LinkedIn will automatically set your headline to your current job title and company name, but you can change it to something more engaging. It's also known that LinkedIn profiles that include photos get significantly more views, so if you don't yet have those professional headshots, now is the time to get them done. Remember that your aim is to present a professional first impression on recruiters. Your ideal LinkedIn profile photo is a clear headshot against a plain background, ideally in your work clothes. Here, we'll explain how to create a LinkedIn profile that really showcases your professional value and develops your personal brand. That's why TopCV includes a professional LinkedIn makeover as part of its Executive Priority CV-writing package. So, you've decided to create a LinkedIn account, but how can you get the most out of it? Just like a CV, there are certain sections you need to populate to ensure you're presenting yourself to your best advantage. It's free! Sure, there's a paid option, but for most purposes, the free package that enables you to create a LinkedIn account and use the basic functionality is more than adequate. You can build your personal brand by developing a standout LinkedIn profile that highlights your particular areas of experience and expertise, which can then be endorsed by other professionals in your field. Many organisations have their own LinkedIn pages, so if you're targeting a particular business for your next role, you can follow these pages to stay informed about their news and vacancies. Plus, if you contribute by commenting and responding to questions from others, you could even build a name for yourself as an expert in your field. The Groups function enables you to stay abreast of industry news and trends. You can also follow influencers and role models.

You can build a virtual professional network which acts in much the same way as a real-life network, offering mutual support, advice on job openings, industry insight and introductions. It's used by recruiters to advertise jobs and headhunt candidates, so a strong LinkedIn profile, combined with active use of the job-search tool to access several million job postings, could be the gateway to your next role. With over 600 million users in over 200 countries, LinkedIn provides the perfect platform to support you in every aspect of your career. Whether or not you're job hunting at the moment, a LinkedIn account is now a vital professional tool.

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