I know, I know, many consider new year’s resolutions passe, but at the outset of 2023, whether or not we actually commit to healthier eating, working out more, or reading more books, let’s take a moment to refresh our professional image.
It isn’t difficult and can reap long-term benefits for your career and your work knowledge base.
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS I’M TAKING STOCK OF IN 2023, ESPECIALLY USING LINKEDIN, AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE SAME.
- Take a fresh look at your online resume. Revise your headline with personality and creativity. You’ve likely worked on projects or accomplished goals that reflect new responsibilities or talents. Did you earn a new accreditation? Take a few classes toward a master’s degree or Ph.D? Perhaps you earned certification on a new piece of equipment or software program. Update descriptions of your current work, crafted to show progress. Adding professional accomplishments shows growth.
- If you haven’t anything of significance to add to your profile, commit to building some this year. Check out short, inexpensive online courses, some only a few hours long, to brush up on some older skills or create new ones to keep your knowledge base growing and fresh. Coursera offers thousands of free online courses on topics everyone can put to good use. Gain new confidence writing for the sciences, finally figure out venture capital or build your negotiation skills. Sites like Alison have 1,300 courses in business topics alone. You could knock out some of these classes on one cross-country flight!
- This next tip isn’t just for LinkedIn, but update all your professional social media profiles. Your skin may look amazing in the profile photo you took nine years ago on the beach, but the more professional a photo, the better. Also, when you’re in your 50s and still sporting a photo from your 30s, it looks as though you’re trying to hold on to youth instead of showcasing your experience and longevity. Spend a little money and get a solid headshot of yourself. You can still show personality while appearing accomplished, and people notice. In fact, a recent study revealed a full 70% of employers check your LinkedIn. That’s up from 11% in 2006, and 60% only a year ago.
- And while you’re there, make your social network work for you. It’s a great way to join a professional industry group and practice networking. Get connected to people in your field who aren’t in your current inner circle. This can benefit you as a company or as an employee. According to LinkedIn, 70% of the global workforce comprises passive talent who aren’t actively job searching. It doesn’t mean they aren’t keeping an eye out for the right set of circumstances, though; they’re consistently finding opportunity through connection. Further, LinkedIn says, “Companies can expand their talent pool by 10x by recruiting through their employees’ networks.” Whether you’re hiring, looking for a new position or just seeing what opportunities are out there, social media is a powerful tool.
- Lastly, rethink your professional goals and be purposeful about your professional growth. I hear all the time that someone received a promotion or a stellar job offer because they were in the right place at the right time. Actually, it’s more often that they set themselves up for success.
Learn how to use LinkedIn and other social platforms. Use this to your advantage by signing up for newsletters, joining groups and connecting with influencers and companies you admire.
An active profile shows commitment and forward movement. Those are qualities every employer wants to see.
If you’re looking to make a career change, MRC can help connect with us or submit your resume.