I’m a Career Coach – Here’s How Often You Should Actually Be Updating Your LinkedIn Profile

Often we put off the arduous task of updating our resume until it’s absolutely necessary - usually when you’re about to start the job hunt or that dream role at your company just opened. But LinkedIn has shifted our mindset in how we update our network on our accomplishments and where we are heading in our careers. Your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool that puts you in the driver’s seat to build your personal brand and create a network to help you succeed. So how often should you be updating your LinkedIn profile? 

Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a real-time platform giving you the unique opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and personal brand to a broad audience. Your career shouldn’t be static and neither should your LinkedIn profile. You have the opportunity to grow and develop every single day and your profile should evolve with you on your journey.

As stated in a LinkedIn article, “Your LinkedIn profile is a professional landing page for you to manage your personal brand.” You will want to highlight the experiences that have allowed you to reach this place in your career as well as give your audience a sense of where you are going. 

How Often Should I Update My LinkedIn Profile?

Many experts agree that your LinkedIn profile should reflect who you are at that point in time. You may be working on new projects, taking on meaningful community-driven volunteer work, or adding a certification or skill. All of your experience paints a portrait of who you are and allows you to authentically engage with your audience.

Updating your LinkedIn profile at a minimum of once per quarter is necessary to keep track of critical projects, if you wait longer they may be easily forgotten. I recommend reviewing your profile at least once per month to make any necessary tweaks. 

Why Should I Update My LinkedIn Profile?

1. Relevant Experience

Your current or recently completed projects are fresh in your mind and are relevant to what is happening in your industry and in other organizations. This can make your background appealing to recruiters seeking new talent.

2. Engagement

Two measures will help you understand how engaged your audience is - profile views and connection requests. Make regular updates, tailor your profile, and monitor engagement as you make tweaks to better understand who your current audience is and be thoughtful about how to reach your target audience.

3. Growth Mindset

Making it a habit to regularly review and update your LinkedIn profile keeps the focus on your career development. While LinkedIn is a powerful tool that enables you to build your professional network and find your next step in your career journey, you need to be intentional about where you are heading and in building your personal brand to get there.

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This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fairygodboss.

Sarah Cleveland is a people and culture leader and leadership career coach delivering talent management who specializes in employee experience, performance management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. As a first-generation college graduate, Sarah understands the power of working hard and building collaborative relationships to achieve business results. Sarah believes in doing her part to create equitable workplaces as she helps organizations evolve to become excellent places to work. 

What’s your no. 1 piece of advice on updating your LinkedIn profile? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss members!