Author: Yasmin Elkabani
Co-Author: Aleena Desai
Edited by: Yashika Garg
Self-promotion, especially professionally, might seem a challenging task for many undergrads even for those who had some experience, which makes them ask the most frequent questions: what and how this should be done? How can I present myself as the best candidate or just stand out?
As the world has now shifted to the virtual side, social media platforms are currently playing a vital role for job seekers, particularly with remote internships, work-from-home jobs and volunteering opportunities. The same now goes for self-promotion. Have you ever wondered how to represent your skills, ambition and objectives virtually, in the same manner as a written resume?
The answer is simple: LinkedIn! This is your virtual professional resume platform. We’re not kidding, it’s true! LinkedIn at first sight may look boring, complex and hard to deal with, but believe me, it’s going to be our professional companion, integral to your career goals. Unlike Facebook, building your own professional profile is neither a waste of time nor effort. Most importantly, you’ll gain professional connections that may help you in achieving your objectives or promoting your skills, getting updated in the field of your interest from your network’s shared posts and, of course, opportunities to help you upgrade yourself and experiences. All these are achieved if you have succeeded in promoting yourself well, by building your LinkedIn account professionally.
Here are the steps to create your virtual professional resume:
1. Upload a professional photo
2. Add your industry and location
3. Customize your LinkedIn URL
4. Write a summary
5. Describe your experience
6. Add 5 Skills or more
7. List your education
8. Connect with 50+ contacts
9. Turn ON “Let recruiters know you’re open” – if you’re looking for opportunities
Well done, you did it!
The next steps are to get more connections and build your own your network:
Share something unique about you; professionally, so that your connections get to know you.
Like and comment would let people check your profile more.
Give endorsements and recommendations if applicable.
Engage MORE!
Sounds simple, right? But every step, at the end of the day would require your utmost understanding & dedication as it is said,
A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.
~ Colin Powell, former U.S. Defense Secretary
References
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-beginner-all-star-8-easy-steps-clifford-wessel/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/talalalmurad_linkedin-daily-checklist-activity-6744237037156618240–s03
For further LinkedIn tips and how to grow your network successfully, check the link below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohaibhasan/
Sohaib Hasan is a multi-award winner social media influencer and a dedicated Human Resource professional. He has an internationally recognized career in Human Resources working in various sectors including; Education, Environment, Management Consulting, Healthcare, Automobile & Telecommunication across the UK, China, Germany, Pakistan and UAE.