LinkedIn is much more than an online CV - it's your virtual shop window, perfect for showcasing your achievements and attracting new opportunities.
To help your profile stand out and build your personal brand, make the most of the Featured section on your LinkedIn profile.
What is the Featured Section?
The Featured section is a powerful tool that allows you to highlight your best work samples, providing evidence of your skills and experience.
It section enables you to feature a wide range of content, including LinkedIn posts, articles, external websites, and media such as images, documents, presentations, and videos.
Why Should You Utilise the Featured Section?
The Featured section offers several benefits for professionals looking to establish a strong personal brand and make a memorable impression.
Enhanced Visibility: The Featured section provides a prominent space on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your work. By featuring your best content, you increase the chances of it being seen by others, including potential employers, clients, and collaborators.
Demonstrate Expertise: Curating a collection of your best work allows you to demonstrate your expertise in a specific industry or field. By showcasing your accomplishments, you can establish yourself as a trusted authority and attract opportunities aligned with your skills and interests.
Tell Your Story: The Featured section enables you to craft a narrative around your professional journey. By carefully selecting and arranging your work samples, you can create a cohesive and compelling story that highlights your achievements and passions.
Stand Out from the Crowd: In a competitive job market, it's essential to differentiate yourself from other professionals. The Featured section allows you to showcase your unique talents and experiences, making you more memorable to potential employers, headhunters, or clients.
How to Add Items to Your Featured Section
Adding items to your Featured section is a straightforward process.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
On Desktop:
Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, then select View Profile.
Click the Add profile section button in your introduction section.
In the Recommended dropdown, select Add Featured.
Click the Add icon on the upper right of the Featured page.
Choose the type of work sample you want to feature and follow the prompts.
Click Save or Done to finalise your changes.
On Mobile:
Tap your profile photo, then select View profile.
Tap Add section.
Select Recommended and choose Add featured from the dropdown.
Select the type of work sample you want to feature.
Tap Save or Done to complete the process.
What Content Can You Include in Your Featured Section?
The Featured section offers a versatile platform to showcase various types of content.
Here are some examples of what you can include:
LinkedIn Posts: Feature posts that you've created or re-shared on LinkedIn. This could include thought leadership articles, industry insights, or engaging discussions.
LinkedIn Articles: If you've authored and published articles on LinkedIn's publishing platform, you can feature them in this section. This is an excellent way to highlight your expertise and engage with your network.
External Websites: Include links to external websites, such as your personal blog, portfolio, or other relevant online platforms. This allows you to showcase your work beyond the LinkedIn ecosystem.
Media Uploads: LinkedIn allows you to upload various media types, including images, documents, presentations, and videos. Featuring media samples can provide a visual representation of your work and capture the attention of viewers.
Tips for Optimising Your Featured Section
Choose Your Best Work: Be selective when choosing what to feature in your section. Focus on high-quality content that showcases the skills and achievements you want to use in your next role.
Tell a Story: Arrange your featured items in a way that tells a compelling story about your professional journey. Consider the flow, themes, and progression of your work samples to engage viewers and leave a lasting impression.
Leverage Multimedia: Take advantage of the various media types available in the Featured section. Incorporate images, videos, and presentations to create visually appealing and interactive content.
Update Regularly: Keep your Featured section fresh by regularly updating it with new, relevant content. This shows that you are actively engaged and continuously producing valuable work.
Consider Audience Visibility: Pay attention to the visibility settings on your profile and adjust them accordingly. Choose whether you want your featured content to be visible to all LinkedIn members or limited to your connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I include content that is not on LinkedIn in my Featured section?
A: Yes, you can include external websites, such as your personal blog or portfolio, in your Featured section. This allows you to showcase a broader range of your work.
Q: How many items can I include in my Featured section?
A: You can include as many samples of your work as you want in your Featured section. However, it's important to ensure that the content remains relevant, high-quality, and representative of your professional identity.
Q: Can I change the order of my featured content?
A: Yes, you can reorder your featured content to highlight items in a specific order. This allows you to control the narrative and emphasise your most impactful work.
Q: What happens if I remove a work sample from my Featured section?
A: When you remove a work sample from the Featured section, it will no longer be displayed in that section. However, it will still be accessible in your Activity section.
Optimising your LinkedIn profile's Featured section is a strategic way to make a lasting impression on potential employers, headhunters, and clients.
By curating a collection of your best work samples, you can showcase your expertise, tell your professional story, and stand out from the crowd.
Follow the steps outlined in this guide, leverage the diverse content types available, and regularly update your Featured section to maximise its impact.
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