If you’re not updating your LinkedIn profile, you’re only hurting yourself. As a recruiter, it pains me to pull up a LinkedIn profile only to see a missing profile picture and no biography or job description to match work experience. Sadly, many younger candidates never update their “.edu” email address after graduation. As a result, they miss out on some excellent opportunities (especially when they’re not active on the biggest business networking platform)!
I’ve touched on this in the past, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to be mindful of your online image. When recruiters or prospective employers set their mind to gaining at least an inkling of insight into who you are, only to find that you can’t be bothered to spruce up your LinkedIn profile, you’re getting in your own way of impressing the people that can help you advance your career. In an age where so many of our interactions and transactions are virtual, there are few excuses for neglecting your virtual image.
At the very least, upload a profile picture. Take the time to create a thoughtful headline that tells me what your current role is or what you aspire to be. Fill in your “About” section with information that’s going to help me get to know you as a professional. Upload all of your relevant job and education experience, along with at least brief job descriptions. It will go a long way in helping the first impressions you don’t realize you’re making.