Updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect a new job is an important step after getting hired somewhere new. LinkedIn is the top professional social media site and many recruiters and hiring managers look at candidates’ profiles. Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile that accurately shows your current job and work history is key for your professional brand and opportunities.
Why Update LinkedIn for a New Job?
There are several important reasons to update your LinkedIn profile when you start a new job:
- Showcases your latest experience and skills to connections, recruiters, hiring managers
- Maintains accurate and complete work history
- Allows you to join new company pages and groups
- Keeps your profile consistent with resume and other professional materials
- Lets you find and connect with new coworkers
- Displays employee badge if company uses LinkedIn for onboarding
Keeping your LinkedIn current is part of managing your professional brand and presence online. It ensures your profile is maximizing your latest achievements.
How to Update LinkedIn for a New Job
Updating LinkedIn for a new job takes just a few simple steps. Here is how to do it:
- Add new position: Go to your profile’s Experience section. Click “Add new position.” Enter details including new job title, company, employment dates, location, and description of role.
- Mark old job as past role: Go to your previous position. Update the end date for when you left that job. Make sure it lines up accurately with when you started your new role.
- Rearrange positions: Your current job should always be the first one listed in your Experience section. Drag positions to reorder them chronologically.
- Join company page: Search for your new company’s LinkedIn page. Join it to connect your profile.
- Update headline and description: Consider tweaking your profile headline and summary to reflect new job. Add key skills and areas of expertise.
- Expand connections: Search for new coworkers and add them to your network. Join relevant employee groups.
- Showcase new skills: Add licenses, certifications, courses and projects related to your new job. Display key achievements.
- Check how it looks: Preview profile as if you’re a recruiter to optimize visibility of new role.
Tips for Updating LinkedIn for a Job Change
Follow these tips when updating LinkedIn after getting a new job:
- Do it right away – don’t wait to update LinkedIn or you may miss out on connections and opportunities
- Show transition – list end date for old job and start date for new role to show career progression
- Use keywords – include keywords related to your new job in position description to help with searchability
- Add media – upload new profile and cover photos to showcase latest professional brand
- Expand network – connect with colleagues to establish yourself at new company
- Revisit regularly – periodically update your profile even after initial change to keep it fresh
What to Include in LinkedIn Job Update
When updating your LinkedIn profile for a new job, be sure to include these key details:
- New job title and company
- Start date and (if applicable) end date
- Employment type (full-time, contract, etc.)
- Location (city, state/province, country)
- Industry
- Description of your role and responsibilities
- Key achievements and accomplishments
- Skills gained and used
- Technologies, tools, or methods used
- Groups, licenses, volunteer work related to new job
Providing this level of detail will help paint a full picture of your new role and responsibilities for your network.
Common LinkedIn Job Change Mistakes
Avoid these common missteps when updating your LinkedIn profile for a new job:
- Forgetting to update your current position as your most recent role
- Leaving employment gaps between jobs
- Not filling out details beyond just job title and company
- Using vague or inaccurate job titles
- Failing to customize your profile headline and summary
- Listing fewer than 3 key skills related to the new job
- Leaving your profile photo outdated
- Not joining new company and alumni LinkedIn pages
LinkedIn Recommendations for New Job
Asking for a recommendation on LinkedIn is a great way to showcase new skills and achievements in your latest role. Here are some tips:
- Ask managers, colleagues, clients you worked with in the new job
- Tailor request to highlight specific accomplishments in the role
- Offer to provide a recommendation in return
- Follow up personalized requests individually
- Aim for 3-5 new recommendations relevant to the position
Quality recommendations that back up the details in your profile about your new job can enhance your professional brand and credibility.
Conclusion
Updating LinkedIn to reflect a job change is an essential step in managing your professional online presence. Be sure to make the adjustments promptly, thoroughly fill in key details, expand your connections, and showcase relevant skills. Keeping your profile current will ensure you maximize the opportunities from your latest position.