LinkedIn Like a Pro: Insider Tips from Fabiana Leal

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In today’s digital-first world, standing out on LinkedIn is more crucial than ever, yet so many professionals struggle to make their profiles shine. Whether it’s the challenge of injecting authentic personality into a digital resume or navigating the nuances of network-building without coming off as salesy, the path to a standout LinkedIn presence is fraught with potential missteps. Enter Fabiana Leal, a career coach with a knack for transforming LinkedIn profiles from forgettable to unforgettable, and the brain behind CareerLab4IR. In our upcoming Q&A, Fabiana shares her top strategies for optimizing your LinkedIn profile for maximum visibility, personalizing your online persona, and networking effectively to fuel career growth. Join us to unlock the secrets to making your LinkedIn profile not just seen, but truly memorable.

Ever seen a LinkedIn profile and thought, ‘Wow, that’s impressive!’? What made it stand out?

“I’m particularly fond of profiles that are well-optimized and personalized, truly conveying the individual’s voice. Not long ago, I was called for an interview, and the first thing I did was check the interviewer’s profile. I couldn’t help but smile the entire time because the way she described herself in the About section was simply authentic, straightforward, and to the point. It provided me with a gem that made all the difference in breaking the ice at the start of the interview. So, for me, the real deal-breaker is when a profile is genuinely authentic.”

If you had just two minutes to tweak a LinkedIn profile, what changes would you prioritize?

“There are three aspects that reflect the activity of a LinkedIn profile owner – from being found in recruiter searches to getting a like on a post or article. These are the headshot, the name, and the headline. So, if I only had two minutes to tweak a profile, I’d start with these three details.

Here are some extra tips on how to enhance them:

• Headshot: No need to hire a professional photographer, you can take a selfie by positioning yourself in front of a window during the day – this is the best lighting you can get.
• Name: Make sure your name is correct and add titles if they add up to your professional authority (for example: PhD, MBA, and others).
• Headline: Align yours with your professional identity, not necessarily meaning it should match exactly to what is written on your work contract.”

How do you feel about injecting personality into LinkedIn profiles? Any tips?

“I see personality as the externalization of an individual’s brand, which is only possible with an authentic form of communication, your true voice. It sounds simple, but it’s not for everyone. I notice that most of my clients have a significant aversion to exposing themselves on LinkedIn, whether in posts or comments. It’s a paradox because we seek visibility but fear judgment, right? To tackle this, I suggest starting with one of the last sections we worry about in a profile update – recommendations. For those who dread judgment, beginning by understanding what colleagues, bosses, and others admire about your work can be a motivational boost to start personalizing. Notice the verbs, adjectives, and skills these people highlight in you. Then, begin to personalize your About section. Your personal brand will emerge along with your confidence and professional reputation.”

What’s a common LinkedIn faux pas that makes you cringe?

“Without a doubt, it’s those connection requests followed by a cold call for something I have no interest in acquiring. I receive many such messages daily and, to be honest, have stopped responding to anyone who sends messages with this sales pitch tone. I find it a significant lack of creativity and a waste of time for both parties. There’s a term for selling on social networks called social selling. However, this strategy of approaching people based on their job titles to try selling a product is one of the least effective and impersonal methods out there.”

Networking Strategies for Career Growth

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Ever turned an awkward networking moment into a success? How’d you do it?

“Networking events are full of unexpected moments, some of which can catch us off guard. However, these instances also present unique opportunities to create memorable connections. A case in point happened to me not too long ago at a business conference. 

A young, very friendly woman sat next to me, and we immediately hit it off, engaging in a lively conversation. It wasn’t until I noticed the curious glances from around the room that I realized something was amiss. Eventually, I learned from a bystander that my new acquaintance was actually quite famous and highly successful in her business endeavors. Feeling slightly embarrassed for not recognizing her, I later approached her with humor, saying, “Why didn’t you tell me you were famous? I’m terrible with these things!” We shared a hearty laugh over my honest confession.”

What’s your go-to icebreaker for networking events?

“I begin by introducing myself and then ask the person I’m conversing with questions. For me, the best way to break the ice is to inject humor into the conversation. I’m not great at telling jokes per se, but sharing amusing stories about myself often helps lighten the mood and engage others.”

Can you recall a networking blunder and the lesson it taught you?

“I struggle with remembering names, often mixing them up or even using the wrong one. Whenever this happens, I feel embarrassed but quickly apologize and correct myself. If I’m not sure about someone’s name, I avoid using it at all costs. I’ve learned to focus on my strengths rather than trying to improve something that comes with difficulty for me. Knowing my tendency to make mistakes with names, I concentrate on listening and asking questions to keep the conversation flowing.”

Any unconventional networking strategies that have worked for you?

“I’ve employed an interesting strategy that has proven quite effective. When someone asks about my profession, instead of delivering a quick pitch, I explain why I identify as a Career Growth Designer. This approach usually sparks more curiosity. However, instead of continuing to talk about myself, I politely suggest scheduling a private conversation to discuss career growth further, especially if we’re at a non-work-related event.”