Over 10 years ago, I wrote a blog post about optimizing LinkedIn profiles by deleting anything that wasn’t quite right for a professional space. Some of that advice still holds up, but LinkedIn has come a long way. Here’s an updated list of things to tidy up on your LinkedIn profile this year to keep it polished, relevant, and effective.
- Personal or Unprofessional Photos: Back then, it wasn’t uncommon to see profile pictures that looked more like Facebook than LinkedIn—photos with kids, pets, or even wine glasses. These days, most people go with a professional headshot, which is still the way to go.
- “Seeking New Opportunities” in Your Headline: Years ago, putting “seeking new opportunities” in your headline sometimes came across as a bit desperate. Now, LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature does this for you in a much more subtle, effective way, so there’s no need to make it part of your headline.
- Keep Your Experience Up to Date: Make sure your experience section is current, with your most recent role right at the top. Regular updates help show you’re actively engaged in your career and keep your profile fresh for anyone looking. When switching from one job to another, remember to include an end date for your previous role; otherwise, it will still show up as your current position, which can be confusing. A well-organized experience section with clear start and end dates for each role shows attention to detail and makes it easy for recruiters and connections to understand your career journey at a glance.
- Personal Details That Could Lead to Bias: This is still relevant. It’s a good idea to keep personal info (like political or religious affiliations or anything that hints at your age) off your profile to avoid any potential bias. Stick to the professional details—skills, achievements, and experience.
- Overly Self-Promotional Language: Phrases like “amazing fundraiser” or anything too embellished can sound like bragging. Instead, let your work and accomplishments speak for themselves. A bit of humility goes a long way in keeping your profile approachable.
- Turning LinkedIn Into a Social Media Platform: LinkedIn is being used more and more for personal sharing, but it’s still a professional space. Highly divisive or emotional content may alienate parts of your network, so it’s best to keep LinkedIn for professional updates and avoid sparking debates here. If you’re not in a role that thrives on public stances, consider keeping things neutral—think Dolly Parton’s “everyone’s friend” approach.
Making these updates can help keep your LinkedIn presence professional and appealing, leaving a great impression on anyone who checks out your profile.
Photo by Nate Johnston on Unsplash