7 Simple steps for making the most of your Viadeo profile

Professional social networks are a great resource for growing your network reach, connecting with like-minded professionals and expanding your influence.

It is important, however, to maximise the potential of your presence on professional social networks by ensuring that your digital identity is as strong as possible. For Viadeo members, it is vital to make your profile as relevant as possible in order to optimise your online presence and really make the most of the Viadeo network.

We’ve compiled a list of simple and effective tips to help you amplify your presence and get even more from your Viadeo experience.

          1. Detail is key

Making your Viadeo profile as detailed and up-to-date as possible is crucial.  The more complete your profile is, the more likely the possibility of getting head-hunted by recruiters.

To ensure your profile is 100% complete, make sure to include a detailed Professional Experience section. Include any relevant positions you have held and outline the role and your specific responsibilities. A great way to enhance this section of your profile is by highlighting your key results and achievements gained. Make sure to include specific job titles in your descriptions.

For example, on our Social Media Manager Rebecca Williams‘ profile, she lists her former job title and employer along with a detailed and concise description of her key responsibilities and achievements:

In the Introduction section of your profile, include a brief description of your current position or the industries you are interested in working in. It’s also not a bad idea to add what you use Viadeo for eg: connecting with people, finding new business partners or searching for a job opportunity.

In the Education section, include schools and universities attended, and include results and qualifications obtained in the “Degrees/qualifications” section. If you’re looking to change careers or if you are searching for your first job, this section is important. Make sure to emphasise transferable skills you gained from your academic career that will easily overlap your professional career.

          2. Add a face to your name: include a profile picture

Do not underestimate the power of a strong Viadeo profile picture. Your picture is instrumental in building your personal brand and digital identity. It also proves that you are a genuine user and adds to your value as a contact. Studies have shown that profiles with a picture are many times more likely to be viewed than those without pictures.

The best profile picture to choose is an up-to-date head shot. Make sure that it looks professional and portrays your personality and energy successfully.

          3. Create your brand slogan: edit your headline

The headline on your Viadeo profile is your chance to give your profile visitors an accurate idea of who you are professionally.  In many ways, your headline is the name or slogan of your personal brand. Include your current position and company name, or your amount of experience. Brand your headline as the most important advertisement of yourself that you can give.

          4. Make yourself find-able: Customise your URL

You have the option of choosing the URL for your Viadeo profile. You can do this by visiting the “complete my profile” section. In the bottom right hand corner, there is a box labelled “my public profile” which allows you to change the URL of your public profile. By changing your URL to your include your own name, your profile will be much easier to access and may increase your connection opportunities. Having a personal URL will increase your professional authority within your network and strengthen your personal brand.

          5. Make it easier for head-hunters: add keywords

Adding keywords to your profile will make you more easily found by potential contacts and recruiters. Add keywords that relate to your experience, areas of expertise and strengths. For example, our Product Manager Andrea Nagel lists the following keywords on her profile:

          6. Back up your profile with a recommendation

Adding a recommendation to your profile is a great way to strengthen your professional image. You can ask for a recommendation by going to your Viadeo profile. Under the “professional experience” section, there will be a green button saying “Request a recommendation” next to each of your jobs. Click the button to ask a former manager or colleague to write a recommendation for you. Make sure that your key accomplishments and strengths are highlighted in the recommendation.

Sharing a powerful recommendation on your Viadeo profile makes a great difference and might even make up a recruiter’s mind. A strong and genuine professional recommendation can do wonders for your digital identity and credibility throughout your network.

          7. Promote your brand: Include links

Give your connections and potential employers a more well-rounded view of who you are by adding links to other profiles or websites. This will also increase the brand awareness of your profile.

The “Introduction” section of your profile is a good place to include links to your profiles on Twitter or other  sites. If you have your own website or if your work is portfolio-based, include links in this section.

Alternatively if you have your own blog, visit the “complete my profile” section and add a link to your blog in the “my blogs” box on the right hand side of the screen.

To help your contacts find you more easily, why not share a link to your Viadeo profile? Add it to your e-mail signature or get a Viadeo profile button for your blog. Not only will you maximise your visibility but it is an opportunity to further expand your network.

We hope that these simple steps to a more dynamic Viadeo profile will help you to make the most out of your network. By combining a strong profile with connections, engagement and interaction, you can insure that you unlock the true power of your professional network.

Is there something else that has improved your Viadeo profile? If so, get in touch or leave us a comment, we’d love to hear what you think!