Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

Are you on LinkedIn but haven’t done very much with your profile? Maybe you’re not on LinkedIn at all. If you’re not, you should be. And if you are, you really should be leveraging the benefits of your profile now—whether you’re in a job search or not. You shouldn’t wait to complete your profile on LinkedIn because when you finally do need it—it may be too late.

It Won’t Be Ready When You Really Need It

OK, I don’t think it’s ever really too late to optimize your LinkedIn profile … but if you wait until you want to utilize your profile for an active job search, then you’re already behind the curve. You could have had a maximized profile, made lasting connections, joined professional groups, and made contacts with individuals that you could be benefitting from now. But because you waited—and are just now getting started with enhancing your profile—you now have to start from scratch making those connections, joining the groups, and keyword- and SEO-optimizing your profile.

You Could Be Missing out on Great Opportunities You Don’t Even Know About

Recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn … and your ‘dream job’ may be one connection away …

But because your profile isn’t completed, or keyword-rich, or SEO-optimized, they can’t find you. And that means they can’t offer you an interview for your next big career move! Don’t miss out on being discovered!

Your Personal Brand Is Suffering

Leveraging your LinkedIn profile to communicate your personal brand online is essential. It’s a great platform with which to communicate to others your unique promise of value, what sets you apart as a professional, and exactly what you can offer connections and companies. Plus, completing your profile now develops your brand and its presence in the online world—so that one day … while you’re job searching (that is, if you’re not already) … you’re already out there, easy to find … and clearly communicating your professional value to others.

If you are currently in a job search and would like some assistance in developing your LinkedIn profile, consider partnering with one of our LinkedIn profile writers. You’ll also want to check out my recent article: 5 Things Every Prospective Employer Wants to Hear.

In the meantime, connect with me on Facebook and Twitter for many other great job search tips.