TNFKiran Watts/ TNF
Riya was a marketing professional with five years of experience, but her career felt stuck. She often heard about opportunities being shared on LinkedIn, yet her profile wasn’t gaining any traction. One evening, her friend Anil, who had just landed a new job through LinkedIn, offered to help her.
“Your LinkedIn profile is like your digital handshake,” Anil said. “If you want to stand out, you need to make it catchy, professional, and engaging. Let’s work on it!”
Step 1: The Perfect Headline
The first thing they tackled was Riya’s headline, which read: “Marketing Professional.”
“That’s too generic,” Anil said. “Your headline should highlight your skills and the value you bring.”
After some brainstorming, they changed it to:
“Creative Marketer | Storyteller | Driving Brand Growth through Innovative Strategies”
Riya’s eyes lit up. “This feels more like me!”
Step 2: A Strong Profile Picture
Riya’s profile picture was an old photo taken at a party. Anil shook his head. “Your picture should look professional but approachable. Dress like you would for an interview and keep the background simple.”
The next day, Riya wore a formal blazer, took a photo with good lighting, and updated her profile.
Step 3: A Compelling About Section
Riya’s “About” section was empty. “This is where you tell your story,” Anil explained.
They wrote:
“I am a creative marketer with 5+ years of experience in building impactful campaigns that drive engagement and revenue. My passion lies in storytelling, turning ideas into strategies, and helping brands connect with their audience. When I’m not brainstorming campaigns, you’ll find me exploring new cuisines or sharing marketing tips on my blog.”
“Doesn’t this sound more like a real person?” Anil asked.
Riya nodded. “It feels warm and authentic.”
Step 4: Experience that Shines
Riya had only listed her job titles in the experience section. “Titles alone don’t tell your story,” Anil said. “Let’s add details about your achievements.”
For her role as a Marketing Manager, they wrote:
• Spearheaded a campaign that increased brand engagement by 45% in six months.
• Managed a team of five to successfully launch two products, generating ₹20 lakh in revenue.
• Created content strategies that boosted website traffic by 60%.
“Focus on numbers and results,” Anil emphasized.
Step 5: Skills and Endorsements
Riya had listed just three skills on her profile. Anil encouraged her to add more, such as “Content Marketing,” “Brand Strategy,” and “Social Media Advertising.” He also suggested asking colleagues to endorse her top skills.
“Endorsements add credibility,” Anil explained.
Step 6: Engaging Content and Networking
“Now that your profile looks great, it’s time to be active,” Anil said.
He encouraged Riya to:
• Share insights about marketing trends.
• Comment on posts in her industry.
• Connect with professionals and add a personalized note while sending invitations.
Riya started posting once a week, sharing lessons from her projects and tips for aspiring marketers.
Step 7: Recommendations
“Ask your managers or colleagues for recommendations,” Anil advised. “These are like testimonials.”
Riya reached out to her former boss, who wrote:
“Riya is a visionary marketer with an innate ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Her innovative ideas and collaborative spirit make her a valuable asset to any team.”
The Results
Within a month, Riya’s LinkedIn profile transformed. She started getting messages from recruiters and was invited to speak at a virtual marketing event.
One day, she received a connection request from the marketing director of a company she admired. They chatted, and soon, Riya landed her dream job.
“Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a résumé,” Riya told her friends. “It’s your personal brand. Take the time to make it shine!”
Riya’s Quick LinkedIn Tips
1. Headline: Highlight your unique skills and value.
2. Photo: Use a professional and approachable image.
3. About Section: Tell your story in an engaging way.
4. Experience: Focus on achievements and results.
5. Skills: Add relevant ones and get endorsements.
6. Be Active: Post content, comment, and connect regularly.
7. Ask for Recommendations: They boost your credibility.
Riya’s story is proof that with a little effort, anyone can create a LinkedIn profile that opens doors to endless opportunities.
