Getting Familiar with the LinkedIn Interests Section
The LinkedIn Interests section is an often overlooked yet vital part of your LinkedIn profile. It’s the place where users can showcase their passions, interests, causes they care about, and industries they’re interested in or actively following. Your LinkedIn Interests help others understand you more deeply, providing insight into your personality and values.
This area can be a reservoir for the elements that make you unique and special. It can be a wonderful conversation starter and a helpful tool that can facilitate networking and job searching. Here’s a guide to help you understand the LinkedIn Interests section better and learn how to use it to your advantage.
The Importance of LinkedIn Interests
Filling out the Interests section is more than just ticking boxes; it’s expressing your personality professionally. Through listing companies, groups, schools, or even influencers you follow, you reveal what you care about most in your career.
Besides shedding light on your values, interests, and personality, it also plays a crucial role in networking. For instance, if you and a potential employer or client share a common interest, it provides a touchpoint to develop a deeper professional relationship.
Moreover, recruiters use specific interests to filter potential candidates because it helps them identify job seekers who are passionate about their industry or their area of expertise. Your LinkedIn interests can often be a reflection of what kind of professional opportunities you’re actively seeking.
Tips for Enhancing Your LinkedIn Interests
Keep It Professional
Even though LinkedIn Interests can include personal hobbies and passions, it’s essential to remember that LinkedIn is a professional platform. The hobbies and interests you include need to be relevant to your professional aspirations.
Be Authentic
While it might be tempting to select interests only based on the industry you want to work in or people you want to impress, authenticity is key. Genuine interests are more likely to resonate with others and make meaningful connections.
Stay Current
Regularly update your Interests as your preferences might change or evolve over time. Furthermore, by constantly expanding your horizons, you can participate in ongoing industry discussions and stay relevant in your field.
Extending Your Reach through LinkedIn Interests
By following organizations, people, and topics on LinkedIn, you are not just showing who you are, but also what you aspire to be. Keep an eye on thought leaders in your industry, follow companies you admire, or join groups to exchange ideas.
Remember, though the LinkedIn Interests section may seem minor, it’s a potent tool in expressing your individuality and expertise. It invites others to see your professional persona through a more personal and human lens. With careful thought and relevance, you can leverage this section to extend your networking reach and create a stronger personal brand on LinkedIn.