4 makeovers for your LinkedIn profile

1.    Jazz up the headline. Don’t use the LinkedIn default (your current job title) because it’s boring and it doesn’t let you stand out from everyone else with the same title.

A reliable formula is:
[Job][Verb] [Type of client or customer] [What you help them do]
 
Examples:

• Pet sitter/dog walker providing loving care for domestic animals in their home to keep them fed, exercised, and happy when their humans are away.  
• I transform interior design ideas into reality for residential and commercial clients.
• I help small businesses nurture relationships with their clients through email marketing and social media.
• I help you make smart financial life decisions through insurance and financial planning.
  

2. Be specific in your summary. Put the most important information at the beginning, because only the first three lines are displayed by default. Tell what makes you stand out from the crowd: what drives your success, your major accomplishments, your business values. Write your profile in the first person.
 
3. Provide contact info. Include your website, social media links, email, and business phone number so people can reach you outside of LinkedIn.
 
4. Include a professional-looking photo. That photo of you rocking 6-pack abs on a surfboard? Not appropriate for LinkedIn. Use a high-quality, professional headshot, with a neutral background.