Why Your Side Projects Deserve the Spotlight
Side projects are more than just hobbies; they are compelling evidence of your initiative, passion, and practical skills. While a resume lists what you were assigned, a side project shows what you choose to create. For recruiters and potential clients,
this demonstrates a level of commitment and expertise that goes beyond a job description. They offer a window into how you solve problems, your ability to manage a project from start to finish, and your genuine interest in your field. Whether you're a software developer building an app, a marketer launching a blog, or a designer creating a portfolio, these projects make your skills tangible and memorable.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
The first step is deciding which projects to showcase. Avoid the temptation to list every single thing you've ever worked on. Instead, be selective. Choose projects that are most relevant to your career goals and the audience you want to attract. If you're a data analyst, a project involving data visualization is more impactful than your travel blog. Think about the skills you want to be known for and highlight the projects that best demonstrate them. A couple of well-documented, relevant projects will always be more effective than a long list of disconnected ones. Your goal is to tell a coherent professional story, not to create a cluttered garage sale of past activities.
Mastering the 'Projects' Section
LinkedIn has a dedicated section for projects for a reason, and it's the primary place they should live. To add one, go to your profile, click “Add profile section,” and find “Projects” under the “Recommended” tab. When filling it out, be strategic. For the 'Project name,' use a descriptive title that includes keywords, not just a generic name. In the description, focus on the results and impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your summary. Quantify your achievements with numbers whenever possible. Instead of saying you “built a website,” say you “developed and launched a fully responsive e-commerce site that processed 50+ transactions in its first month.” Don't forget to add the skills you used, as this reinforces your profile's main skills section.
Go a Step Further with the 'Featured' Section
For your most impressive work, the 'Featured' section is prime real estate. This sits near the top of your profile, ensuring that visitors see your best work without having to scroll. You can feature posts, articles, or direct links to your projects, like a GitHub repository, a live website, or a published case study. Think of this as your personal highlight reel. Pinning a project here gives it immediate visibility and serves as a powerful, visual proof of your capabilities. It's a simple but highly effective way to grab the attention of recruiters and potential collaborators right away.
Weave Projects into Your Narrative
Your projects shouldn't just live in isolation. Integrate them into the rest of your profile to build a stronger narrative. If a project was particularly substantial or acted as a freelance engagement, you might consider listing it under the 'Experience' section. This can be especially useful if you're transitioning careers or have gaps in your employment history. You can also talk about your projects in your 'About' section, using them to illustrate your passion and expertise. The key is to connect the dots for the reader, showing how your independent work complements your professional experience and contributes to your overall skill set.
Create Content Around Your Work
Don't just list your project and forget it. Turn it into a source of ongoing content. Share posts about your progress, the challenges you overcame, and the lessons you learned along the way. This not only keeps your network engaged but also positions you as a thought leader who is actively honing their craft. You can share screenshots, write a short case study, or even record a quick video explaining the project. This strategy keeps your profile active, which LinkedIn's algorithm favours, and continuously reminds your network of your skills and dedication.
