Stop applying for dream roles and start positioning them

The strategies you need to start standing out on LinkedIn.

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, simply applying for positions and hoping you’ll get a call back is just not enough. These days, you have to shift from being a passive job seeker to an active career strategist. Instead of throwing your CV into the abyss of online applications, you now need to focus on positioning yourself as the obvious, only choice for your dream roles. 

Have you ever glanced at someone's LinkedIn profile and immediately wanted to know more? That's the power of an utterly unignorable profile, and it’s exactly what you should be aiming for. 

So, with that said, here’s a more human approach to turning your LinkedIn into a vibrant gateway to your professional world.

How to optimise your LinkedIn profile 

Start with a headline that hooks

Forget titles and generic labels. Your headline should be your professional hook, the line that makes someone pause and think, “wow, I need to know more about this person!” Think of it as your professional handshake - firm, impressive, and memorable. 

Your summary is more than just your CV

This isn't just a summary; it's where you get to tell your story. Who are you in the business world? What drives you to get up every morning? Share a bit about your journey, the challenges you've loved tackling, and sprinkle in some personal tidbits that paint a picture of the real you. Don’t be afraid of showing people who you really are.

Highlight your achievements and tell their stories 

Here, let’s not just list achievements; let’s tell their stories. Choose moments where you shone and explain them with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves what they do! Did you boost company revenue by revamping the sales strategy? Share how exactly it felt to see those numbers climb - and don’t forget to actually talk about how you did this too.

Inject your personality Into every interaction

Whether it’s commenting on industry news, sharing insights, or posting updates, let your personality shine through. Make your communications feel like a one-on-one discussion with a colleague you get on well with! This personal touch transforms ordinary content into memorable exchanges that keep your network engaged.

Optimise for opportunities

SEO isn’t just for websites; it’s also crucial for your LinkedIn, which also doubles as a search engine! Use keywords strategically in your profile, especially in your headline, summary, and job descriptions. Research the terms that hiring managers and recruiters use to find candidates like you. Incorporating these keywords helps you appear in search results, making you more visible and more likely to be contacted for opportunities.

Regularly refresh your content

Don't let your profile grow stale. Regular updates signal to your network and potential employers that you are active and engaged in your professional growth. Share updates about your current projects, professional readings, or thoughts on industry trends. Each update is a touchpoint that keeps you top of mind in your network.

Engage with thought leaders, influencers, and peers

Networking on LinkedIn doesn’t mean just adding connections and collecting virtual business cards - in fact, you should be aiming for quality over quantity every single time. Engage meaningfully. Comment on posts, share interesting articles, and participate in discussions. Each interaction builds visibility and establishes your reputation as a thoughtful, knowledgeable professional in your field.

Use recommendations to your advantage

Endorsements from colleagues, clients, and employers build credibility and trust. Don’t be shy; ask for recommendations, and of course make sure you offer them in return. These testimonials are powerful because they come from those who have witnessed your skills firsthand. They make your profile not just a self-promotion tool but a validated record of your professional excellence.

Showcase your projects

LinkedIn allows you to add various media such as videos, project images, articles, and more. Use this feature to showcase your work. Whether it’s a presentation you’re proud of, a complex project you managed, or a piece of thought leadership you’ve published, let your work speak for itself. This not only enhances your profile but also provides concrete examples of your capabilities.

Stay proactive in your career strategy

Finally, remember that LinkedIn is a tool for your overarching strategy, not a sole strategy in itself. Use it proactively to connect with potential mentors, join professional groups, and apply directly through your network. The real power of LinkedIn lies in how actively you engage with it to craft and direct your career path.

Why is personal branding so important on LinkedIn?

When it comes to navigating LinkedIn, personal branding is your most influential tool, especially if you’re poised to elevate your career. This goes beyond just cleaning up your digital footprint; it’s about strategically sculpting an image that resonates with your career aspirations and the values you embody. It starts with clarity - knowing exactly what you want to be recognised for. So - are you a tech innovator? A marketing pro? A financial wizard? Pin down your niche and weave your personal brand around it.

Your journey, experiences, and the challenges you've overcome are what set you apart - and yes, your potential new employer cares! In crafting your LinkedIn narrative, focus on authenticity over everything - but be strategic with it. Share your professional journey with honesty and passion, which helps to foster genuine connections.

When doing this, make sure you complement it with the projects that have fuelled your passion, the challenges that have expanded your skills, and the successes that have shaped your career. Each element should contribute to a cohesive story that offers a window into your professional life and ambitions.

Next - consistency is key in personal branding. Regularly posting content that aligns with your professional identity helps reinforce your expertise to your network. This could be through insightful articles, thoughtful commentary on industry trends, or sharing innovative ideas that showcase your forward-thinking mindset. Each piece of content should reflect your professional ethos and contribute to the narrative you want to portray.

And don’t forget that engagement on LinkedIn is a form of content. Your engagement should always be purposeful and aligned with your branding goals. Comment on posts, engage in discussions, and share content that complements your brand.

This not only increases your visibility (and when people see your face and name everywhere, they start to remember you!) but also positions you as an active participant and thought leader in your field. Remember, effective engagement is not about quantity but the quality of interactions that support and enhance your professional image.

Not forgetting the importance of accessibility, LinkedIn now allows you to enhance your profile with various forms of media, such as videos, images, and slideshows. Use these tools to give a visual dimension to your achievements - which is great for those in your audience who may find reading text more challenging or overwhelming.

For example, if you’re a graphic designer, upload samples of your work. If you’re a speaker, share videos of your talks. This not only breaks the monotony of text but also provides tangible proof of your capabilities and achievements.

Things to avoid when building a solid personal brand on LinkedIn 

Building a solid personal brand on LinkedIn requires careful attention to what not to do just as much as what you should do. Key missteps to avoid include inconsistent messaging which confuses your brand identity, and excessive self-promotion that can come off as insincere. 

Visual elements of your profile, like an unprofessional picture or a lack of a custom header image, can negatively impact first impressions. Neglecting to use recommendations and endorsements undermines the authenticity of your professional capabilities, while engaging in controversial discussions or using inappropriate language can damage your reputation.

Moreover, an incomplete or outdated profile suggests a lack of professional engagement, and not utilising LinkedIn’s full suite of features, such as publishing articles or participating in groups, can limit your visibility and influence. Sporadic activity on the platform may cause your network to forget you, reducing the effectiveness of your branding efforts. 

Failing to interact regularly with your connections can make your network feel undervalued, and not incorporating a personal touch in your interactions can make your profile less relatable and engaging. By steering clear of these pitfalls, you ensure your LinkedIn presence is both professional and engaging, making you a standout in your industry.

Personal branding is an ongoing process - not a one and done!

Remember, personal branding is an ongoing process - not something that you ‘do’ once. With a robust and vibrant LinkedIn presence, you’re not just participating in the job market; you're actively shaping the perception of your professional value, which truly is key for standing out and getting noticed. 

If this guide to mastering LinkedIn and personal branding resonates with you, it's time to take definitive action. My Personal Branding by Confidence Connoisseur programme is tailored specifically for senior leaders like you, who are not just seeking a job but a significant career transformation.

With this programme, you don't just adapt to the market - you set the pace. We'll work together to refine your online presence, crystallise your professional image, and position you not just as a participant in your industry but as a pivotal leader. You’ll move from blending in to standing out, making your mark as a thought leader and the go-to expert in your field.

Why wait to be discovered when you can own your space instead? Click here to learn more and to kickstart your journey to a rewarding and impactful professional life.