How to Get the Best out of Your LinkedIn Profile

The days of finding a job by scouring newspaper ads and company websites, signing up with multiple headhunting agencies and sending out a stream of tailored CVs to prospective employers are over. If you have an online profile on a professional social media site, chances are that recruiters will contact you to apply for a particular roles instead of you contacting them. 

For most people that website is LinkedIn, the largest professional network on the internet, with more than 332 million members in 200 countries and territories. 

But how do you stand out from the crowd? Eric Yee, Head of Talent Solutions for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan at LinkedIn, and Shamni Wainwright, Managing Director of Michael Page Hong Kong provide their tops tips. 

Do's

1. Do learn from experts within the finance industry

Check out LinkedIn Pulse's news dashboard and Influencer posts for the top daily headlines, join groups and follow new industry-specific 'channels'. 

2. Do build your network

Grow your network by sending personalised LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you know; friends, family, neighbours, teachers, colleagues and more.

3. Do be proactive

 Research the online presence of companies where you want to work, including their LinkedIn pages. You may apply directly for the vacancies posted on company pages. 

4. Do include a strong headline in your Linked Profile

A concise but descriptive headline will catch people's attention. if you need inspiration, look at the headlines used by peers or leaders in your field. 

5. Do become a thought leader

Pen and publish columns on the insights gleaned from your experience that will help your peers and publish them on LinkedIn's publishing platform. 

6. Do build a personal brand by listing your professional skills and expertise

Members who list skills on their LinkedIn profiles receive an average of 13 times more profile views than those who don't. To enhance your brand, include links to projects you have worked on. List your achievements as well as your responsibilities. 

7. Do include a good photo

Impressions count, so ensure you add an impactful corporate photo to enhance your profile. Remember, not too social and not too cheesy, as the purpose is to convey yourself as a professional.  

8. Do list your qualifications, especially your CFA designation

Mention your are studying [for] or have completed your CFA designation as this is one of the most prestigious finance qualifications you can obtain, as the hurdles are high. Employers typically do keyword searches based on the CFA qualification, so ensure you can be found.  

Don'ts

1. Don't omit the details

LinkedIn members are 12 times more likely to be viewed for potential opportunities if one or more positions are listed, and profiles with a photo are 7 times more likely to be viewed. If a member’s profile is incomplete, they are missing out on career opportunities. If a member only includes their most recent position on their profile, they appear to have only six months of experience to a search engine.

2. Don't ramble

Be succinct and to the point. Ensure you highlight your technical competency within the finance or accounting field by featuring the most relevant experience you have gained, such as IPO experience.

3. Don't cross the public / private line

 Careless comments or tasteless jokes posted online can lose you opportunities or even jobs. Ensure you know the line between what is confidential information, such as your client base, and what is appropriate for the public forum. 

4. Don't forget the personal

Include some references to your strengths, skills, and interests. Provide some insight into how you operate and the type of person you are. 

5. Don't be too radical with your comments

If it’s online, it’s accessible. Remember that potential employers want to find out about you and are likely to check out all of your social media pages, including Facebook and Twitter. It is common practice now for employers to  check a candidate’s social media profile prior to making an offer, and we have had offers accelerated and offers not made as a result of this.
 

Article from CFA Institute Career Guide | 2015 – 2016.