This simple yet impactful change takes mere minutes

If you've embarked on a job search, there are many bases you need to cover. While having an updated, glowing CV is a big part of the battle, you should also take the time to consider your online presence – especially on LinkedIn. 

As of April 2023, the professional network has more than 900 million members, so ensuring that your presence here hits the mark is a savvy way to get ahead. While there are many ways to transform your LinkedIn page, let's start with one of the basics: customising your LinkedIn URL.

Why you should customise your LinkedIn URL

Customising your LinkedIn URL takes a matter of minutes. As we will cover later in this guide, you don't have to be a tech whiz to get it right. As small as it is though, this change can have a major impact on your online presence.

1. It looks ultra professional

Making a unique impression on the hiring manager can be hard. Recruiters get roughly 250 CVs for each role they post. They have to go through each one to determine whether the person is the right fit for the role. During this process, they may well pursue your social media accounts, too.

When the hiring manager looks at your LinkedIn page, your URL is one of the first things they'll notice. Customising your LinkedIn profile URL may not take long, but it shows that you're willing to go the extra mile –that matters. This tweak could be the difference between your CV ending up in the "Unfortunately, you've not been selected" pile and your application making it to the "We'd love to arrange an interview with you" pile. 

2. It shows an eye for detail

When you're going up against a sea of candidates, it's the small details that matter. You need to do everything that you can to stand out from the crowd. Customising your LinkedIn URL shows that you think about every little thing when it comes to your career. You haven't simply filled out the basics of your profile and left it at that. Instead, you've tailored and fine-tuned the page. 

Every move you make counts. As the hiring manager is searching for the right applicant, it's these elements that will matter more than you might imagine. When you're looking for the “small wins” that you can gain quickly, it would be foolish to overlook this one. 

3. It could make you easier to find

In a social network platform brimming with millions of users, it's your job to make it as easy as possible for recruiters to find you. Visibility is everything. If you have a common name, it may be hard for potential employers to find your profile quickly and easily. 

But by customising your LinkedIn URL, you make their search so much easier. This move could help your application as it highlights not only your attention to detail but also your sense of empathy. You can even add your LinkedIn URL to your CV; that way, the hiring manager can simply click the link to get to your LinkedIn profile.

How to customise your LinkedIn URL

Now that you understand the importance of customising your LinkedIn URL, what are you waiting for? Luckily, you don't have to be a genius hacker to make this change to your profile. 

The process should take no longer than a couple of minutes. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Go to the top of your LinkedIn homepage and click on the "Me" icon. From there, you should see a drop-down menu. Choose "View Profile."

Step 2: Click on the pencil icon next to the "Edit public profile & URL” button on the top-right side of the page. This will open a new tab on your browser.

Step 3: Under the "Edit your custom URL" tab, click the small pencil icon next to your current URL to edit the link.

So long as the URL isn't already taken by someone else, you should be able to choose whatever LinkedIn URL you please. Remember to keep it short and snappy. Hit "Save" and you're done!

How to choose a good URL 

Now that you understand the importance of customising your LinkedIn URL (and how to do it), let's discuss the logistics of that. Choosing what words to use for your URL is a lot like choosing an email address – make sure that it's professional and fit for purpose. Check out our advice below:

1. Keep it simple

When it comes to choosing your new and improved LinkedIn URL, keep things simple ‒ the aim is to make sure that recruiters find you quickly and easily. 

You can use a combination of three to 100 numbers and letters, without any spaces or special characters. However, with that being said, you should always go for a short option. An uber long LinkedIn URL won't do you any favours so make it succinct and to the point.

2. Include your name

It's best practice to use your name as it appears on your current CV. Because your name is the main piece of information that recruiters will have about you, it's likely that they'll use this to search for you on the platform. You might want to use your first name and surname, for example. 

3. Add more details

You could also use a combination of your name and your job role. This is especially helpful if you have a common name or the URL that you want is taken by another LinkedIn user. Whatever detail you choose to include in your URL, keep in mind that it needs to be professional.

4. Avoid unprofessional nicknames

If your full name is already taken, you may be tempted to go rogue and include your alias or whatever name your close friends know you by. Don't make this mistake. While LinkedIn is a social media platform, it's also a professional one. The hiring manager won't enjoy your “funny” LinkedIn URL and it could even work against you here. 

A word of warning: LinkedIn states that you can only change your URL five times every six months. If you're an indecisive person, you might want to think about what you want yours to be before you make the switch. After your fifth attempt at changing the URL, you will be locked out and won't be able to do anything for half a year.

Custom LinkedIn URL examples

Looking for some inspiration? We have you covered. Let's take a look at some customer LinkedIn URL examples that you can adapt for your needs. 

Example 1: your full name

First up, here's an example of how you can use your first and last name as your LinkedIn URL. If this is enough to identify you to an employer, it could be the right choice for you.

linkedin.com/in/samuel-jenkins

Example 2: name variations 

Let's say that you have a common name or the URL you want is not available. A quick fix is to include your middle name as part of your custom LinkedIn URL. 

linkedin.com/in/samuel-james-jenkins

Example 3: name and job title

In some cases, you may want to include your job title or sector in your customer LinkedIn URL. This can help to differentiate you from professionals in other fields who share your name.

linkedin.com/in/samuel-jenkins-marketer

Bonus: include your LinkedIn URL on your CV

Once you've customised your LinkedIn URL, you would want to put it to good use. 

While recruiters can search for you on LinkedIn, you can make their job easier for them by including your LinkedIn URL on your CV. This way, the hiring manager can simply access your LinkedIn profile while reviewing your application.

So, where's the best place to put this type of information on your CV? If you do choose to include your LinkedIn URL on your CV, it will sit naturally in your CV header – the section that features your basic contact details, such as your name, email address, phone number, and location. 

However, avoid copying and pasting the full link onto the document. You'd want to keep things neat and tidy. With that in mind, choose an appropriate anchor word for your LinkedIn URL. For example, you might go with “[Your Name]'s LinkedIn page” or “LinkedIn profile.” Once you've entered the anchor text, hyperlink your LinkedIn URL to that text by highlighting the text, right-clicking on it, and then clicking “add link.”

Maximise this powerful job-search tool 

Got a spare minute? Use it now to customise your LinkedIn URL. This quick edit not only enhances your personal brand on LinkedIn but also makes you an identifiable candidate during your job search. When it's easier for recruiters to find you, you'll make a positive impression and even put yourself one step closer to an interview!

Is your CV as strong as your LinkedIn profile? Submit it for a free CV review to find out.

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