A LinkedIn Executive Shares The #1 Tip For Using The Professional Social Network

Steve Johnson, LinkedIn's VP of user experience, is the guy in charge of designing the site's look, feel, and function.

Naturally, he's a LinkedIn whiz, and in a recent interview he shared his favorite tip for members: Don't be afraid to show your personality.

"LinkedIn profiles aren't like the printed resumes of old," he says, "You can bring your professional story to life. We are giving you the opportunity to share your career aspirations, showcase your unique character and what you bring to the culture of your company."

You can give your profile some extra flair by adding professional photos from events or conferences, writing about your experience more in-depth with LinkedIn's publishing platform, seeking out recommendations from past colleagues that highlight more than just your day-to-day duties, listing volunteer experiences, or uploading a presentation that you're proud of.

Johnson also explained that he's personally driven by the idea of helping people achieve their aspirations through empowerment.

"As a child, I grew up with practically nothing so I understand what it's like to feel that your dreams are out of reach," he says. "I want the LinkedIn experience to make our members feel that they are taking a step closer to their goals and aspirations. When they are building something like their LinkedIn profile, I want people to feel proud of what they've created and empowered to make their dreams a reality."

Read the rest of the interview here.