13 Sections You Can Activate to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

Halloween is approaching but you shouldn’t fear any ghosts or superstitions. And we’re here to help you out with that. Forget all the negativity surrounding the number 13. Instead, let us present you with 13 hidden sections on your LinkedIn account. Your LinkedIn profile acts as a digital business card, showcasing your professional identity within a network of over 1 billion users. In today’s competitive talent marketplace, it’s essential to stand out. An optimized LinkedIn profile not only highlights your skills and experiences but also enhances your visibility. By activating additional sections beyond just core features, you allow potential employers, partners, and collaborators to gain a better understanding of your identity.

What Are These Hidden Sections And How Can You Access Them?

Hidden sections on your LinkedIn profile refer to features that may not be immediately visible but can significantly enhance your professional presence. While the core sections provide fundamental information about your professional life, several additional sections can add substantial value to your profile. These elements position you more effectively within your industry and showcase your unique qualifications.

How to reach them? It’s easy! They’ve always been in front of you, but have you allowed yourself to explore them to their full potential? Let’s do it together!

Source: BookMark

  • Select the button Add profile section;
  • Then choose from Recommended or Additional;

Source: BookMark

  • Completing the tabs in the Recommended section will increase your authority and give you access to more opportunities;

Source: BookMark

  • If you complete the tabs in the Additional section, you will add even more personality to your profile. These sections will support you to expand your network and build more relationships.

Source: BookMark

In the Recommended section, you’ll find essential components like the Featured section, Projects, Publications, Certifications, and Volunteer Experience, each designed to enrich your profile and highlight your professional achievements. Let’s have a look at them:

  1. Featured – The Featured section provides a visual element to your profile, making it more engaging. It acts as a portfolio that can quickly capture the interest of potential employers, partners, or clients, showing them your best work upfront. Choose items that showcase your expertise and align with your career goals; 
  2. Licenses and certifications – This section demonstrates that you are proactive about enhancing your skills, which is attractive to employers looking for candidates who are continuously improving. List any relevant certifications or licenses. They signal that you possess up-to-date knowledge in your field;
  3. Projects – With this section you can provide concrete examples of your abilities, showcasing how you tackle challenges and your capacity for collaboration. They can differentiate you from candidates who only list job titles without context. Define a specific project you’ve contributed to and present your ability to deliver results;
  4. Courses – The Courses section demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and enhances your appeal as a candidate. It helps employers assess your qualifications and adaptability to industry trends. While it focuses on skill acquisition, Certifications, and Licenses provide formal recognition of proficiency, collectively showcasing your dedication to professional development;
  5. Recommendations – This section is where people you’ve worked with can verify your abilities and character, adding a personal touch to your profile. They provide insights into your work ethic, making you more trustworthy to prospective employers or partners. They provide social proof of your skills and abilities from colleagues, supervisors, or clients. Learn more about them here.

What is Included in The Additional Section?

In the Additional section, you’ll discover various optional elements like Languages, Patents, Honors & Awards, and Organizations, each designed to enhance your profile and provide a more complete picture of your professional identity.

  1. Volunteer Experience – This section showcases your commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Highlighting your volunteer work can demonstrate your ability to collaborate with diverse groups and make a positive impact, traits that are highly sought after in today’s workplace;
  2. Publications – Featuring publications in your profile establishes you as a thought leader in your field. In an era where expertise is crucial, having articles, research papers, or other written works can significantly enhance your credibility;
  3. Patents – In today’s innovation-driven economy, holding patents showcases your ability to develop unique solutions and contribute to your industry. This intellectual property not only reflects your creativity but also demonstrates your commitment to advancing knowledge and technology within your field;
  4. Honors and awards – Recognizing honors and awards adds credibility and prestige to your profile. These accolades highlight your achievements and dedication to excellence, serving as endorsements from peers and industry professionals;
  5. Test scores – Listing your standardized test scores can highlight your academic achievements and proficiency in specific areas. In a competitive job market, high scores serve as tangible evidence of your qualifications, making you a more attractive candidate for roles that require specialized knowledge and expertise;
  6. Languages – In today’s globalized job market, multilingualism is a valuable asset. Proficiency in multiple languages not only broadens your communication abilities but also enhances your cultural competence, making you an appealing candidate for roles that require interaction with diverse populations or international collaboration;
  7. Organizations – Showcase your involvement in professional and community organizations that align with your values. Participation in these groups highlights your commitment to networking, personal growth, and contributing to causes that matter; 
  8. Causes – Supporting meaningful causes demonstrates your values and commitment to social responsibility. Engaging in charitable initiatives not only highlights your personal beliefs but also resonates with employers who prioritize corporate social responsibility.

In conclusion, choose which of these sections are crucial for your professional image and focus on developing them effectively. Identify elements that align with your experience and goals, ensuring that each addition strengthens your LinkedIn profile. Whether showcasing volunteer experiences that reflect your values, highlighting publications that demonstrate your expertise, or including languages that enhance your global appeal, each section can significantly impact your profile. By strategically enhancing these areas, you can create a comprehensive and compelling representation of your professional identity, helping you stand out to potential employers and industry connections.

The Linked Blog is here to help you or your brand have the best possible LinkedIn presence, so feel free to contact us if you need help! See more about what we can do for you here.