Using LinkedIn to boost your career

In this episode, Sarah and Helen are bringing experts from LinkedIn into the Squiggly Career studio to help you make the most of the platform. Whether you are an active user or you’ve let your profile gather dust, this week’s podcast will help you to standout on LinkedIn and build your brand and network.

Top tips:

Should you use your job description or a descriptive statement of your work?

– Whatever feels authentic to you!

Is it ok to use emojis?

– Use it in your updates, but remember your profile is a representation of you, so perhaps avoid the poo emoji!

What should go in your description?

– Your skills, what matters most to you and what you want to be known for

– Ask someone you trust to audit your profile

Do recommendations matter?

– Yes! It’s best to have from someone you have worked with.

– Giving someone a recommendation shows up on your history too

– Think about what you want to be known for and ask people to provide the reference reflecting on that area ( helps to increase consistency)

How important is the picture?

– Very! It needs to be accurate and ‘professional’ (doesn’t have to be too formal though…unless that fits your role/industry)

– Your work ID photo could double up as your LinkedIn photo

How do I turn a LinkedIn contact into a career connection?

– Post updates regularly. Tag people to start a conversation.

– Congratulate people on their new job when it shows up on your feed

How do I build a new network of people I’ve not met yet?

– Join and engage in groups (selectively!)

Any other tips?

– Personalise your URL! Much better for sharing on your CV and other platforms.

– Personalise your connection request (don’t just click ‘connect’)

– Leave groups that you don’t engage in any more

Hope this week’s podcast was a helpful listen,

Helen