In a recent report, LinkedIn released the “Top 10 Overused Buzzwords in LinkedIn Profiles.”  If you use adjectives such as “creative”, “effective”, “motivated”, or “responsible” to describe yourself, it may be a smart idea to brush the dust off of your old thesaurus.   To optimize your LinkedIn presence, there are other steps you can take aside from replacing common buzz words.  Check out this list of 10 steps to take in order to ensure that you stand out on LinkedIn.

• Have a clear headline. Use it to let people know what you do, or what you want to do.  It’s often the first thing someone will read on your profile, so make sure it sounds good.  For example, “Experienced Nurse Seeking New Opportunity” looks and sounds better than “Unemployed Nurse Looking for Work.”
• Keep the summary section of your profile updated.  Be specific and provide concrete examples of results you have achieved.  If you have a big achievement, don’t forget to document it.
• Sign up for job alerts.  Let LinkedIn do some searching for you, and reap the benefits as you get emails about new opportunities in your industry.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for endorsements or recommendations.  Remember to personalize the request, but go for it.  Ask for recommendations from people you’ve worked with for a long time, and try not to ask your family and friends.  It looks more impressive that your boss of three years recommends your creative skills, as opposed to your friend.
• Along that same line, any time you send someone a request to connect, for an endorsement, or for a recommendation, make sure you personalize it.  That professional whose attention you want to get is more likely to respond if you don’t just send the generic message.
• When adding skills to your Skills List, try to use the preset options that LinkedIn offers.  If you find yourself entering a skill that isn’t in LinkedIn’s database, chances are that there’s an alternative phrasing already in the system.  By using the preset options, your profile is searchable by those skills.
• Follow Company pages.  You can use this feature to keep aware of news affecting a particular company, which can come in handy if you have an interview!  Even better, you can get updates about job opportunities as they become available.
• Make connections and be social.  Answer a question on LinkedIn Answers.  Ask to connect with college alum so you can pick their brains.  Join groups that are relevant to your interests and careers so that you can expand your network.
• Watch your language.  Not just for typos or inappropriate language, but for common words or weak phrasing.  Use action verbs and concrete details rather than a vague sentence.
• Add LinkedIn to your email signature.  That way, when you email potential employers, they have a direct link to your profile and can easily see your accomplishments.  LinkedIn even has an easy way for you to add a dedicated LinkedIn button to your email!

With these tips in mind, you can use LinkedIn to the fullest extent and make your job search and professional life a bit easier.  Whether you’re just starting your job hunt, are comfortable in your career, or are looking for a change, having an updated and professional-looking LinkedIn profile can go a long way.
For more information on getting the most out of LinkedIn, check out these articles:

http://talenthq.com/2012/11/29-linkedin-tips-everyone-should-use/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TalentHq+%28Talent+HQ%29 

http://socialmediatoday.com/tracycgold/479022/how-use-linkedin-powerfully-10-tips-know