Why it’s important to update your LinkedIn profile as a hiring manager

Do you use LinkedIn to check out potential hires? Then you can be sure they are doing the same to you. Here’s why it’s important to update your LinkedIn profile as a hiring manager.

Why you should update your LinkedIn profile

If you’re happy in your job, refreshing your LinkedIn profile naturally falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

But that doesn’t mean it should.

In our profession, we have the pleasure of reviewing a lot of LinkedIn profiles. We’ve found, surprisingly, that professionals who are critical for building the brand of the business they are employed by, are usually the ones that neglect their own LinkedIn profiles.

It’s surprising that these individuals are trained to build brands and are good at it, they just haven’t applied their skills to build their own personal brands.

This is a huge error if you are actively hiring.

In researching an opportunity, any potential candidates will scout not only the company’s LinkedIn profile but also any potential managers or teammates. These are, after all, the people who they will be prospectively working with and who have a critical role in driving the culture of the company. It’s imperative your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and accurately reflects who you are, your experience, and what you value.

Having an updated LinkedIn profile will also come in handy when you do decide to re-enter the job market and look for new opportunities.

So, how can you optimise and update your LinkedIn profile?

Update your LinkedIn profile: Quick wins

1. Update your profile picture

First and foremost, ensure your profile uses a recent picture that looks like you. Generally, long-distance shots don’t stand out, so use a high-res image where your face takes up most of the frame. Be sure to use a picture where you are the only one in the photo to avoid confusion, and don’t forget to smile (especially with your eyes).

2. Update your cover image

Ensure it complies with your company’s brand guidelines, if applicable). An image that complements your profile picture—since they will be seen together as a package—and one that conveys a little about you would be best.

3. Ensure your headline is descriptive

Think beyond a job title. You might take care of several responsibilities which are better descriptors for your role or instead want to show people what really makes you tick. Have a look at other individuals in your industry and your company for ideas on how to personalise your headline.

4. Revise your summary

Make use of the ‘About’ section, and ensure it functions beyond just a list of keywords for skills, job titles, and companies. This is a section where you can spell out your career in your own words. What motivates you? What are you currently investing your time into learning? Why do certain skills matter to you? This is the most personal part of your LinkedIn profile, and it matters. Also be sure to avoid buzzwords without context, like specialised, leadership, strategic or passionate.

Update your LinkedIn profile: Long-term

1. Actively grow your connections

This doesn’t mean you should send out unsolicited connections to anyone adjacent to your industry. Instead, get into the practice of following up on meetings, event attendances, or any conversations with a connection request. Having several relevant connections boosts the veracity of your profile, especially as people generally look at ‘mutual connections’ when scouting another person’s LinkedIn profile.

2. Be vocal in your online community

The most important long-term LinkedIn strategy is investing in an always-on content strategy. This means posting regularly, three to four times a week. Consider sharing content that celebrates successes at your company, industry-relevant news, thought-leadership pieces (even those that you may have penned yourself), polls, and tips. Ensure you also engage and make comments on other people’s posts as well as respond to comments on your own shares. This all contributes to a richer community feel and proves your knowledge in your field.

1. 3. Publish though-leadership pieces on LinkedIn

Jay Baer’s book, Youtility, rests on the key marketing strategy of “help not hype”. In short, it’s about sharing actual knowledge and expertise instead of just telling people about it. By helping instead of selling, you facilitate more rapport and generate trust in your business and online relationships. Thought-leadership pieces on LinkedIn are the perfect medium to deliver long-form content which will actively help.