This is one of those LinkedIn® things that is often under-rated by users and gets very little attention. But with just a little effort your listed skills reach out across your LinkedIn® Profile in ways that you may not be aware of.
Fox Tucker
Update: I have launched a Free Course for Optimizing Your LinkedIn® Skills Section
- Identify Your Core Competencies – ‘Pinpointing Your Expertise’
- Prioritize for Impact – ‘Ordering Your Skills Wisely’
- Regularly Refresh Your Skills – ‘Keeping Current with Industry Trends’
- Seek Skills Endorsements – ‘Leveraging Your Network’
- Integrate with Your Experience – ‘Telling a Cohesive Story’
- Conclusion:
Once the basics are in place, the more important job is deciding which skills deserve prominence and how they support the professional position you want your profile to communicate.
Identify Your Core Competencies – ‘Pinpointing Your Expertise’
Soft Skills include:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Problem-Solving
- Work Ethic
Prioritize for Impact – ‘Ordering Your Skills Wisely’
LinkedIn® has a separate Top skills feature connected to your About section. You can select up to five skills you want to be known for, and LinkedIn® displays them in a Top skills card directly beneath your About section. Those selected skills also appear in your main Skills section. To choose them, edit your About section, find Skills, add up to five Top skills, arrange them in your preferred order and save. This is different from simply reordering your full Skills list. People sometimes describe these as “pinned skills”, but LinkedIn® calls them Top skills. On desktop, go to your profile, open the Skills section, select the More menu and choose Reorder, then drag your skills into the order you want. LinkedIn® currently allows up to 100 skills on a profile, so prioritization matters more than simply adding as many as possible.
Regularly Refresh Your Skills – ‘Keeping Current with Industry Trends’
The job market and relevant skills are always evolving. Regularly update your skills to reflect current trends and remove outdated ones. This signals to potential employers and connections that you’re on the cutting edge of your field. Reorder them occasionally so that you get a wider of endorsements.
Seek Skills Endorsements – ‘Leveraging Your Network’
Skills Endorsements from peers validate your expertise. Don’t be shy to ask colleagues for endorsements, and offer to reciprocate. A profile with skill endorsements often signifies credibility and expertise.
Integrate with Your Experience – ‘Telling a Cohesive Story’
Ensure your skills align with your professional experience and the story you’re telling through your profile. Discrepancies can lead to confusion and reduce your chances of being discovered by the right recruiters.
If you’re a LinkedIn® old-timer you may not be aware that your skills can now be associated with specific positions in your work experience. Go have a look. It’s another great reason to keep on top of your skills section.
Conclusion:
Update: I have launched a Free Course for Optimizing Your LinkedIn® Skills Section
