We all know the importance of a LinkedIn account today. It is probably the largest networking platform for professionals today. Across thousands of profiles out there, you probably get a few clicks or seconds to make an impression. Here’s how to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level.

An image speaks a thousand impressions

Want to make an impression as a power player? A display picture is the first thing that will help you get noticed. And no, we are not talking about a picture at a Halloween party. Leave your fun side for your Facebook or Instagram profile. Your LinkedIn profile picture has to be professional personified. Something which gives the impression that you mean business.

Get your headlines to turn heads

Notice how in newspapers, it’s always the headlines, which get you hooked to read a particular story? Likewise, the headlines make all the difference on your LinkedIn profile. The bottom line is to be direct and precise. Don’t leave room for any speculation; describe the exact roles that you’ve been involved with and what you can bring to the table.

Tip: Here are more tips on how you can write impactful headlines

Time to refresh the skills and endorsements sections

Endorsements speak volumes about your career advancement as well as your contribution to other professionals and companies. Like they say, let your work do all the talking. Make sure to elaborate your skills and ask people to endorse you as a professional. This bit is particularly helpful if you’re a freelancer and move from project to project.

Hunt for those typos

Putting a job done 5 years ago in present tense? Mixing ‘it’s’ with ‘its’? Basic grammar errors in your LinkedIn profile gives a very casual and callous approach about you. Proofread to keep your resume error-proof. Period.

Tip: Use a tool like Grammarly to make sure your profile is error-free

Find the right company

Life’s all about networking. Even online, make sure your network with the right individuals (whom you know of course) or mentors who will be able to guide you and introduce you to more people for you to expand your base, knowledge and expertise.

Edit your profile

As hard as it may seem, it is extremely important to clean up your profile as much as possible. An internship stint that is over a decade old has little value today. Skills such as thorough knowledge of MS Office is a given and shouldn’t even be there on your profile.

Tip: Keep yourself, and in turn your profile, updated with the latest skills. Udemy and Coursera are the best places to begin.