LinkedIn is a very powerful tool for professionals who are serious about their jobs and career and for others; it is just another social media platform where you can make your profile look pretty. The motive of being on LinkedIn is not to have a colourful profile but instead to build your profile in such a way that it shows your skills, value and your genuine interest in advancing your career. So, how to use LinkedIn for a career change? Read on to know the best ways in which you can make your LinkedIn profile a valuable one.

What does your headline say?

Your profile view begins with your headline and the sole purpose of your headline should be to convince the recruiter or a client to view the rest of your profile. LinkedIn allows you 120 characters to create a plausible and attractive headline. However, job seekers use these 120 characters to desperately let the recruiters know that all they need is an opportunity for a job, which is obviously a huge mistake.

Your headline is supposed to attract the recruiters, not the opposite. So the basic idea of your headline should be something subtle. Fill your headline with the idea of what you can do and how the recruiters are going to benefit from it. Keep it simple, understanding and valuable.

Add value to your summary, not just words!

Once you have earned the click, don’t think that your work is done yet. Your recruiters will not be convinced with a high definition profile picture or graffiti crafted using words and special characters. Use the summary space to add value to your profile. LinkedIn allows your summary to have 2000 characters, which is quite enough to add a huge amount of value to your profile.

Start your summary with a simple introduction and gradually direct it towards the work experience you have. Explain the most relevant reason for your career change and the benefits you can draw from your previous career. Include your personal interest in the new career and also list down some positive attitude points that you have and are generally acceptable. Conclude it with the kind of job you are actually interested in and how much deviation you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure that your summary is in sync with your headline.

Have a crafty portfolio

A portfolio includes all the work samples, images, media and experience that you have in the mentioned work field. Keeping it empty will only make you someone with big words and no value. Even if you are just beginning, try to add some value to your portfolio, having something on your portfolio is way better than having nothing on it.

Include as many samples as possible along with images and media. Mention whatever work experience you have and show a sign of growth and value. Include accomplishments, if you have any and also the hard work you have put in to achieve those. Do not miss on any recommendations or certificates, if you have any. Include as much relevant content as possible in your portfolio, but make sure to avoid the irrelevant stuff strictly.

In Summary

Remember, value is everything and all the recruiters look for valuable recruit that can benefit them or their company in future. You cannot expect recruiters to start helping every job seeking personal on LinkedIn, you have to stand out and show potential to actually benefit from it. Make sure your entire profile is in sync, avoid irrelevant stuff and do not miss on any relevant content. Your LinkedIn profile is in your control and every member on the website has the same options as you, it is up to you to make a difference.