Leveraging Your "Virtual" Profile

Whether loved or loathed — we’ve all heard or participated in networking at some point. Traditionally, networking may have meant attending a work conference or an industry fundraising cocktail, touting a stack of business cards, and engaging in awkward small talk. However, in a post-Covid world, the networking landscape has shifted and this remains true despite in-person events making a comeback. Yet, even as we embrace the return of face-to-face interactions, one cannot underestimate the immense value of their “virtual” network.

LinkedIn's Vital Role

As we navigate the digital age, LinkedIn has emerged as the clear go-to platform for professionals. With over 830 million users, LinkedIn is a virtual hub for individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds. It serves as a virtual bridge that connects individuals based on shared interests, experiences, and ambitions.

While your virtual network may initially stem from real in-person connections, it has the limitless potential to transcend physical barriers and expand beyond your immediate reach. With just a few clicks, you can connect with professionals from around the world, access valuable resources, seek advice, and collaborate on exciting projects. The power of a virtual network lies in its ability to foster connections and open doors that might have otherwise remained closed.

So, whether you’re a networking enthusiast or someone who tends to shy away from large gatherings, dedicating time to nurture and grow your virtual network can undoubtedly yield numerous benefits. From exploring new career opportunities to gaining valuable insights into different industries, your virtual network can serve as a tool for personal and professional growth.

Crafting Your Professional Online Presence

Having an online presence is crucial and has multiple benefits. For one, having an online presence can protect your identity. Yes, you read that right. By actively managing and monitoring your online image, you make it much harder for malicious individuals to exploit or misuse your personal information — and in turn reap the benefits that come with it. While it does require some time and effort to maintain an online presence, the rewards make it well worth the investment. By carefully curating your online presence, you can safeguard your identity and reap the benefits that come with it.

To be clear, having a professional online presence is not synonymous with oversharing your personal life on social media platforms. In fact, it’s important to differentiate how you utilize LinkedIn from other social media platforms. There’s a place to post photos of the new puppy you recently adopted, and LinkedIn is not one of those places — unless, of course, you’re a veterinarian, animal activist, or otherwise somehow ties to your professional life.

One of the first steps to creating and maintaining your professional online profile is to choose the tone you wish to adopt. This choice can be influenced by industry norms, as certain industries tend to be more conservative while others embrace a more informal approach. Whether you’re aiming for the sharpness of a lawyer or the flair of an entertainer, the tone you choose is entirely up to you. Ultimately, you are the one who knows best how you want to present yourself to your “virtual” network. When it comes to a winning LinkedIn profile, remember that personal doesn’t have to mean pervasive. More importantly, your profile should give a meaningful snapshot of your career. You have the option to keep it short and sweet, highlighting the key aspects of your professional journey. Alternatively, you can go all out and showcase the details of your past achievements and responsibilities. The choice is yours.

It’s important to recognize that your approach may vary depending on the next step of your career. For example, if you find yourself on the cusp of a job change, it may be useful to include specific details of past employment or projects. By doing so, you can effectively communicate your skills and expertise to potential employers in your desired field. Tailoring those details to highlight relevant achievements that align with the next opportunity you are eyeing can make your profile more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers. On the other hand, if you are content with your current job but have aspirations of joining a not-for-profit organization’s board of directors, LinkedIn offers features that can aid in this pursuit as well. One place to start can be to follow the LinkedIn pages of relevant not-for-profit organizations. This will keep you updated on their latest news, initiatives, and board vacancies. Additionally, consider setting up a job alert specifically for board of directors members. This will ensure that you receive notifications whenever such positions become available, allowing you to be among the first to apply.

LinkedIn for Students and Early Careers Moves

LinkedIn can also be a powerful tool for university students looking to take their first step into the professional world. By using this platform, university students can gain valuable insights, connect with influential individuals in their desired industry, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. For example, if you’re an aspiring accountant, you could follow prominent accounting firms, such as the Big 4. In doing so, you can tap into the knowledge and experiences of professionals who have already established themselves in the industry. These connections can provide guidance, mentorship, or even potential opportunities in the future. Also, following industry-specific pages on LinkedIn will result in a curated feed of industry-related information. This means your timelines will be enriched with posts, articles, and news related to accounting or any other field you are interested in pursuing. This steady flow of relevant content ensures you stay updated on emerging trends and other industry-related news.

Evolution of Your Profile

As your career progresses, your profile is likely to evolve too. The amount and type of information you choose to share will change over time. This is completely normal. Your professional experience and achievements will grow, leading you to update your profile accordingly. This also means that the initial tone you adopt may evolve as you gain confidence and authority in your industry. Either way, your LinkedIn profile is an opportunity to showcase your qualities while remaining true to your industry.

LinkedIn "Faux Pas" to Avoid

That said, before you get all excited and jump-start your online profile (which is encouraged!), there are a few LinkedIn faux pas you will want to steer clear of. It’s essential to be mindful of these common blunders that could potentially hinder your professional growth on this platform. Below is a breakdown of the five (5) biggest LinkedIn mistakes you should avoid. Alongside the below specific errors, there’s one overarching principle everyone should keep in mind — never do anything on LinkedIn that you wouldn’t do in person. Treat your virtual profile and presence with the same level of professionalism you would exhibit in an in-person public setting, as your online reputation can have a significant impact on your professional standing.

Top 5 LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unprofessional Photo –  “A picture is worth a thousand words” holds even more significance in our current digital age. Therefore, selecting the right image to represent yourself is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly. Fortunately, achieving a polished and professional LinkedIn photo is more attainable than many realize. All it takes is a simple, clean-cut headshot with good resolution and a neutral background. There is no need to splurge on a professional photographer as this can easily be accomplished on your own. So, make the most of this initial introduction on your LinkedIn profile by ensuring that your photo portrays the image you want to project. Remember, it’s your first impression, so put your best foot forward.

2. No Headline or Title – Your title, other than your profile picture, is one of the first things readers will see - leaving it blank is a missed opportunity. When it comes to making your title stand out and look professional, there are a few things to keep in mind. It should be concise and professional. An effective way to capitalize on your headline is by incorporating a keyword or two that relates to your industry or expertise, but don’t overdo it — subtlety is key here. Also, if you’re currently seeking employment, it’s best to avoid explicit mentions of job hunting in your title. Remember, the goal is to come across as professional and confident, showcasing what you have to offer rather than emphasizing your job search.

3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information – When it comes to crafting your LinkedIn profile, it is crucial to provide a concise yet informative summary that effectively highlights your career trajectory, along with your level of expertise. It is imperative to ensure that the information you present is not only accurate but also comprehensive, allowing potential connections and employers to gain a well-rounded understanding of your professional background. It is also vital to align the content on your LinkedIn page with that of your resume, you will want to avoid any discrepancies. Additionally, don’t forget to include your geographical location, it helps others identify your whereabouts and can be a useful piece of information for networking and future opportunities.

4. Typos – Proofreading is your best friend here. Typos are an easy fix - it’s the low-hanging fruit you should not leave behind. As seemingly insignificant as it may appear, to discerning hiring managers and seasoned professionals, a typo can have a deeper meaning — a lack of attentiveness or worse, indifference towards your professional image. So, take a moment to give your profile a thorough proofread (or enlist the help of a trusted friend) and save yourself from the potential pitfalls of overlooked errors. Your future opportunities may depend on it. 

5. Irrelevant Content – When using LinkedIn, it’s important to maintain a professional demeanor and avoid engaging in actions that may be perceived as irrelevant or meaningless. This may mean refraining from posting content that does not align with your professional goals and objectives or posting content that should belong on other social media platforms. You should also be mindful when making connections on this platform, as reaching out to random individuals without a clear purpose may not yield meaningful professional relationships. Instead, focus on seeking out connections that can contribute to your professional growth and add value to your network. LinkedIn is designed to facilitate professional networking and career development, so it’s important to use it accordingly.

If you need a quick reference to the above, reach for this cheat sheet summarizing the 5 common LinkedIn mistakes to avoid.

Remember that what you do on LinkedIn can have a real impact on your career, both positively and negatively. This is especially important to keep in mind, regardless of whether you are actively seeking new opportunities or not. Your LinkedIn profile plays a part in shaping your overall professional image, both online and in-person, so dedicate sufficient time and effort to curating it effectively. By doing so, you can ensure that your profile not only complements your skills and accomplishments but also showcases a genuine representation of your professional self. Whether it’s engaging with valuable content, building meaningful connections, or updating your experiences and achievements, every action you take on this platform can contribute to shaping the perception others have of you in the professional sphere. As such, it is essential to approach your LinkedIn presence with intentionality and an awareness of the potential impact it can have on your career trajectory.

As we weave between the physical and digital realms, our virtual connections have the potential to enhance our careers and broaden our horizons in many ways. So, embrace the power of technology, expand your virtual network, and watch potential new opportunities unfold.