More Than Just a Job Title
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make on a recruiter, potential client, or new connection. While your work experience is crucial, it doesn't paint the whole picture. Side projects—whether it's a personal blog, a freelance gig, a mobile
app, or volunteer work—add colour and depth to your professional narrative. They are tangible proof of your skills, creativity, and drive to learn and grow beyond your core job responsibilities. Showcasing them effectively can position you as a motivated, multi-talented professional who takes initiative, which is a highly sought-after trait in any industry.
The Art of Subtle Showcasing
The key to sharing your side projects is subtlety and strategy. The goal isn't to brag, but to provide evidence of your expertise. Instead of making every post a direct promotion of your side hustle, focus on sharing value and insights learned from it. Think of it as building your personal brand by demonstrating your knowledge, not just advertising your services. Frame your projects as learning experiences or passion pursuits that complement your professional goals. This approach avoids raising concerns from a current employer while still attracting interest from your broader network.
Optimise Your Profile Sections
LinkedIn provides specific tools designed to highlight your work beyond your main employment. The most direct way is to use the dedicated 'Projects' section, which you can add from your profile page. Here, you can provide a name, description, skills used, and even link to media or a live URL. For high-impact projects, consider using the 'Featured' section to pin them to the top of your profile. This is prime real estate that is visible to visitors before they even start scrolling. For significant, ongoing side businesses, you can even add them as a concurrent role in your 'Experience' section, but be clear about the part-time nature to avoid confusion.
Create Content That Tells a Story
Don't just list a project and leave it. Bring it to life through content. Write short posts or even a full LinkedIn article about a challenge you overcame, a skill you learned, or a measurable result you achieved. For example, instead of just saying you “built a website,” you could post about the user experience research you conducted for it. This positions you as a thoughtful expert. When describing projects, focus on outcomes and quantify your achievements where possible. Engaging in comments and discussions related to your project's field also reinforces your expertise and expands your visibility.
What to Avoid: Common Pitfalls
When showcasing side projects, it's crucial to navigate potential conflicts of interest with your primary employer. Be mindful of your company's policies on outside work. Avoid using company resources for your personal projects. It’s also wise not to call your venture a “side hustle” on LinkedIn, as it can devalue the work in the eyes of potential clients or collaborators. The messaging should always be professional. Finally, ensure your projects are relevant and align with the personal brand you want to build. A project that doesn't highlight transferable skills or relate to your professional goals might just add clutter to your profile. Your profile should tell a coherent story, not a confusing one.
