AFFILIATE MARKETING
The Best Skills to Put on LinkedIn To Help You Stand Out in 2023
Choose your skills to put on LinkedIn wisely – it can be the game-changer that makes your profile pop among a sea of potential candidates.
In this article, I will discuss the top LinkedIn skills that catch a recruiter’s eye. I will also explain how to polish your LinkedIn profile for the best results.
You’re about to make your LinkedIn profile a magnet for opportunities, and I’m here to guide you through each step.
Skills to Put on LinkedIn: Why it’s Important
LinkedIn is the world’s biggest network of professionals online. It has over 985 million members worldwide, located in 200 countries and territories.
So, if you are looking for a new job opportunity, LinkedIn is the place to be! And including a well-curated list of skills on your LinkedIn profile is vital.
Visibility and First Impressions
A detailed LinkedIn skills list can grab recruiters’ attention and make a captivating first impression.
A comprehensive list will clarify to any employer that you have the qualifications they are looking for. The initial impact will make your profile stand out, and you will be noticed.
Increased Contact from Recruiters
The more skills you list, the more likely it is that you will be discovered by those looking for your specific expertise.
Job Matching
When applying for jobs, the skills listed on your LinkedIn profile offer recruiters a snapshot of your capabilities. This enables them to determine if there’s a match between your qualifications and the job’s requirements.
Passive Recruitment Opportunities
Even without applying for jobs, your skills make you searchable on LinkedIn. Recruiters often use the platform to search for candidates with specific skill sets.
Listing your skills increases your chances of being discovered for opportunities.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Recruiters often use search engines to find suitable candidates. Keywords in your skills section can help your profile rank in these searches.
Comprehensive Professional Overview
A good LinkedIn profile provides a comprehensive view of your professional expertise.
Networking and Connections
LinkedIn skills lead to connections with others in the same field or with similar interests. As a result, professional networks and communities are built.
In-Demand Skills to Include in Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn regularly publishes a list of their most in-demand skills. It provides interesting insights into the job market.
Here is our take on the subject. Have a look at these valuable skills to list in your profile and add the ones that apply to you.
Creativity
This encompasses the following abilities and attributes:
- Find innovative solutions
- Think outside the box
- Curiosity
- Imagination
- Open-mindedness
- Problem-solving
Collaboration
Effective teamwork and working well with others are essential in any workplace. This includes interpersonal and intrapersonal qualities, emphasizing the ability to work cohesively within teams.
Emotional Intelligence
This involves understanding and managing your emotions and the emotions of others. Effective communication and teamwork require active listening, conflict resolution, empathy, and resilience.
Blockchain (Hard skill)
Blockchain technology offers a new approach to:
- Data storage
- Validation
- Transfer online
These play a crucial role in the secure handling of digital assets.
Its numerous applications include:
- Personal data security
- Supply chain management
- Election integrity
- Identity validation
- Cross-border transactions
To enhance your LinkedIn profile and make it more appealing in this innovative field, consider highlighting skills in areas such as:
- Blockchain System Design
- Cryptographic Security
- Decentralized Application (Dapp) Creation
- Data Organization Structures
- Development of Smart Contracts
- Proficiency in Solidity Programming
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Hard skill)
Key competencies in AI and machine learning (ML) are:
- Algorithm development
- Programming languages
- Software development
- Robotics
- ML platforms
Read our article on Machine Learning platforms to get to know more about the topic.
Cloud and Distributed Computing (Hard skill)
The shift to cloud-based technologies requires skills in:
- Cloud security
- Network management
- Database management
- Development and Operations (DevOps)
- Expertise in cloud service platforms
Scientific Computing (Hard skill)
Crucial tasks include:
- High-performance computing
- Numerical analysis
- Scientific modeling
Analytical Skills (Hard skill)
Analytical reasoning skills are in demand. Particularly in data mining and interpreting metrics for effective business decision-making.
Hard Skills to Add to Your LinkedIn Profile
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or skill sets that are easily quantifiable. In the current job market, specific hard skills are in demand due to technological advancement and challenges after the pandemic.
In addition to the technical skills mentioned in the “In Demand” section, consider the following.
Marketing
For those eyeing a career in marketing, the array of the best skills you can showcase on your LinkedIn profile is diverse, given the broad spectrum of roles within the industry.
Depending on your expertise and career aspirations, consider including these skills on your LinkedIn:
- Content Creation and Marketing
- Strategic Content Planning
- Online and Digital Marketing Techniques
- Digital Media Expertise
- Marketing and Promotional Planning
- Conducting and Analyzing Market Research
- Public Relations Management
- Sales Expertise
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Social Media Marketing Strategies
Need to brush up on your online marketing skills? Read our article about the best online marketing courses.
Business Analysis
This includes the ability to:
- Understand business processes
- Conduct gap and stakeholder analysis
- Improve operations
- Use tools like Microsoft Access and SQL for data management
Digital Marketing
In the expansive marketing field, the skills range includes:
- Creating content
- Digital marketing
- Market research
- Media planning
- Sales strategies
Connecting customers with companies requires an understanding of:
- Online marketing
- Social media platforms
- Affiliate marketing
As businesses evolve with technological advancements, technical skills and work experience are among the top requirements of any hiring manager.
Soft Skills to Put on LinkedIn
Non-technical skills, or soft skills, refer to how you interact and work with others. They are personal attributes that can affect relationships, communication, and exchange in the workplace.
Here are the most valuable soft skills you need to highlight.
Adaptability
In a fast-changing world, the ability to adapt to new environments, processes, and technologies is vital. This skill ensures that organizations and individuals can overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
Communication Skills
The ability to effectively communicate information is an important skill in any business environment. Strong communicators can share ideas swiftly and effectively.
Critical Thinking
This is the ability to:
- Objectively analyze information, and
- Make reasoned judgment.
These are valuable assets in decision-making.
Digital Literacy
As businesses use a variety of digital tools, being able to learn and adapt to new technologies is a necessity.
Time Management
This skill, especially relevant in remote work, involves managing time effectively to meet deadlines and be productive.
Initiative
Going beyond expectations and being proactive can distinguish you as a valuable team member.
Leadership
A valuable skill is demonstrating the ability to guide others and take charge when necessary.
Networking
Establishing and nurturing professional connections is essential for advancing your career. Maintaining them is equally important.
Life-Long Learning
A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development is key to keeping up with industry changes.
Negotiation
Whether discussing salaries or project terms, negotiating effectively is a valuable skill.
Self-Care
Managing work-life balance to prevent burnout is essential for long-term career success and personal well-being.
Confidence
Believing in your abilities can help you overcome imposter syndrome and contribute more effectively to your work.
Resilience
This is the ability to bounce back swiftly from challenges and sustain a positive outlook.
Soft skills are critical to professional success. Employers increasingly value them.
Tips for Listing Skills on LinkedIn
Consider the following tips to make your skills stand out on your LinkedIn profile.
Rank Your Skills
Put the most important and relevant skills at the top of your list. LinkedIn allows you to reorder your skills to showcase your primary abilities first.
Include Both Hard and Soft Skills
Hard skills show your technical ability. Soft skills are equally important and attractive to potential employers. I will discuss both in more detail later.
Be Specific
Use specific skill names and industry keywords. Use precise terms like “project management” or “team leadership”. Don’t use general terms like “management skills.”
Keep it Updated
Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects any new abilities or certifications you acquire.
Limit Your List
Listing a focused set of LinkedIn skills (up to 50) is more effective than a long, irrelevant one.
Avoid Overused Buzzwords
Terms like “hardworking,” “specialized,” or “experienced” should be more specific. They don’t differentiate you from others in your field.
Highlight Transferable Skills
If you plan to switch to a new industry or role, it is a good idea to showcase your transferable skills applicable to your new field.
Balance Industry Jargon with Layman’s Terms
Use terms recognized in your industry but also understandable to those outside of it. Your profile should be clear to all recruiters who might look at it.
Group Skills Logically
Organize your skills in a way that makes sense and tells the story of your professional growth and focus areas.
Follow an Organization or a Skill Page on LinkedIn
Your public profile information will be visible to all Page admins when you follow a Page.
Adjust Your Skills Before Applying for a Job
Before you go job hunting, investigate which skills employers are looking for and update your profile.
Match Your Profile to the Best Job Description
Some jobs require different skills than others. Find the job posting that suits you best to see what the employer is looking for in applicants. Be sure to incorporate those keyword phrases into your LinkedIn skills section.
Cross-reference Skills with Your Experiences
Make sure the skills you mention in your experience align with the job descriptions and roles. This creates authenticity.
Reinforce Your Skills
Get Professional Recommendations
Recommendations are valuable to showcase your skills and provide real examples of your abilities.
Use LinkedIn Skill Assessments
These assessments can validate your proficiencies. They will show a “Verified” badge next to the skill on your profile.
Confirm with Accomplishments
Confirm your skills with corresponding achievements listed in your experience section.
Endorsements Matter
Seek endorsements from colleagues, clients, and employers. Endorsements serve as social proof of your skills.
By curating and presenting your skills well, you’ll make an impression on those viewing your LinkedIn profile. Boost your professional image to attract more attention from recruiters and hiring managers.
How to Manage the Skills on Your LinkedIn Profile
To update skills on your LinkedIn profile, begin by accessing your profile and scrolling to the “Skills” section.
Click on “Show all skills.”
You can add new skills by clicking “+” on the top right corner.
Alternatively, you can add skills by selecting “Add New Profile Section” located beneath your profile headline and navigating to the “Skills” tab.
Click on the pencil icon in the “Skills” section to manage your skills.
You can rearrange the order of your skills by pressing the three dots and using up/down arrows to place the most relevant ones at the top for better visibility.
To remove any skill, click on “Delete skill.”
Regularly update your skills. This ensures they reflect your current expertise and align with the endorsements you receive from your connections.
How to Endorse Skills on LinkedIn
The subject of endorsements on LinkedIn focuses on enhancing your profile’s visibility and credibility through skill endorsements.
To appear in LinkedIn’s search algorithm, your skills need endorsements, and the more endorsements you receive, the higher your chances of showing up in search results.
You can ask for endorsements from various connections, such as:
- Classmates
- Current or former managers
- Colleagues
- Mentors
- Mentees
- Members of professional groups
A reciprocal approach is often practical.
Endorse the skills of others, especially those who have witnessed your skills in action. This way, you’re likely to receive endorsements in return.
It’s important to authentically endorse the skills of contacts you genuinely believe in rather than randomly endorsing people you don’t know.
This mutual endorsement approach increases your skill endorsements and helps build a network of credible professional relationships on LinkedIn.
Wrapping up Skills to Put on LinkedIn
Maintain a current and relevant set of skills on your LinkedIn profile. Updating and refining your skills list is critical to staying competitive and relevant in your industry.
This enhances your visibility to recruiters, especially if you’re seeking new employment opportunities, and also positions you as a potential candidate for head-hunting.
I have provided a list of top skills recommended by LinkedIn research, which you should consider adding to your profile if they align with your expertise.
Beyond our suggestions, it’s wise to review job postings within your field regularly. Take note of the skills frequently requested, as this will offer insights into the most sought-after capabilities in your industry.
You may want to consider completing some online classes offered by Skillshare so that you can add more skills to your LinkedIn profile. Or, for more technical courses, look at a few of the many Skillshare alternatives.
Of course, there is also LinkedIn Learning. It offers over 16,000 online courses by real-world professionals.
With your newly polished profile, you’ll be sure to land the perfect job in no time!
AFFILIATE MARKETING
8 Common SEO Myths Debunked
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In today’s digital landscape, a strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy is crucial for businesses to thrive. SEO helps websites rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic and boosting online visibility.
However, the world of SEO is also riddled with myths and misconceptions that can lead businesses astray. Let’s debunk some of the most common SEO myths and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: More keywords mean better rankings
Gone are the days of stuffing your content with every keyword imaginable. Google’s algorithms have shifted towards natural language processing (NLP), prioritizing content quality and user experience above keyword density. While keywords remain important, focusing on keyword intent and strategic placement throughout your content is far more beneficial than keyword quantity.
Fact: Research relevant keywords related to your target audience and their search queries. Use those keywords naturally within your content, focusing on providing informative and engaging information that fulfills user intent.
Related: Ultimate SEO Guide On How to Get 100,000 Visits Per Month From Google
Myth 2: Meta tags don’t matter anymore
While meta tags may not hold the same weight they once did, they’re far from irrelevant. Title tags and meta descriptions are like billboards for your content, serving as the first impression users see in search results. Compelling and informative meta tags can significantly improve click-through rates (CTR) and user engagement.
Fact: Craft clear, concise, and keyword-rich title tags that accurately reflect your content. Similarly, write engaging meta descriptions that entice users to click. Keep your title tag under 60 characters and your meta description around 160 characters to ensure they display fully in search results.
Myth 3: Social media directly influences SEO rankings
Social media shares and likes don’t directly translate into higher search rankings. However, social media plays a vital role in online visibility and brand awareness. Strong social media engagement can drive traffic back to your website, indirectly contributing to SEO by increasing user engagement and potentially influencing click-through rates.
Fact: Utilize social media platforms to share your content and connect with your audience. Encourage social media followers to share your content further, expanding your reach and driving more visitors to your website.
Myth 4: Backlinks are no longer relevant
Backlinks, or links from other websites to yours, remain a cornerstone of SEO. High-quality backlinks from reputable websites act as a vote of confidence for your content, signaling to search engines that your site is trustworthy and authoritative. This can significantly boost your domain authority and improve search rankings for relevant keywords.
Fact: Focus on acquiring backlinks from relevant websites within your niche. Create high-quality content that others will find valuable and link to naturally. Avoid spammy link-building tactics, as they can actually harm your SEO efforts.
Related: 9 SEO Tips to Help You Rank No. 1 on Google in 2024
Myth 5: SEO is a one-time effort
If you think you can optimize your website once and reap the benefits forever, think again. Search engines constantly update their algorithms, and SEO is an ongoing process. To maintain strong search rankings, you need to stay on top of SEO best practices.
Fact: Regularly update your website content with fresh, informative, and engaging material. Review your keyword strategy periodically and adapt to changes in the search landscape. Stay updated on the latest SEO trends and best practices to ensure your website stays relevant.
Myth 6: Mobile optimization doesn’t matter
With the majority of web searches now conducted on mobile devices, having a website that’s optimized for mobile browsing is no longer optional. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites in search results, ensuring users have a positive experience when accessing your content.
Fact: Make sure your website has a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices. Ensure fast loading times and easy navigation for mobile users.
Myth 7: Paid advertising can replace SEO
While paid advertising (PPC) can be a valuable tool to drive immediate traffic, it’s not a replacement for SEO. The benefits of SEO are long-term and sustainable, with organic traffic continuing to flow to your website even without ongoing ad spend.
Fact: Develop a strong SEO strategy alongside your paid advertising efforts for a well-rounded digital marketing approach. Organic traffic can provide a more cost-effective source of website visitors in the long run.
Myth 8: Focusing on local SEO doesn’t matter if I sell online
Even for e-commerce businesses, neglecting local SEO can be a missed opportunity. If you have a physical location or offer local delivery, optimizing your website for local search terms can significantly increase your visibility to potential customers in your area.
Fact: Claim and manage your Google My Business listing to ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. Utilize location-specific keywords throughout your website content and target local search queries.
Conclusion
Staying informed about SEO best practices is crucial for optimizing your website and achieving success in the digital marketplace. Don’t be swayed by outdated myths or quick-fix SEO schemes. Focus on creating high-quality content, building a strong backlink profile, and staying updated on the latest SEO trends.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Most Employees Are Secretly Using AI Tools At Work: Report
Most people are using AI at work, whether their bosses know about it or not. Meanwhile, company leaders are simultaneously looking for non-technical talent with AI skills.
A new joint report from LinkedIn and its parent company Microsoft released Wednesday revealed the almost contradictory state of AI at work, as employees discreetly use AI tools and employers seek out candidates with those skills without the majority investing in internal training or tools.
The survey took in responses from 31,000 people across 31 countries between February and March drawing from research that Microsoft conducted with its Fortune 500 customers to add an employer dimension to the survey.
Company leaders showed in the survey that they overwhelmingly favored job candidates with AI skills, even non-technical talent that could use generative AI like ChatGPT.
In the report, 66% of the leaders stated that they would not hire someone who didn’t have AI skills and 71% said that they would probably hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them.
Related: These 4 Words Make It Obvious You Used AI to Write a Paper, According to New Research
Despite employer demand for AI knowledge, lower percentages have provided AI training (39%) or invested in AI tools (45%) for employees.
Regardless of whether employers provide training, more employees than ever have adopted AI tools and are reaping the productivity benefits, even as they fear losing their jobs to the technology.
Three in four knowledge workers, defined in the study as employees who work from a desk, use AI to help get things done at work. The main reason 90% of these respondents reported using AI was to save time.
About half of the group (46%) that use AI recently started using it, within the past six months, and the majority of them (78%) are using AI tools at work “without guidance or clearance from the top.”
At small and medium-sized companies, the percentage of workers taking this “bring your own AI” approach is even higher: 80% of employees use AI discreetly, without a go-ahead from higher-ups.
The trend applies across generations — 73% of boomers and 85% of Gen Z reported using AI tools not provided by their companies.
Related: JPMorgan Says Its AI Cash Flow Software Cut Human Work By Almost 90%
At the same time, about half of the employees (45%) said they were worried that AI could replace their jobs.
Companies, like $7 billion “Buy Now, Pay Later” Klarna, have indicated that AI would pick up the responsibilities of laid-off workers. Klarna stated in February that its AI chatbot “is doing the equivalent work of 700 full-time [customer service] agents.”
The reason why employees are turning to AI tools, despite fears of AI replacing them, could be that they are dealing with higher workloads. The majority surveyed in the report (68%) stated that they find it hard to keep up with the amount of work they have to get done. Nearly half (46%) report feeling burned out.
“The data is clear: People are overwhelmed with digital debt and under duress at work— and they are turning to AI for relief,” the report reads. “The opportunity for every leader is to channel this momentum into ROI.”
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Panera Discontinuing Charged Lemonade Drink After Lawsuits
Panera’s Charged Lemonade has been under fire from consumers and regulators after lawsuits alleged the highly caffeinated beverage has been the source of long-term health problems and even death.
Now, the chain has decided to phase out the drink as a part of overarching menu changes.
RELATED: ‘100% Should Be Illegal’: Woman Exposes Jaw-Dropping Amount of Caffeine in Panera Lemonade
“We listened to more than 30,000 guests about what they wanted from Panera, and are focusing next on the broad array of beverages we know our guests desire — ranging from exciting, on-trend flavors, to low sugar and low-caffeine options,” a spokesperson for Panera told CNBC.
According to Bloomberg, Panera will begin discontinuing the drink within the next two weeks and replace it with a “broad array of beverages” featuring a blueberry lavender lemonade, a pomegranate hibiscus tea, a citrus punch, and a tropical green smoothie.
The beverage was at the center of three major lawsuits, two of which were filed on behalf of the families of 21-year-old Sarah Katz and 46-year-old Dennis Brown. Both died after allegedly consuming the Charged Lemonade, citing pre-existing medical conditions.
Another lawsuit filed in January claimed that 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt developed long-term heart problems as a result of consuming two and a half of Panera’s Charged Lemoandes.
“You put an innocuous product like lemonade in an innocuous bakery-cafe like Panera, what reasonable consumer is going to be thinking that they’re drinking, essentially, three Red Bulls?” said Skerrit’s lawyer Elizabeth Crawford at the time. “Everything in her life has been altered because of this situation.”
Per Panera’s nutrition information, one large 30 oz. serving of the Charged Lemonade contains 390 mg of caffeine in addition to guarana extract, a natural stimulant.
Related: Panera Sued: Alleged Charged Lemonade-Related Heart Issues
According to the FDA, the maximum amount of caffeine that the average adult can safely consume per day is 400 mg, though the average adult consumes about 135 mg of caffeine daily.
Panera did not immediately respond to Entrepreneur’s request for comment.
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