How to make a LinkedIn page that wows recruiters, according to the guy who just overhauled its design
Skye Gould/Business Insider; Hari Srinivasan/LinkedIn
Professional networking site LinkedIn revamped its entire user experience in January, and there's a good chance you're not using its features to their full potential.
Business Insider spoke with its lead designer to help you out.
Hari Srinivasan, head of identity products at LinkedIn, and his team redesigned the profile with both the user and viewer in mind.
When you learn the basics, you'll be able to design a page that will stand out to recruiters. And even if you aren't looking for a new job, refining your page can help you make connections that can help take your career to the next level.
With Srinivasan's guidance, we'll break down how you can easily and quickly do this.
Skye Gould/Business Insider; Hari Srinivasan/LinkedInMake a great first impression.
Srinivasan said that he and his team wanted the "top card," as they refer to the first portion of your profile, to mimic an interaction you'd have at a conference or meeting. The first thing a stranger would notice is how you present yourself and then take a glimpse at your name badge. Then the two of you would introduce yourselves by exchanging quick descriptions of who you are and what you do.
LinkedIn found that profiles with photos receive 21 times more views and nine times more connection requests. Srinivasan said you don't need a professional headshot in formal wear if that means you're going to drag your heels and leave the space blank, which reduces your chances of making connections. The app now features a photo editing tool, soon to be released on desktop, that makes photo selection and refining less of a hassle.
As for the background photo, add something with a bit of color and personality — Srinivasan recommends an image of where you are in the world, of the team you work with, or of something related to your job.
Plus, members who include their locations get 19 times more profile views, according to LinkedIn data.
Then, make sure to fill out your summary. "There's no right or wrong way to do a summary," Srinivasan said. "It's actually the area where I say that you can be kind of the most authentic about who you are and how you want to tell your story."
Skye Gould/Business Insider; Hari Srinivasan/LinkedIn
Share stories and blog posts.
LinkedIn has always been good at filling you in on someone's background, Srinivasan said, and with the redesign they wanted to give you a better idea of what someone is thinking. He encourages you to try writing an article on your page and interacting with users.
For example, Srinivasan writes blog posts about his work at LinkedIn and thoughts about what he's learned in his career. There's no need to force it, but if you've got something to say or want to tell the world about an exciting new project you've completed at work, give it a shot.
Also, the more you interact with your page and with others, the more attention you'll draw to your own profile.
Skye Gould/Business Insider; Hari Srinivasan/LinkedIn
Include all experiences, but focus on your current role.
You may have noticed with the new design that there are more drop-down menus in your profile. That feature is intended to allow viewers to take a glance at your list of experiences and focus on your current role, which is most important.
In a traditional résumé, you may want to cut internships from your college years as you progress in your career, but Srinivasan said that "one of the beauties of the LinkedIn profile is that you can expand it as you go," so you don't need to omit anything.
Make sure that you select your company's name from LinkedIn's official list, for search purposes as well as for getting an eye-catching corporate logo. And don't forget to include your tenure at each role, since it's one of the first things viewers will notice when they go through this section of your profile.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider