Why Your Side Projects Matter
Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly looking for more than just a list of qualifications; they want proof of your skills and passion. Side projects—whether a personal blog, a photography portfolio, a small coding project, or a graphic design
collection—serve as tangible evidence of your abilities. They demonstrate initiative, a commitment to learning, and practical expertise that can't always be captured in a traditional resume. For those with limited formal work experience, a well-presented project can effectively bridge the gap and prove you have the talent to succeed.
Choose Projects That Align With Your Goals
Not every hobby needs to be on your LinkedIn profile. The key is to be strategic. Select projects that are relevant to the industry or roles you are targeting. For example, if you're aiming for a marketing job, showcase your social media campaign for a local club or a blog you grew. Aspiring software developers should feature their GitHub repositories or a simple app they built. The goal is to create a narrative that connects your creative pursuits with your professional ambitions, making it easy for a recruiter to see your potential fit.
Optimise Your Profile's Featured Section
The 'Featured' section is the most valuable real estate on your LinkedIn profile for showcasing creative work. Positioned just below your 'About' summary, it’s a highly visible space to pin your best projects. You can add links to external websites, upload images and videos, or feature LinkedIn posts and articles you've written about your work. Think of this as your personal portfolio. Use compelling titles and brief, impactful descriptions for each featured item to grab attention and provide context.
Add Projects for Deeper Context
For a more detailed breakdown, use the dedicated 'Projects' section. This allows you to formally list individual projects, complete with start and end dates, a detailed description, and the skills you utilized. When adding a project, write a clear description of up to 2,000 characters, focusing on the outcome in the first few lines. You can also associate the project with a specific role in your 'Experience' section or your 'Education' section, which gives it valuable context. Tagging collaborators is another great way to increase engagement and credibility.
Craft Compelling, Story-Driven Descriptions
Simply posting a link isn't enough. You need to tell the story behind your project. For each entry, explain the problem you were trying to solve, the process you followed, the skills you applied (both technical and soft), and the results you achieved. Where possible, quantify your success with numbers and data. For instance, instead of saying you "designed a website," you could say you "designed a responsive e-commerce site that led to a 15% increase in user engagement." This transforms a simple statement into a powerful case study.
Engage Your Network to Amplify Your Work
Showcasing your work shouldn't be a passive activity. Once you've added projects to your profile, share them with your network by creating a post. Write about your learning process, the challenges you faced, and what you're proud of. This not only makes your work visible to more people but also positions you as a proactive and engaged member of your professional community. Participating in relevant groups and discussions can further establish you as a knowledgeable voice in your field, attracting even more attention to your profile and your work.
