Why Athletes Should Level Up Their LinkedIn Game

If you are on the fence about starting a LinkedIn profile or have not updated it in years, the Postseason team is here to tell you “It is time to level up” your LinkedIn Game. Creating a professional network is crucial to your transition to life after sports. Whether you are looking to build your personal brand, launch a new business venture, find your next job, your LinkedIn profile captures and displays what you are able to bring to the table for your next opportunity.

People magazine published an article early last year on why professional athletes were flocking to LinkedIn. They reported that “according to LinkedIn Talent Insights, there are more than 11,000 ‘professional athletes’ in the U.S. seeking connections on the business and employment online service.” Obviously, the opportunities scale depending on whether you are a professional athlete or a former student-athlete, but regardless of where your journey starts preparing for your next move is always a good one.

Jelani Jenkins, former NFL Vet, Founder/CEO of Postseason says that "Linkedin is a powerful platform for athletes to leverage their brands and connect with professionals, mentors, and other athletes making moves in the business world. There's a ton of organic reach right now which creates an incredible opportunity to expand your network through original content."

So what is LinkedIn and how does it work? Just like any other top social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Snapchat… It is FREE! Among these platforms, LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network on the internet. You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. You can access LinkedIn from a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. To learn more about how to set up your LinkedIn profile, click here.

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If you are still not sold on why this matters, let us break it down for you:

• 40 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs each week

• Your profile is your digital resume

• Share a link to your profile via SMS, Email, or even on other social media platforms

• Identify & connect with people who work at a specific company, attend a specific school, or in this case play for a specific professional sports team

• Let people know you are looking for job opportunities

• The algorithm will work in your favor, the more you engage with people and companies your profile will be visible to your network and extended network
  

So what is next? It is time to level up your LinkedIn Profile:

1. Choose the right profile picture for LinkedIn

2. Make your headline more than just a job title

3. Turn your summary into your story

4. Use buzzwords such as “Former Student-Athlete or Retired Professional Athlete

5. List your relevant skills, spotlight your services, talk up your game!
   

Here are two examples of LinkedIn profiles from former athletes who are utilizing their network on this platform to maximize their opportunities in life after sports. The Postseason team is here to help you, no matter what part of your journey you are on. We are currently offering LinkedIn profile feedback. Feel free to message us at frances@postseason.app, to take advantage of the opportunity.

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