Building your Brand on LinkedIn

Advice Employer Candidate Job Hunting

LinkedIn has over 850 million users across 200 countries including a demographic that has evolved to including a large portion of users aged 25 to 40, encompassing a diverse range of professionals from CEOs to startup founders, to not-for-profit organisations and a variety of roles in between. This diverse mix of users really opens up a wealth of networking opportunities and we recommend that you get involved.
In today's professional landscape, personal branding is so much more than a buzzword; in fact, it is essential for success.

Personal branding extends beyond your identity to reflect your values and passions. It is about showcasing the best version of yourself, and being authentic and consistent. This approach fosters trust and highlights your expertise, which in turn facilitates relationships with other like-minded individuals and opens doors to exciting new possibilities. LinkedIn acts as a powerful platform for these opportunities, serving as a professional "showroom" to display your skills and abilities.

With 1.33 million users in New Zealand alone, LinkedIn's refined search tools make it easier than ever to network. We discuss six key benefits of using LinkedIn to build your personal brand on the most powerful professional social media platform in the world.

1. Encourages valuable content
Many social platforms like Twitter and Instagram encourage short sharp updates or even just an image. LinkedIn gives you a chance to create longer more informative content/posts, where you can grow your brand, build credibility and establish yourself as a professional in your field. Social media experts recommend regularly engaging on LinkedIn. You can do this by posting, liking, commenting, joining groups and participating in discussions to further enhance your visibility and expand your reach.

2. Showcasing Skills
Your LinkedIn profile highlights your professional experience, qualifications and skills, making it easy to showcase your abilities and build credibility.

3. Employment Opportunities
LinkedIn is a vital resource for job seekers, empowering connections and providing access to job listings. Users can enhance their profiles with endorsements and recommendations, research potential employers and set job alerts when they are in the market for a new role. Employers can advertise positions and candidates make themselves attractive to recruiters by marking their profile as "open to work,". Research suggests that over 90% of recruiters scan LinkedIn profiles during their hiring processes, making it an essential platform for connection.

4. Trust & Reputation
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful professional relationship and a strong personal brand can significantly enhance your perceived trustworthiness and reliability on LinkedIn. When your profile showcases a consistent story, backed by genuine achievements, testimonials and endorsements, it instils confidence in others that you're someone worth engaging with. Also, if you are actively participating in conversations, offering valuable insights and providing support to your network, this further solidifies your reputation within your industry.

5. Fountain of knowledge
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for professionals, providing access to industry news, insights and trends through posts and articles written by subject matter experts. It offers Professional Development through ‘LinkedIn Learning’ and enables users to explore company profiles and job market data, making it an essential tool for informed career decisions and strategic networking.

6. Establishing Credibility and Authority
One of the primary advantages of crafting a personal brand on LinkedIn is the ability to establish credibility and authority within your industry or field of expertise. By consistently sharing valuable insights and engaging content, you can have the ability to position yourself as an expert in your field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate entering the job market, a well-defined personal brand can differentiate you from other competition and attract the attention of potential employers.

Setting up a LinkedIn account if you don’t already have one, begins with choosing a compelling headshot and a background photo that reflects your industry and aligns with your personal brand.

Once your profile is visually appealing, focus on engaging with your network by liking and commenting on colleagues' posts. This not only fosters connections but also encourages them to endorse your skills and write recommendations for you. Share articles that resonate with you, and adding your insights to spark meaningful conversations is recommended.

Don’t hesitate to highlight personal achievements that you’re proud of, as these can significantly attract the attention of recruiters. Your bio also plays a vital role in your LinkedIn presence; it serves as your digital handshake or elevator pitch if you like. Make sure it stands out by writing in the present tense and using an active voice to convey your interests and what sets you apart. This section is your opportunity to creatively narrate your professional story and distinguish yourself in a competitive job market.

In summary, in today's digital landscape, cultivating a strong personal brand is more essential than ever, particularly on a platform like LinkedIn, with hundreds of millions of users globally. By dedicating time to craft a compelling story, actively engaging with your audience, and consistently providing value, you can harness the power of personal branding to advance your career and achieve your aspirations.
Even if you’re not actively job hunting, broadening your network alone, can lead to enriching professional relationships, diverse perspectives and potential partnerships. Ultimately, your personal brand reflects your identity, values and the unique contributions you offer. By infusing authenticity and personality into your LinkedIn presence, you can create deeper connections with like-minded individuals and elevate your professional journey.