows users to upload their profile photos for voters to rate them based on likeability, competency, and influential factors. If you haven't used this before, I suggest you try it and see if the profile photo you have posted or thought of using is suitable for your LinkedIn profile.
2. Headline
When choosing a headline on your profile, while it's okay to put your job title, you want to catch the eyes of potential employers. You can enhance your headline by including your job title, company name, keywords, and a zing factor. Employers may use specific keywords when searching for your profile, so including keywords will help promote your profile in the eyes of employers. The zing factor intrigues employers to want to know you better and can serve as a conversation starter.
3. Summary
In the summary of your profile, you can add a little about what you do, the services you provide, and links to various media sources to provide more information to employers about your success and experience. Another helpful tip is to add at the bottom of your summary "AKA/Common misspellings" to include your name, nickname, and former names. By doing this, employers can find your profile even if they accidentally misspell your name or receive your name through another party with the incorrect spelling.
4. Skills
When determining which skills to spotlight on your profile, you need to decide what skills you want to be known for having. These may include various hard and soft skills ranging from computer programming to communicating effectively. When putting yourself under the microscope, think to yourself, what skills would I want my employees to have?
5. Experience
To best show your experience, use your resume to select the key points of your past employment history. While you would think to include details from each job that you had in the past, some may not be relevant such as working fast food when you were sixteen years old unless, of course, you received a manager role and while on the job, you learned hard and soft skills that you believe sets you apart from others. In other words, include what's relevant and what you would like to see if you were an employer. Don't sell yourself short. If your job title is general manager, yet you perform different duties/roles, include each of those roles as a job title entry.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has found you well and that you will consider looking at your LinkedIn account and updating or tweaking a few things to enhance your profile. As for those without a current LinkedIn, take these points and make your profile stand out to increase your chances of receiving the best employment options. Remember to correct/update the top five things Instructional Designers need on their LinkedIn profile, such as a profile picture, headline, summary, skills, and experience. Most importantly, when accepting an interview, be yourself, show your personality, and give it a day or two to finalize your decision.
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