How Do You Get Your Linkedin Profile to 100%?

70%. That was the pathetic, salty profile completion rate that mocked me from my Linkedin account for months. I could NOT figure it out. I had created my basic profile, input my job and educational background, added some groups and gathered a few recommendations. Still, that 70% lingered. Today was the day I decided … enough is enough.

How do you get your Linkedin profile to 100%?

1. Make sure that you add in all of your job positions; or at a minimum, your current position and the two you held previously. This will significantly enhance your completion rate, as well as help you gain access to groups related to those organizations that you otherwise would not be able to participate in. NOTE: For those of us who are still relatively new to the workforce, this could be a disadvantage. However, consider adding in college internships – this will greatly benefit you.

2. Complete your educational background as best you can. Linkedin only allows you input higher education, which is a bit of a bummer (again for the younger professional). However, as long as you input something you should be good to go.

3. Input a profile summary that briefly highlights what you do for a living so people get to know you. This should be written not only to enhance the SEO of your profile, but to make sure that humans can read and understand it. Also, take the time every couple of months to update your summary. Your business changes … so should your Linkedin profile.

4. Show the world your hot self. Consider adding in your picture so people know what you look like. I know this can be a scary thought for some – but for those of us that were on the front-end of Facebook or MySpace… not including your picture makes you a “shady character.” So, find your most professional mug and update your profile! You will be amazed at how many people will recognize you from your Linkedin profile when they finally meet you in person. TIP: The size of the image Linkedin uses in your profile is 80 px by 80 px. If you want to keep the clarity of your image crisp, create one that size and then upload it.

5. Share your talents and let everyone know what your specialties are; this can be as simple as including what your company focuses on. You can also choose to highlight the areas that interest you most. This information goes right below your profile summary. So, be sure to include what is most important.

6. Get recommendations from at least three individuals within your network. You can obtain these from colleagues, clients, past professors, etc. Then… return the favor. People will be much more willing to draft a recommendation for you if they know they are getting something in return :) Surprise!

So why is it important to complete your Linkedin profile. “Users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through Linkedin” – Linkedin. That’s that.

To view my now perfect Linkedin profile, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbonanno - and be sure to add me to your network!