Your profile on Linkedin, while professional, is not just a curriculum vitae. It might be a comprehensive list of your skills and qualifications, but on Linkedin, your profile is a representation of who you are. It is an avenue to express your intent in the workforce and give greater depth to what you might have to offer to your potential employers. Treat it as such.

You are only as present on any social media as you are active on it. If you make that presence felt, your chances of being spotted and remembered shoot up significantly. It’s also important to give a face to the skills, qualifications, and achievements on your Linkedin profile by having a profile picture. It is important to keep this picture neat, and professional – semi formal or smart casual against a white background is the best way to go.

When you are invited to a social gathering such as a potluck, the host has a lot less trouble organizing the event when everyone is clear about what they’re bringing to the table. Linkedin is no different. It is important to know one’s skillset and have a comprehensive, and clear list of them on your Linkedin profile. Being clear and concise about your skills not only helps manage expectations and prevents you from being tasked with things you feel you are not up to, but also gives you the confidence of knowing you’re being hired to do exactly what you signed up for.

It is a must to have your employment history and work experience in your Linkedin profile for eager viewers to get a better grasp on who you are in the workforce. But how do you present this? No matter how you decide to present your experience on Linkedin, it’s usually a good idea to put your most recent experience on top – highlighted and clear. Your most recent accomplishment is a direct reflection of the growth of your skills, and also an indication of how active you are.

Your header on Linkedin is the first thing people are going to read beneath your profile picture and your name on the search page. It’s important to keep the header professional, but also do not be afraid to indicate your availability, and use action words to indicate you are ready to get the job done.

Whether you already have an account or have yet to make one, an important step in expanding your network is importing your existing contacts. This not only makes your transition from traditional network expansion to digital network expansion easier, but is also particularly helpful in further understanding your peers, as well as their on existing networks.

A good movie shows, rather than tells its audience. On Linkedin, you are the director. Consider your target position, and target companies, and appropriately tailor your profile for those roles by highlighting the particular applicable skills and work experience most relevant to those positions. They will not only pick up on your willingness, but your aptitude to make a good fit.