Why You Shouldnt Wait to Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

Why You Shouldnt Wait to Complete Your LinkedIn ProfileAre you on LinkedIn but havent done very much with your profile? Maybe youre leid on LinkedIn at all. If youre not, you should be. And if you are, you really should be leveraging the benefits of your profile nowwhether youre in a job search or not. You shouldnt wait to complete your profile on LinkedIn because when you finally do need itit may be too late.It Wont Be Ready When You Really Need ItOK, I dont think its ever really too late to optimize your LinkedIn profile but if you wait until you want to utilize your profile for an active job search, then youre already behind the curve. You could have had a maximized profile, made lasting connections, joined professional groups, and made contacts with individuals that you could be benefitting from now. But because you waitedand are just now getting started with enhancing your profileyou now have to start from scratch making those connections, joining the groups, and keyword- and S EO-optimizing your profile.You Could Be Missing out on Great Opportunities You Dont Even Know AboutRecruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn and your dream job may be one connection away But because your profile isnt completed, or keyword-rich, or SEO-optimized, they cant find you. And that means they cant offer you an interview for your next big career move Dont miss out on being discoveredYour Personal Brand Is SufferingLeveraging your LinkedIn profile to communicate your personal brand online is essential. Its a great platform with which to communicate to others your unique promise of value, what sets you apart as a professional, and exactly what you can offer connections and companies. Plus, completing your profile now develops your brand and its presence in the online worldso that one day while youre job searching (that is, if youre not already) youre already out there, easy to find and clearly communicating your professional value to others.If you are currently in a job search and would like some assistance in developing your LinkedIn profile, consider partnering with one of our LinkedIn profile writers. Youll also want to check out my recent article 5 Things Every Prospective Employer Wants to Hear.In the meantime, connect with me on Facebook and Twitter for many other great job search tips.