Updating your Linkedin Profile - Why, When and How
Why should you update your LinkedIn profile?
Updating your LinkedIn profile in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah is crucial for several reasons, including:
Professionalism
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and having an outdated profile can give off the impression that you are not serious about your career.
Visibility
Recruiters and hiring managers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah often use LinkedIn to search for potential candidates. By keeping your profile up-to-date, you increase your visibility and the likelihood of being found by recruiters.
Networking
​LinkedIn is an excellent platform for networking and connecting with other professionals in your field in UAE. Keeping your profile up-to-date can help you make new connections and expand your network.
However, there are some red flags that may make you rethink updating your LinkedIn profile, including:
Privacy concerns
If you have concerns about your privacy, such as sharing too much personal information, you may want to reconsider updating your profile.
Current employment status
​If you are currently employed and do not want your employer to know that you are job searching, you may want to be cautious about updating your profile.
Lack of time
If you do not have the time to devote to updating your profile, it may be better to wait until you have the time to do so properly. An incomplete or half-hearted profile may do more harm than good.
When should you update your LinkedIn profile?
It is always a good practice to keep your LinkedIn profile updated regularly, especially when you have a job change, acquire new skills or certifications, or have new accomplishments to showcase in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. However, here are some specific instances when you should update your LinkedIn profile:
​When you are actively job searching:
If you are looking for a job, your LinkedIn profile should be up-to-date with your latest experience, skills, and achievements.
When you have a major career change:
If you switch industries or professions, it is important to update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new focus.
When you have completed a significant project or milestone
Updating your profile with your latest accomplishments can help you showcase your expertise and attract new job opportunities.
Are you updating your LinkedIn profile professionally?
You can know if you are updating your LinkedIn profile professionally in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah if you follow these guidelines:
-
Completeness: Your profile is complete and includes all the necessary sections, such as your summary, work experience, education, skills, and recommendations.
-
Professional Headline: Your professional headline is concise and clearly states your current position or area of expertise.
-
Use of Keywords: Your profile includes relevant keywords related to your skills and experience that can help potential employers find you more easily.
-
Engaging Summary: Your summary is well-written, engaging, and provides a brief overview of your professional experience, accomplishments, and career goals.
-
Professional Photo: Your profile picture is a professional headshot that presents you in a positive and professional manner.
-
Updated Work Experience: Your work experience is up to date and highlights your accomplishments and responsibilities in each role.
-
Active Engagement: You engage with your network by sharing relevant content, participating in groups and discussions, and interacting with others on the platform.
If you are following these guidelines, you are updating your LinkedIn profile professionally in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
How to update your LinkedIn profile professionally?
Here are some steps to update your LinkedIn profile professionally to apply for job opening in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah:
1
Headline:
Your headline is the first thing that people see when they view your profile. Ensure that it accurately reflects your current role or desired role, along with relevant keywords. For example, instead of just "Software Engineer", you could use "Software Engineer | Full Stack Developer | Node.js | React".
2
Profile Photo:
Use a high-quality professional headshot as your profile photo. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately and that the background is not distracting.
3
About Section:
Use the summary section to highlight your skills, accomplishments, and experience. Be concise, but provide enough detail to pique the interest of potential recruiters or employers. Use bullet points, relevant keywords, and highlight achievements with measurable results.
4
Experience Section:
Ensure that you have included all relevant work experience and education, including any certifications or degrees. Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities, achievements, and key skills used.
5
Skills Section:
Ensure that you have included all relevant skills, and that they are ordered based on your proficiency. Endorse your connections for their skills, and ask for endorsements in return.
6
Accomplishments Section:
Use this section to highlight any awards, certifications, publications, or volunteer work. This helps to showcase your interests, abilities, and expertise beyond your work experience.
