How do I share an already added certificate on LinkedIn?

Adding certifications and licenses to your LinkedIn profile is a great way to showcase your professional skills and qualifications. However, once you’ve added a certificate, you may want to reshare or showcase it so that your connections are aware of your latest credential.

Here are some tips on how to share an already added certification on LinkedIn:

Edit Your Profile’s About Section

One easy way to reshare a certification is to showcase it in your LinkedIn profile’s About section. Simply edit the About section and mention your new credential in the opening paragraph or summary. For example:

“Experienced marketing manager with over 10 years of experience driving brand awareness and sales. Holds an MBA from Stanford University and a recently earned PMP certification.”

Highlighting certifications in your About section makes them easily visible to anyone viewing your profile.

Share an Update Announcing Your Certification

Posting an update on your LinkedIn feed is a great way to announce a new certification. Share an update letting your connections know about your achievement:

“Excited to have earned my PMP certification! This credential will allow me to better manage complex projects and advance my career.”

This update will be distributed in your connections’ feeds and it is a more proactive way to inform your network about your certification.

Add the Certificate Under Licenses & Certifications

Make sure you have fully populated the Licenses & Certifications section of your LinkedIn profile. Adding certifications here will display them prominently on your profile and ensure they surface quickly in LinkedIn search results.

To add a certification:

1. Go to your profile and click “Add profile section”
2. Select “Licenses & Certifications”
3. Fill in the details of your certificate including name, organization, issue date, and expiration if applicable.
4. Click “Save” to add the certification to this section.

Showcase Certifications in Your Background Photo

Another visual way to display certifications is by adding them to your profile’s background photo section. You can showcase certificate logos or highlight text such as “Newly PMP Certified”. This helps the certifications stand out when someone lands on your profile.

Share an Article Related to Your Certification

Publishing a LinkedIn article is an excellent way to demonstrate your thought leadership and knowledge. If you earned a certification related to your industry, consider writing an article that relates to the skillset covered in the program.

For example, if you earned a coaching certificate, you could write an article on “5 Essential Skills for Effective Coaching.” Include a mention of the certificate in the article and link to your profile section where you have it added.

Join Related LinkedIn Groups

Look for LinkedIn Groups related to your certification and join the conversation. Engage frequently in the group, letting members know you recently earned the certification in your posts and comments where relevant.

You can also add your certification to your LinkedIn Group profile so it is visible there as well.

Connect with Classmates

If you earned your certificate through a program that had a cohort or classmates, connect with them on LinkedIn. Message them letting them know you are now certified and would appreciate being endorsed for the related skills by fellow program grads.

Request Endorsements from Colleagues

The more endorsements you have on LinkedIn related to a certification’s skillsets, the more it shows you have mastered the material. Reach out to colleagues, managers, clients and ask them to endorse you for skills covered by the certification.

Give Endorsements

Endorse your classmates and colleagues for their new certification skills as well. Being active in endorsing others will prompt them to return the favor.

Add Certification Details to Your Contact Info

Make sure your certification initials and details are added to your contact information section. This allows the credential to appear next to your name when messaging contacts or appearing in search results.

Display Digital Badges

Many certification programs provide digital badges that can be shared online. Upload certification badges to your profile to provide visual confirmation of your accomplishments.

Badges appear in your About, Licenses & Certifications and Media sections. Follow your certificate issuer’s guidelines on proper usage when displaying badges.

Add the Certificate to Your Signature

Include the certification in your email signature and LinkedIn messaging signature. This gives your credential visibility whenever you communicate with your network.

For example:

John Smith

Marketing Manager | Acme Co.

Masters in Marketing | Earned PMP Certification 2022

Showcase It on Other Social Channels

In addition to LinkedIn, share and showcase your certification on other social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. Cross-promote your achievement across your other profiles.

List Certifications in Your Work Experience

Add certifications to your work experience descriptions as well. If you earned a credential while working at a company, include the details under your role description or accomplishments at that position.

Apply for Related Jobs

With your new certification, look for and apply to jobs that require or recommend the credential. On applications, highlight that you meet the desired certification specified in the job description.

Table of Summary Tips

Conclusion

Sharing your certifications prominently on your LinkedIn profile allows you to get the most value from your professional investment. Take advantage of profile sections, updates, media, and engagements with your network to showcase your credentials.

Let your connections know about your educational achievements to boost your brand and open up new career opportunities.