In today's world, being able to network and connect with others in your career industry online isn't just encouraged, it's expected. Because of this, it's no surprise that when companies are interested in adding new talent to their teams, they start at the same place: LinkedIn.

With over 675 million users, it's clear that the professional networking platform is an effective tool to pair prospective employees with their ideal employers. Oftentimes, however, great talent may be overlooked by hiring managers and recruiting agencies because of the way the individual portrays themselves online.

Here are six practical steps you can take to ensure that your LinkedIn profile stands out from the crowd.

Use a Professional Headshot

First and foremost, you must have a professional headshot. While you may be proud of your child or in love with Star Wars, save the pictures of your family and interests for Facebook or Instagram. Posting a clear, professional photograph of yourself is the most effective way to encourage potential employers to give your profile a moment of their time and not immediately move onto someone else. Even if you must pay someone to take a few high-quality photos of you, it's well worth the investment to make a strong first impression.

Create a Powerful Summary

Much like on a resume, your LinkedIn summary is an opportunity for you to highlight who you are and what you're good at. To capture and hold the attention of anyone who visits your site, keep these tips in mind:

• Be clear and concise; there's no need to use the entire 2,000 words allotted for your summary.

• Make sure that it's grammatically correct. Attention to detail matters.

• Use keywords that are relevant to your industry. This is how professional recruiters can find you.

• Focus on your strengths and what you can contribute to a future employer as much as on your past achievements.

Customize Your URL

LinkedIn gives you the option to change your profile's URL, which is incredibly beneficial. By customizing your URL to one that is simple, your viewers will be more likely to remember how to get back to your page and can easily share it with others.

Add Visual Media

Incorporating photographs, videos, and files to your profile is a powerful way to let your viewers see who you are and what you're all about. Not only will it make your page more memorable than others who may not provide visual images, but it's an effective technique to highlight your accomplishments. Remember to keep the media you add to your profile relevant to your career aspirations. Save your political preferences and personal video clips for other social media channels.

Emphasize References

Don't be afraid to ask previous employers, co-workers, and customers you've had positive experiences with to brag about you on your LinkedIn profile. It's a wonderful way for future employers and customers to get quality feedback about why they should work with you as well. If you're hesitant to ask for a recommendation, consider offering to do the same on their profile. This way, everyone wins.

Stay Active

LinkedIn should be a tool you stay connected with regularly, not just when you're job hunting. By keeping your profile up-to-date, consistently networking with others in your industry, and sharing industry-relevant information, your viewers will see that you are engaged and knowledgeable about what is happening in your field.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge to create a strong, modern LinkedIn profile that is sure to impress even the most particular hiring managers, it's time to apply for your ideal position. The experienced team at The Hire Standard is passionate about partnering great talent with their dream employers in the San Francisco Bay area and beyond. Contact us today to find your perfect career fit.