Why you should update your LinkedIn profile when you get a new job
Updating your LinkedIn profile when you get a new job is important for several reasons:
- It keeps your profile accurate and up-to-date so connections can keep tabs on your career journey.
- It allows you to showcase your new role, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
- It expands your professional network by exposing you to new connections at your new company.
- It signals to recruiters that you are professionally active and advancing in your career.
- It gives you a chance to re-optimize your profile for key terms and roles related to your new position.
In short, updating your LinkedIn profile for a new job is a way to actively manage your career presence and opportunities on the platform. It ensures your profile accurately reflects where you are now in your professional journey.
How to update your LinkedIn profile for a new job
Here are step-by-step tips on how to update your LinkedIn profile when you take on a new job:
1. Update your employment history
Go to the Experience section of your profile and add your new job title, company, employment dates, location, and description. Make sure to mark it as your current position. You can keep past jobs listed as well.
2. Refresh your headline
Your headline is prime real estate at the top of your profile. Update it to showcase your new role and company. Use keywords that will grab attention.
3. Expand your summary section
Flesh out the Summary section to feature your new job responsibilities and domain expertise gained. Share details on your new company and position.
4. Add multimedia
Enhance your profile with relevant images, videos, presentations, PDFs, and links that relate to your new position. This adds dimension to your profile.
5. Boost your skills
Update the Skills section to include abilities gained in your new role. Streamline skills that are no longer as relevant. Prioritize keywords that get you found.
6. Revamp endorsements
Leverage your new network at your company to endorse you for key skills. This social validation goes a long way.
7. Follow co-workers and company
Stay connected by following new colleagues and your company LinkedIn page. This strengthens ties and networks.
8. Join relevant LinkedIn Groups
Search for industry, role-specific, alumni, and locality LinkedIn Groups to join related to your new position. This expands your reach.
9. Optimize profile for SEO
Pepper key terms throughout your profile that relate to your new role and industry. This helps in searches. Use titles, subtitles, and bullet points.
10. Turn on Open Profile setting
Under Privacy & Settings, turn on Open Profile. This lets anyone view your full profile without needing to connect, widening visibility.
Following these steps helps optimize your LinkedIn presence when starting a new job. Keep your profile dynamic and representative of where you are now.
How to announce your new job on LinkedIn
Posting about your new job on LinkedIn is a great way to spread the news across your network. Here are some tips on how to announce your new role:
Write a compelling post
Draft an update announcing your new position. Share your excitement. Provide an overview of the company, your role, responsibilities, and domain. Use keywords.
Add multimedia
Increase engagement by incorporating a photo, gif, or short video clip introducing where you work now. Visuals attract interest.
Tag your company
Be sure to tag your new employer in the post. This exposes the update to their followers as well, expanding your reach.
Give a shout-out
Recognize colleagues, managers, or recruiters who helped make the hire happen. Thank your network for their support.
Invite connections to connect
In your post, invite any co-workers and connections relevant to your new company to connect on LinkedIn. Growing your network is key.
Highlight why you’re excited
Share what drew you to the role, company, and opportunity. Enthusiasm and passion are contagious. Let your network share your excitement.
Use relevant hashtags
Include hashtags like #newjob, #newrole, #newchapter to tag your major career move. This helps extend reach.
Sample Job Announcement Post
Thrilled to share the news that I’ve started a new position as [Job Title] at [Company]! I’m excited to take on [key responsibilities] and contribute my skills in [key domains] to help [Company Mission]. Big thanks to [Hiring Manager] and the talent team at [Company] for this opportunity. Grateful to be part of the [Company] team! #newjob #newchallenge #newchapter
Conclusion
Updating your LinkedIn profile and announcing a new job are important steps to take as you embark on a new professional chapter. Keeping your career details current, showcasing your latest accomplishments, and sharing the news across your network positions you for ongoing success, visibility, and opportunities. Make it a priority to update LinkedIn whenever you land a new role. Consistently maintaining a robust profile is key to advancing along your career path. Congratulations on your new job and best of luck leveraging LinkedIn to maximize this next step in your journey!
| LinkedIn Profile Section | How to Update for a New Job |
|---|---|
| Headline | Refresh with new role and company keywords |
| Employment History | Add new company, title, dates, description |
| Summary | Share overview of new job details and domain expertise |
| Skills | Add abilities gained from new role |
| Endorsements | Gain endorsements from new colleagues |
| Media | Add visuals, links, docs related to new job |
| Profile Settings | Turn on Open Profile to broaden visibility |
| LinkedIn Job Announcement Post Tips |
|---|
| Share your excitement about the news |
| Provide overview of company and role |
| Tag your new employer |
| Thank people who helped make it happen |
| Invite connections at the company to connect |
| Use multimedia like photos or videos |
| Highlight what drew you to the opportunity |
| Include relevant hashtags like #newjob |
