In today’s job market, having a strong resume is only part of the story. Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly looking at professional platforms like LinkedIn to get a fuller picture of a candidate. For those of us with years of experience, this presents a great opportunity. It allows us to build a personal brand that goes beyond a list of past jobs and showcases our real-world expertise.

Building influence online isn't about becoming a social media star. It's about strategically sharing your knowledge and engaging with your professional community. When done right, it can turn your LinkedIn profile from a static resume into a dynamic tool that attracts job offers and consulting opportunities. This guide provides practical steps to help you build your influence and open doors to new career possibilities.

1. Optimize Your Profile to Make a Strong First Impression

Your profile on a professional platform is your digital storefront. Before you start creating content or engaging with others, it's important to make sure your profile is complete, professional, and tailored to the opportunities you want to attract.

Key Profile Optimizations:

  • Professional Headshot: Your profile picture is the first thing people see. Use a clear, recent photo where you look friendly and professional. A simple head-and-shoulders shot against a neutral background works best.
  • A Headline That Says More Than Your Job Title: Your headline is prime real estate. Instead of just listing your current job title, use it to describe your expertise and the value you provide. For example, instead of "Marketing Manager at ABC Corp," you could write, "Experienced Marketing Leader Driving Growth in the Tech Sector | Digital Strategy | Brand Management." This tells visitors what you do and what you are skilled in.
  • Write a Compelling "About" Section: Your "About" section is your chance to tell your professional story. Write it in the first person to make it more personal. Start with a brief summary of your experience and key skills. Then, you can talk about your professional passions and what you enjoy most about your work. End with a call to action, such as inviting people to connect.
  • Detail Your Experience: In the "Experience" section, don't just list your job duties. For each role, include a few bullet points that highlight your biggest accomplishments. Use numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying you "managed a sales team," say you "Led a team of 10 sales representatives to achieve a 15% year-over-year revenue increase."

2. Create and Share Valuable Content

Once your profile is in good shape, the next step is to start sharing content. This is how you demonstrate your expertise and stay visible to your network. You don't need to be a professional writer to do this effectively. The key is to share things that are genuinely helpful to your audience.

Simple Content Ideas:

  • Share Interesting Articles: You don't always have to create content from scratch. Find an interesting article about your industry and share it with a short comment. Add your own perspective by writing one or two sentences about why you found it valuable. For example, "This is a great article on the future of supply chain management. The point about automation is particularly relevant for our industry."
  • Write Short Text Posts: Share a piece of advice, a lesson you've learned, or an observation from your career. These posts can be just a few paragraphs long. For example, you could write about a common mistake people make in your field and how to avoid it. This positions you as a helpful expert.
  • Comment Thoughtfully on Other People's Posts: Engaging with others' content is a great way to build influence. When you see a post that interests you, leave a thoughtful comment that adds to the conversation. Instead of just writing "Great post," try something like, "This is a really important point. I've seen this play out in my own work, where we found that..."

The goal is consistency, not frequency. You don't need to post every day. Aiming to share something one to three times a week is a great place to start.

3. Engage with Your Professional Community

Building influence is a two-way street. It's not just about broadcasting your own thoughts; it's about being an active member of your professional community. Engaging with others helps you build relationships and expand your network.

How to Engage Effectively:

  • Join Relevant Groups: LinkedIn has thousands of groups dedicated to specific industries, skills, and interests. Find a few that are relevant to you and join them. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge. This is a great way to connect with peers and learn from others.
  • Congratulate People on Their Achievements: When someone in your network gets a new job or celebrates a work anniversary, take a moment to congratulate them. A short, personal message can help you stay connected with your contacts.
  • Respond to Comments on Your Posts: When people take the time to comment on your content, be sure to respond. Thank them for their input and answer any questions they have. This shows that you value their engagement and helps to build a sense of community around your profile.

4. Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements

Recommendations and skill endorsements on your profile act as social proof. They are testimonials from others that validate your skills and expertise. This can be very persuasive to recruiters and hiring managers.

How to Get Quality Recommendations:

  • Ask for Them: The easiest way to get recommendations is to ask for them. Reach out to former managers, colleagues, or clients who you have a good relationship with. When you ask, be specific. You could say, "Hi [Name], I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and was hoping you might be willing to write a brief recommendation about our work together on the [Project Name] project. I'd be happy to do the same for you."
  • Give Recommendations: A great way to get a recommendation is to give one first. Write a genuine and positive recommendation for a colleague you respect. They will often be happy to return the favor.
  • Manage Your Skill Endorsements: The "Skills & Endorsements" section allows your connections to endorse you for specific skills. You can edit this section to feature the skills that are most important for your career goals. Make sure your top skills are listed first.

Start Building Your Influence Today

Building a professional presence online takes time, but it is a valuable investment in your career. It allows you to shape your own narrative and showcase the full range of your experience and expertise.