Your LinkedIn name is the first thing people see about you on the site. That’s whether they look at their search results or your profile. Because of this, it’s essential to take extra care with it.
5 Tips to Increase Profile Views
Sadly, many LinkedIn members do four things that immediately tarnish their LinkedIn images:
1. Last Initial Only — The Worst
Would you rather click through to a profile that says Donna Svei or Donna S.? Uh-huh, I thought so. LinkedIn members want to see your last name. Not sharing it has many downsides and limited upsides.
2. ALL CAPS
Some LinkedIn members present their names in capital letters. No one wants to read JANE DOE. It’s the LinkedIn equivalent of shouting at people.
3. all lowercase
Some LinkedIn members present their names in lowercase letters. No one wants to read jane doe. It’s the LinkedIn equivalent of whispering.
4. Alphabet Soup Credentials
Then there are people who add acronyms for every credential they’ve ever earned. That confuses the reader.
Select one or two credentials. Pick those most relevant to your current career goal.
Like this: Jane Doe, JD, MBA.
Don’t go crazy with credentials. It makes you look as though you’re trying too hard.
A New Best Practice
5. Record How to Pronounce Your Name
In 2020, LinkedIn launched a Name Pronunciation feature for your profile. If your name is the least bit difficult or you have a great voice, implement it ASAP.
If it’s not intuitive to you, here’s a great guide.
Get Your LinkedIn Name Right
As you can see, this is pretty simple stuff, and you will benefit from paying attention to it. If you don’t present your name professionally, many LinkedIn users will check out on you.
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn
Please invite me to connect on LinkedIn. The more I know about my readers, the better I can make my blog.
Updated January 2023
© 2013 – 2023, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.
Donna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, authors all of AvidCareerist’s posts.
She is a Fast Company Contributor and has written for and been quoted by 100+ business and general media outlets, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNBC, the New York Times, USA Today, Time, US News & World Report, CBS, the BBC, Lifehacker, Social Media Today, IT World, and Business News Daily.
Let her expertise inform your job search strategy and decision-making.
Contact Donna here to learn more about her resume and LinkedIn profile services and fee structure.
